solid versus stranded

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Car Audio
Forum Discription: Car Stereos, Amplifiers, Crossovers, Processors, Speakers, Subwoofers, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=113917
Printed Date: May 13, 2025 at 5:26 AM

Topic: solid versus stranded

Posted By: dbutcher
Subject: solid versus stranded
Date Posted: May 19, 2009 at 8:10 PM

This is my first post on this site, so first let me say, wow, there's some really good info here. Now to my question; I have tons of experience with sound systems, just not of the mobile variety. I am aware of the technical reasons for stranded wire in audio applications, but could someone refresh my memory on how this relates to DC in general? I am sprucing up my conversion van a little bit, which requires longer runs than you might think. I have lots of solid wire in my shed, are there any reasons why I shouldn't use it for power, grounds, or remotes?

Replies:

Posted By: i am an idiot
Date Posted: May 19, 2009 at 8:21 PM

Stranded wire is much more reliable than solid wire in the high vibration environment of a vehicle. And it is harder to run through the vehicle. The solid wire will break eventually.

Posted By: ianarian
Date Posted: May 20, 2009 at 2:09 AM

I use west penn wire for my truck. Its commercial industrial pro audio rated. I twisted all lengths to about 3 twists per inch for noise cancellation. Works perfect-costs nothing.

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This is what I do for FUN!

Posted By: KPierson
Date Posted: May 20, 2009 at 5:13 AM

The general rule of thumb that I follow is if it moves it gets stranded wire, if it is fixed it gets solid wire.

As i am an idiot said, vibration and movement will fatigue solid wire and cause it to fail.

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Kevin Pierson