What type of conductor wire is typically used for cables that run behind walls or through ducts?

When selecting conductor wire for installations that run behind walls or through ducts, solid wire is typically preferred. This choice is largely due to the increased durability and lower resistance solid wire offers compared to stranded wire. Solid wire consists of a single solid core, which makes it more robust and less susceptible to damage during installation or over time, particularly in fixed applications like wall cavities or ducts.

In addition, solid conductors are easier to terminate and provide better performance in terms of signal integrity over longer distances, making them an ideal choice for structured cabling systems in residential and commercial buildings. This contrasts with stranded wire, which is usually more flexible and better suited for applications that require movement or bending, but may not offer the same level of stability when installed in stationary environments.

While shielded wires can provide additional protection against electromagnetic interference, they do not specifically address the requirements for a solid and stable installation behind walls or in ducts. Twisted pair cables, which are often used in networking applications, can comprise both solid and stranded conductors, but when considering the context of installation within walls or ducts, solid wires are the standard choice.