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Strand

Definition

A strand is a single uninsulated wire, one of the individual wires grouped together to form a stranded conductor.

Detailed Explanation

A strand is a single, uninsulated wire, the basic element from which stranded conductors are built. When many strands are grouped and twisted or laid together, they form a stranded conductor that is more flexible than a single solid wire of the same total cross section. The individual strand is therefore a building block of flexible conductor construction.

The size and number of strands in a conductor determine its flexibility and handling characteristics, with more and finer strands producing a more flexible conductor. A single strand on its own is simply one fine wire, but combined with others it contributes to the properties of the finished conductor.

In commercial and industrial wire, strands make up the stranded conductors used where flexibility is needed. Recognizing the term helps in understanding how conductors are constructed.

Because the size and number of strands in a conductor determine its flexibility and handling, with more and finer strands producing a more flexible conductor, a single strand on its own is simply one fine wire, but combined with others it contributes to the properties of the finished conductor.

Recognizing how strands combine into flexible conductors helps customers match products to their flexibility and performance needs, since the size and number of strands determine the handling of the finished conductor in cable.

At Windy City Wire, an understanding of conductor construction, including strands, supports the selection of wire suited to an application. Recognizing how strands combine into flexible conductors helps customers match products to their flexibility and performance needs.

Applications / Use Cases

  • Building block of stranded conductors
  • Single uninsulated wires
  • Contributing to conductor flexibility
  • Conductor construction
  • Flexible wire

Related Terms

  • Stranded Conductor
  • Solid Conductor
  • Rope Lay Strand
  • Conductor
  • Lay