Stranded vs. Solid

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 Question by Harry Tompkins posted 15 Jan 2008
 Stranded vs. Solid
I have a question, a Co worker of mine who has a certification in network wiring is trying to tell me that there is no difference in 8 position ends for stranded canble and solid cable and that the ends he purchased for stranded cable can be used on solid cable to make patch cords? Can you tell me if this correct ro not and if not why?

Thank You.
Sincerely
Harry W. Tompkins
Network Support Specialist
STEP, Inc.
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 Answer by Dmitri Abaimov posted 15 Feb 2008
Dear Harry,

Actually, there is a difference in the design of the plugs (or ends as you call them). The little teeth on the ends of the connector blades inside the stranded type plug are longer than that of the solid type. So, you are both correct: they ARE different but from practice I can tell you that you CAN successfully crimp a stranded-type plug onto solid cable but NOT the other way around - the short teeth of the solid type will not hold multiple conductors of the stranded cable and will give way over time.

Sincerely,
Dmitri Abaimov, RCDD

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