why do current-carrying wires have multiple thin copper wires instead of a single thick copper wire?

Question

In domestic current-carrying wires, there are many thin copper wires inside the plastic insulation. Why is that so? Why can’t there be a single thick copper wire carrying the current instead of so many thin ones?

In: Engineering

Answer 1

A single thick copper wire is better and can carry more current than a comparably sized stranded wire and it’s cheaper to produce. That’s why they are what’s inside the walls of your house. Stranded wire is more flexible and designed to be repeatedly bent, that’s why it’s used on extension cords.