Stranded or solid copper for AC

[skinnedknuckles]

I am at the point of doing the wiring on my teardrop and I'm undecided on what to run for AC wiring. What would be the best wire to use? I see in the generic benroy plans it calls for stranded AC lines instead of solid. Mainly due to flex and vibration causing the copper to work harden and break if it was solid copper instead of stranded . I looked at other trailer wiring here and I noticed a mix of solid and stranded wires for AC. Any help would be appreciated.
Paul
trying not to shoot sparks here in Wisconsin

[aggie79]

Paul - that question is almost like inciting political or religious discussions. I ended up using all stranded since I didn't have any wiring laying around and the cost premium for the stranded wasn't too much more. At the end of the day, I don't think there is much difference if you properly support the solid wiring near the fixture. Solid wiring fits conventional (home type) outlets, switches, etc. better than stranded. Stranded may not work harden as much but the connectors needed for stranded can be the downfall. I used marine connectors with a good crimper. The connectors had heat shrink ends. I think either way you'll be fine.

[bdosborn]

I'm with aggie79, it's really a matter of personal preference. Vibration isn't an issue in a teardrop like it would be for say an industrial motor so there isn't a reason to pick stranded over solid for that reason. It comes down to what's available and how easy it is to terminate. I like stranded because it's easier to work with. That being said, I have solid for my AC circuits because I wanted to use MC cable for the physical protection it offers. I haven't had any problems with either, probably because I tried to terminate all the connections carefully. Some people go ape $*** over this issue so I think I'll go put my asbestos pants on...

Bruce

P.S. Tear down any old trailer and you'll find solid romex used for all the AC circuits. I got no problem using something that's worked for 40 years or so without issue....

[Socal Tom]

I use solid because that is what I had. If I didn't I probably would have cut up an extension cord.
Tom

[skinnedknuckles]

Thanks for the input ,my question has been answered I kind of question the work hardening issues between solid or stranded because I have personally dealt with stranded breaking due to flexing and/or vibration on heavy equipment, dump trucks and semis too. I just thought that , since I searched but didn't find an answer, I would ask to see what thoughts others had on it. It basically will come down to supporting the wiring correctly to eliminate vibrations and these little trailers are so small and stiff that flex is not a problem.
Thanks again
Paul

[George Taylor]

There is no real difference between solid and stranded wire. What ever style you use it should (code wise must) either be installed in a conduit (if using individual conductors) or in a cable assembly. That being said most cables will have solid wire in them. This is for physical protection, and yes that covering on Romex does help.

[H.A.]

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