Can i use stranded wire for outlets and light switches?

Question

instead of using solid-core wire, can i use stranded wire to wire outdoor outlets and switches? if so, can someone recommend a gauge, brand, and/or place to buy?

Answer 1

USA   Yes, you can.  I would use minimum 12 gauge copper for 20 amp receptacle circuits, and minimum 14 gauge for lighting.  If going more than 100 feet to the point of use, buy the next larger size wire (#10copper) to avoid voltage drop.  If going more than 200 feet to the point of use, do a voltage drop calculation, and size the conductors accordingly.   If you have tools that run on 115 volts, but you have a 15 volt drop and you are running only 100 volts, your tools will draw more current to do the same amount of work, they will run much hotter, and burn out much sooner than normal.  So make sure you have the correct size wire.

Stranded wire comes in single conductor, not wrapped three conductors in a cable like romex does, therefore you will need to install the conductors in conduit.  If installed outside, the National Electrical Code requires the conductor insulation be listed for wet locations.  And, receptacles and switches are constructed for use with solid conductors, not stranded.  You will need to buy crimp terminals and a crimping tool to attach the terminals to the conductors so you can then terminate the conductors to the receptacles and switches.

I would purchase the items from an electrical supply distributor.  If you go to a Home Depot, you will get a lot of information and advice, and 98% of it will be wrong.

Answer 2

stranded wire is more robust than solid core and is normally called flex. light circuits are just that, not much current. I would find an electrical suppliers or a diy store to buy from, while there tell them what your doing and they'll advise you. if your not too sure you should really leave electrical work to people who know what there doing, I'm all for having a go at any diy stuff but electricity and also gas work can be dangerous. you mess up some plumbing, you flood someone, no big deal. you mess up some wiring, you burn someones house down, maybee while there asleep at night.

Answer 3

yes you may use stranded wire, you need to find out which circuit breaker it is on.... 15 amp breaker uses 14 AWG ..... 20 amp breaker uses 12 AWG and 30 amp must be 10 AWG ..... all connections must be tight! and electrical work is not a do-it-yourself type of project, there are too many variables and codes to consider..... that is why electricians must be tested by the state to get a license and an electrical code book was written for safety from shock and fires

Answer 4

Stranded wire should be terminated with a crimp-on connector first if it is to be used with with s***w terrminals, although some commercial grade devices have a clamp-down connection that allows stranded wire to be used direct to the device.

Gauge depends on the circuit ampacity, bundle and thermal derating that must be applied, and voltage drop corrections, as well as the insulation type that is required by the application.

The choice between stranded and solid conductors is often one of pulling ease, as such wiring must be installed in listed conduit or raceway. Most small gauge (<#8  AWG) cable listed for outdoor use includes only solid wire.

The basic nature of the question gives me reason to wonder whether you should be attempting the project you have in mind. There are a lot of rules for safe electrical installations - wire type and gauge are only several considerations.

Answer 5

the answer is yes, you can, though, it will need to run it in conduit. either EMT with watertight fittings or PVC.

are you running it on you house/garage? are you running it to a remote or unattached location?

if you're running away from the building it would be easiest to run type uf cable, which is solid.

if you do use stranded you will want to get spade or ring crimps, unless the outlet or switch have the opening for the wire that pinches  when you tighten the s***w.

another thing to remember is that if you are outside, you will need weather-proof covers and either a "gfci" outlet or breaker.

and always pay attention to your local wiring code (state and city) as well as the national electrical code, which is just the minimum.

you can purchase from a electrical supply house, Lowe's, home depot, Menard's, and even an electrical shop with a mark up cost.

Answer 6

yes you can

but it has to be 6 to 8 gauge

Answer 7

You can use stranded wire for an application like that but if  I would have to recommend against it. Beside all the rules that everyone else pointed out, stranded wire is more likely to corrode then solid copper wire and this fact can cause you problems in the future when it is installed in damp locations.

Answer 8

Yes you can use stranded wires on outlets although you have to twist the strands to fit it on the sockets. To have a clear view of the sizes of stranded wires, inquire at your local hardware stores for a proper recommendation. You will be presented duplex and single stranded types with their proper gauges inscribed on the wire's body. By doing this you can canvass their exact cost per meter and the proper gauges for 220 volts supply.