As compared to a solid conductor of the same diameter, a stranded conductor has what advantage?

A stranded conductor consists of multiple small wires twisted together, which significantly enhances its flexibility compared to a solid conductor of the same diameter. This flexibility allows stranded conductors to be used in applications where bending and movement are required, such as in wiring harnesses or in areas where the conductor must navigate around tight corners or in confined spaces. The construction of stranded conductors makes them more adaptable to different environments and easier to manipulate during installation and maintenance tasks.

In contrast, while stranded conductors might offer advantages in applications where flexibility is paramount, they typically don't lower resistance compared to solid conductors; in fact, the resistance can be slightly higher due to the increased surface area. Stranded conductors are also generally not lighter than solid conductors of the same diameter, and their current-carrying capacity is usually comparable rather than higher, considering the same cross-sectional area. Thus, the key advantage of stranded conductors is indeed their greater flexibility, making them ideal for specific applications where movement and bending are frequent.