by GeorgeTelford » Thu Jan 19, 2006 4:22 am
Hi
14 Gauge may be OK, its always best to look at the Ampage required and distance, ultimately these are the 2 factors which decide the correct gauge.
On the subject of Stranded or solid core cable, why this myth appeared that solid was no good or that it would crack and break down, I can never quite figure out. Stranded cable is called flexible and should be use where the cable will be subject to movement ie like a clothes iron, hairdryer etc etc. Wire buried in a wall is not subject to this kind of movement. Then we hear are but it is subject to vibration which doesnt happen in domestic or industrial applications, but check out the wiring to some large industrial machinery, its solid and subject to more and consistant vibration, I have seen a few RV applications where solid has been in service for years with no problems at all.
Having said all that, stranded is easier to work with and will not cause you any problems either.