What is the difference between solid network patch cable and stranded network patch cable?
In copper cabling, network Patch cables still dominate. According to the different conductor structures, network patch cables can be divided into two types: solid network patch cables and stranded network patch cables. In order to ensure reliable and stable network transmission, it is very important to choose a suitable network patch cable. In daily life, how to choose the network cable correctly? What is the difference between solid network patch cable and stranded network patch cable?
In solid network patch cable, each of the eight wires consists of only one larger gauge solid wire, usually with a gauge number indicating the size, such as 22AWG or 24AWG( American wire gauge).
The stranded network patch cable is composed of 8 cores, and each core has multiple thin conductors. These wires are wound concentrically in a spiral, like a rope. It is the most widely used network patch cable in currently.
What is the difference?
1.Performance
The stranded network patch cable with small wire diameter, its direct current resistance is larger than that of the single-strand patch cable.;The solid cable with larger diameter, its direct current resistance is small.
2.Appearance:
The solid network patch cable is more thicker than stranded patch cable, it is called as hard cable; while the stranded network cable is relatively thin and can also be called a soft cable.
3.Flexibility
Because of the stranded network patch cable with thin conductor wire, it has good flexibility and will not break the conductor due to repeated bending;
Solid network patch cables are stronger than stranded network patch cables and are resistant to vibration and corrosion, the disadvantage is easily broken after repeated bending.
4.Application:
In industrial wiring, the stranded network patch cable has greater flexibility, which is very beneficial to the connection of equipment that is often bent, such as patch panels and cabinets (the distance is short, generally within 20-50 meters);
The solid network patch cable is mainly used as engineering wiring. The network cable signal is a high-frequency current and only flows on the surface of the conductor. According to the standard transmission distance ,the solid network patch cable can transmit about 100 meters, and the oxygen-free copper material network cable can transmit about 150 meters. Usually used for backbone and horizontal wiring, such as a room walls or ceilings.
In general, how to choose these two kinds of cables ? we need to consider environmental factors and ways of use, as well as the overall wiring according to the price.