cabling - Solid vs stranded cores

[Licklieder]

This (somewhat academic) question has been rattling round my brain for a while so I thought I'd ask it out loud.

Aside from method of manufacture, is there any difference between say 1.5mm sq solid care and 1.5mm sq stranded core ?
Why use solid core for the manufacture of T&E, but stranded for single core ?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Aside from method of manufacture, is there any difference between say 1.5mm sq solid care and 1.5mm sq stranded core ?

The former is less flexible. And cheaper.

Why use solid core for the manufacture of T&E, but stranded for single core ?

Strip the cores out of some T&E, and try pulling them through conduit - you'll soon have your answer...

 

[winston1]

I think stranded is preferable, like the old imperial 3/029, but then I don't make the decisions.

 

[JohnW2]

I think stranded is preferable, like the old imperial 3/029, but then I don't make the decisions.

Properly ('multi') stranded cable (like modern singles) is much more flexible than the old imperial cables (like 3/029), which had a small number of pretty fat strands, and hence were not all that much more flexible than modern T+E.

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

I think stranded is preferable

You are free to use it if you wish.

 

[Adam_151]

Not sure if you can still get it, but certainly stranded 2.5mm (not 7/.029) twin and earth did exist, however it was special order.

There are quite a few schools with it in around here (installed in the 1990s) where the installation method was banded above the ceiling and then conduit drops to accessories. It was done as it pulled in a lot easier.

 

[Licklieder]

Thanks for all the answers to my question. I think got what i was after.

Ta.

 

[mfarrow]

Not sure if you can still get it, but certainly stranded 2.5mm (not 7/.029) twin and earth did exist, however it was special order.

It's in the standard, so you can order it.

Be prepared to order a lifetime supply though!