NEC calls for conductors 8awg and larger to be stranded, but is there a wire gauge below which conductors for residential branch wiring must be solid?
Not required to be stranded but could be stranded if installed in the proper method.
And the section you mentioned says; Where installed in raceways, conductors 8 AWG and larger, not specifically permitted or required elsewhere in this Code to be solid, shall be stranded.
Both #14 and #12 are available in stranded or solid.
…is there a wire gauge below which conductors for residential branch wiring must be solid?
I once had a Electrician explain to me decades ago that multi strand is better because it is more productive with heat dissipation.
Makes sense with the larger air exposed surface area.
Stranded wire also helps to distribute current throughout the cross section of the conductor. The density of AC current is highest near the surface of the conductor. By stranding and twisting, the current will pass throughout the majority of the conductor.
No .
Is there a reason why stranded is not commonly used in branch wiring?
Stranded wire is used often used inside conduit because it pulls easy.
I’m sure Chicago is full of it.