Quick Answer
Using high-strand count wire reduces wire resistance, improves system efficiency, and allows for longer wire runs without significant voltage drop.
Lower Wire Resistance
High-strand count wire offers lower resistance per unit length compared to lower-strand count wire. This is due to the increased surface area and reduced skin effect of the individual strands. For example, a 20 AWG 7-strand wire has approximately 2.5% lower resistance than a 20 AWG single-strand wire.
Reduced Voltage Drop
The lower resistance of high-strand count wire translates to reduced voltage drop over long wire runs. To illustrate, consider a 12 V system with a 10 ft wire run. If the wire resistance is 0.12 ohms, the voltage drop would be approximately 1.4 V, leaving 10.6 V for the load. Increasing the strand count to 7-strands reduces the wire resistance to 0.09 ohms, resulting in a 0.9 V voltage drop, leaving 11.1 V for the load.
Practical Considerations
When selecting high-strand count wire for a battery wiring interconnect, factors to consider include the specific wire gauge, strand count, and insulation material. It’s also essential to ensure proper wire sizing to prevent overheating and ensure reliable operation. For example, a 20 AWG 7-strand wire with a 600V rating can handle up to 40 A of current.
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