UTP: solid core copper? or stranded core copper?

pmjdebruijn

Hi,

My local store has two kind:

Now which one is 'better'...

I know, that solid core cables are less flexible.

Thanks,
Pascal de Bruijn

PS: Please indicate whether you're guessing, or you know which one is better.

thechris · Veteran Joined: 12 Oct 2003 Posts: 1203

i would assume stranded would be better, but i'd also bet that the solid core would work perfectly fine. there are hardware implementations against errors, and i see most people run wires near florescent lights and other electronic equipment.

what length of run are we talking about? IIRC the limit is about 1 football feild for cat5, probably shorter for 100MBps.

i would assume that stranded core would be better simply because it has more surface area and surface area has an impact upon impedance at high frequencies. but solid has worked for me just fine, if there is any price difference i mean. i'd probably hate to work with crimping ends on a stranded core.

pmjdebruijn · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 11:20 am Post subject:

Well, maximum length is exactly 100meters...

And crimping doesn't make a difference... Because the inner wires don't need to be stripped.

Regards,
Pascal de Bruijn

oracle · n00b Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 4

Solid core Cat5 is used for cabling in behind a wall, while stranded core Cat5 is used for patch leads. And the recommended length for Cat5 is 90m for wall to wall (solid) and 10m of patch lead (stranded)

HTH
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pmjdebruijn · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 1:57 pm Post subject:

well, but does solid core have less effect from EMI?

with 'better' I mean more reliable...

Dinini · Apprentice Joined: 11 Jun 2003 Posts: 236

For EMI worry about the shielding.

More reliable in what usage?

If it's just going from a computer to a hub/switch you want stranded. It is resistant to breakage from repeated bending and repositioning. Anything that is going to get connected and disconnected often should have stranded core. In short runs the durability far outweighs the higher resistance (signal loss).

If it's a long run that will not get moved (permanent installation) then solid core is more durable over time and has less signal loss. If I'm going to wire between buildings or across floor levels this is what I would use. This is also what I would specify for any new construction.

A short run is under 10 meters (32.8 feet).

blackstar · n00b Joined: 27 Feb 2004 Posts: 15

It should also be noted that you use a different jack end on solid vs stranded. Make sure you get/have the right ends to crimp onto whatever wire you buy.

pmjdebruijn · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 10:13 am Post subject:

hmmm. okay, I didn't know that.

Can you tell me what's the difference with the crimping ends?

blackstar · n00b Joined: 27 Feb 2004 Posts: 15

I had to really look for that one. It seems most ends now support both stranded and solid. Here and here are little blurbs on plug types (both about mid-page). In short, just make sure the bag of plugs say they support whatever wire you buy.

drescherjm · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:52 pm Post subject:

I would say that stranded is slightly better but I am not sure that you will notice a difference as the hw autocorrects errors and error rates are very low.
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