How does the resistance of a stranded 8 AWG copper conductor compare to that of a solid conductor?

The correct understanding is that the resistance of a stranded 8 AWG copper conductor is slightly more than that of a solid copper conductor. This difference arises due to the physical structure of the conductors.

In a stranded conductor, multiple smaller wires are twisted together to form a larger conductor, which allows for flexibility and easier handling. However, this construction leads to slightly higher resistance due to increased surface area and possibly more contact points, which can introduce small amounts of additional resistance compared to a solid conductor of the same gauge.

Solid conductors, on the other hand, provide a direct path for electrical current with minimal contact points, thus resulting in lower resistance overall. In applications where flexibility is less of a concern, solid conductors are often preferred for their slightly better performance in terms of resistance.

Therefore, recognizing that strandings introduce additional factors that can enhance resistivity is key to understanding the choice that the resistance is slightly more in stranded conductors compared to their solid counterparts.