In the world of electrical connections, both copper braided wire and copper stranded wire play important roles. Although they are both flexible conductors, they have their own strengths in design concepts and application scenarios.
The structural differences determine their fundamental characteristics. Copper stranded wire is made up of multiple circular copper wires twisted in a fixed direction, forming a tight spiral structure. This design ensures its stability under longitudinal stress. Copper braided wire is made of flat copper wire interwoven with warp and weft to form a mesh, which gives it equal flexibility in multiple directions. Just like the difference between ropes and webbing, one is good at one-way traction, while the other adapts to multi-dimensional bending.
The current carrying characteristics also vary. Under the same cross-sectional area, copper stranded wire has a higher current density due to its compact structure, making it suitable for long-distance power transmission. Although the current path of copper braided wire is slightly longer, its mesh structure provides more heat dissipation surface, which can dissipate the generated heat faster at local high load connection points, which is particularly important for space limited electrical cabinets.
In terms of mechanical performance, copper braided wire performs better in terms of vibration resistance and fatigue resistance. Its mesh structure can effectively disperse stress and is suitable for environments with continuous vibration, such as generator outlets or transformer connections. Copper stranded wire is more suitable for static or low-frequency vibration situations, and its regular structure facilitates neat laying in cable trays.
The convenience of installation and maintenance is also an important consideration in selection. Copper braided wire is easy to cut into specific shapes and can be directly installed on contact surfaces at various angles. Copper stranded wire requires matching terminal crimping, but it is more convenient for long-distance installation. For parts that require frequent disassembly and maintenance, the adaptability of braided wire is usually better.
In terms of environmental adaptability, tin plated copper braided wire can provide a more uniform protective layer in corrosive environments due to its larger surface area and mesh structure. If the surface treatment of copper stranded wire is improper, the twisting gap may become the starting point of corrosion. Meanwhile, the mesh structure of braided wire can also provide better electromagnetic shielding effect in high-frequency applications.
The key to choosing copper braided wire or copper stranded wire is to understand the specific requirements of the project. Long distance transmission and regular installation can choose copper stranded wire; Copper braided wire is suitable for complex spaces and vibration environments. Suggest making the most suitable technical selection based on factors such as current load, mechanical stress, space constraints, and environmental conditions.
