Power cables use stranded conductors at which sizes?

Stranded conductors are commonly used in power cables for sizes of 2 AWG and above primarily due to their flexibility and ease of handling. Larger conductors tend to be stiffer and more difficult to work with if they are solid. Stranded conductors, which consist of multiple small wires twisted together, provide better flexibility, making them suitable for applications where cables need to bend or move.

In addition to flexibility, stranded conductors also have better performance in terms of electrical conductivity when compared to solid conductors of the same size, especially under dynamic conditions where movement occurs. For power applications requiring conductors that can handle high currents while maintaining maneuverability, sizes of 2 AWG and above are typically manufactured as stranded.

Given these considerations, the choice indicating that stranded conductors are used at sizes 2 AWG and above aligns well with industry practices. Smaller sizes, conversely, often utilize solid conductors as the decreased stiffness and increased flexibility of stranded wires might not be necessary or beneficial.