I'm working on a project that involves running some MC cable in my attic for about 75 feet. I've noticed that stranded MC isn't available in my area, so I'm considering using 10 AWG solid MC cable instead. My main concern is whether there are any significant reasons not to use solid wire, other than its inflexibility. This run will transition from a soladeck on the roof into the attic and terminate at a piece of EMT connected to my isolator switch. So, besides flexibility, is there any reason I shouldn't go with solid MC?
4 Answers
Nope, you should be fine! Just make sure you stay within the wire's voltage and amperage ratings, which is good advice for either type of cable.
I can't think of any major drawbacks! As long as you're using the solid MC cable in the right environment and the amperage stays within safe limits, you're good to go!
Thanks - always good to get a sanity check!
I looked into the solid vs. stranded debate a while back. If you choose the correct type and gauge and make sure everything's terminated properly, there shouldn't be any performance issues between solid and stranded cable.
Awesome - thanks!
Stranded wire is definitely more flexible and tends to hold better at connections. It also has lower resistance at high frequencies, but that probably won’t be a concern for your attic installation. Solid wire is less flexible and doesn’t hold as well at terminations, but it's cheaper and more rugged if it’s bare. Overall, there's no real reason to avoid solid MC here, especially since it’ll just be sitting in the attic.
Thanks for the reply - solid it is!
Perfect - thanks!