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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by JCasey On copper wire, the current is carried on the free electrons which reside on the outside circumference of the wire. Stranded wire has a larger surface area for the same gauge as solid because of the multiple strands, therefore a larger current carrying capability. [/quote] John, That's not quite correct. DC current is carried throughout the entire cross-sectional area of a conductor. AC current, because of the inductance of the conductor, carries more current on the outside surface of the wire than inside. As the operating frequency goes up, this effect becomes more pronounced. At our frequencies we can consider DCC as DC current. As for stranded vs. solid wire..... The answer is: It depends! Stranded is more flexible, but more susceptable to corrosion problems. Solid is cheaper and more resistant to corrosion. If you're installing wire that will never need to flex, solid works great. Whis would apply to wiring tortoise machines, and track feeders. If you're installing wire that has to flex over time, such as to your DC supply or to trucks in a locomotive, then stranded is the way to go. If you're having problems with your track feeders breaking off as you train them into position after soldering them on, then stranded may be the way to go. Both types of wire have their purpose, and a good technician will have an assortment of both. Mark in Utah
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