What is the difference between utp stranded and solid

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Find a Reseller Call Us. Solid Patch Cords. How Do they Differ? Which do I Choose? Standards Update Solid Patch Cords Are your fiber optic cables and testers ready for G Ethernet? Insertion Loss It is also used in areas where there is considerable flexing or vibrations.

Examples include speaker wire, headphone cables and appliance cables. Situations Where Stranded Cables are Ideal Those who require cabling for intricate purposes such as circuit boards or electronic devices will favor stranded wires as they'll remain intact and protected even if twisted or bent when connecting electrical components.

Situations Where Solid Cables are Ideal Those who work outdoors or use heavy duty applications might expose the cables to corrosive particles, erratic movements and harsh weather conditions. Solid cables are best for these types of situations. Shop Cables at FireFold The Benefits of Solid Cables Solid cables are often favored because they usually more affordable than the stranded variety due to their cheaper production costs.

These cables are simple yet quite durable. As single, thick strands of cable, they are quite resistant to threats and very easy to produce. Solid cables also have a much more compact diameter compared to stranded cables.

Yet this reduced size does not reduce the current carrying ability of solid cables. Add in the fact that solid cables are not as prone to failure as a result of corrosion and it is easy to see why they are held in high regard. The Disadvantages of Solid Cables Though solid cables have plenty of laudable characteristics, they also have a few flaws.

One of the main problems with solid cables is that they are usually only sold in small gauges. Also, if there is constant flexing or vibrations, the cable could eventually wear down and break, creating the need for a replacement. Therefore, solid cables are not optimal for applications like robotics or vehicles that require a considerable amount of movement. If the cable must be bent into awkward shapes, the solid cable won't have the appropriate amount of malleability and fortitude to remain fully intact.

I was in a local computer store where I overheard a sales person discussing Cat 6 cable runs with a customer.

He was telling the customer that he recommends using solid Cat 6 cable for long runs and wall fishing and stranded Cat 6 cable for patch cables. Now I know the difference between the two types of cables and their RJ45 connectors, but this got me thinking, is there really a difference as to where these two types of cable should be run?

Not discussing plenum cable here. Personally when I run cable it's always been solid regardless of whether it's a long run or a short patch cable and I have never once had a problem or an issue.

I Googled for a definitive answer but could not find one, so, my question to all is, is there a difference as to where these two cable types should be run? Basically solid wires have less resistance per ft than stranded cable i.

That is where stranded wires are use in areas such as patch cable that may get moved frequently. While the stranded cables have higher resistance per ft they tolerate movement better, and typically they are relatively short so the higher resistance is not usually a factor.

So simply solid wires for long static runs, stranded wires for areas where the cable may be flexed or moved often. Stranded is the better of the two types, but it is also more expensive which is why it is usually not used for long runs. Stranded cable is more flexible which makes it good for patch cables.

As far as signal strength goes stranded will provide a stronger signal because electrons flow on the surface of conductors and stranded cable has a greater surface area than solid cable. George has it Also one other big difference between the cable types is the termination of the cables. Most RJ wall jack points are normally designed for termination of solid core cables with the way the cable is punched down into the jack.

And then most RJ45 plugs are designed to be crimped onto stranded cable. They may work the other around but may not be as reliable a connection.