Here’s a quick tip on choosing between solid wire and stranded wire based on performance and installation needs.
1. Solid Wire — Better Signal Quality
a. Lower resistance and lower loss
b. More stable impedance at high frequencies (2–60 MHz)
c. Cleaner signal with fewer side effects
Best for: Fixed installations and long-distance PLC/IP links
2. Stranded Wire — Better Flexibility
a. Excellent bending resistance for moving environments
b. Slightly higher high-frequency loss
c. More susceptibility to noise
Best for: Elevator traveling cables and moving equipment
Quick takeaway
1. With the same gauge and conditions, solid wire delivers ~2.5% higher bandwidth and ~12% longer transmission distance than stranded wire.
2. For signal quality, choose solid wire.
3. For bending and motion, choose stranded wire.
