Stranded wire
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Image:Stranded lamp wire.jpgStranded wire (opposite to Solid wire) is composed of a bundle of small-gauge wires wrapped in a particular pattern inside insulation to make a larger conductor. Stranded wire is more flexible than a solid strand of the same overall gauge. Stranded conductors are commonly used for electrical applications carrying signals, a computer "mouse" and for power cables between an utilization device and its power source; eg: sweepers, table lamps, powered hand sanders, welding electrode cables, mining machine trailing machine cables. Most house wiring to wall switches and receptacles is done with solid, single strand, wire because it is cheaper to manufacture than stranded wire and there is not a need for flexibiltiy in the wire itself as it remains stationary.
The use of stranded conductors adds significant wire surface area. The wire from the electrical service to earth is solid and provides strength and protection against the environment.
High frequency and heavy current electricity travels near the outside of the wire. This is commondly known as the skin effect and is resposible for some power loss within the circuit. Stranded wire ("Litz wire") reduces this effect and is therefore ideal for use in coils used as inductors in high-frequency tuned circuits. This is why coax cable is used in TV and cell phone tower cables.
