In alarm wiring, which conductor type is most common unless codes require solid?

• A. Stranded
• B. Solid
• C. Coiled
• D. Braided

Answer: (A)

Stranded copper is the most common choice for alarm wiring because it can flex and bend easily, which is essential as cables run through walls, ceilings, and around devices. This flexibility helps prevent breaks in the individual conductors when the cable is pulled or moved over time. Solid conductors are stiffer and more prone to fatigue at bends, so they’re used only when the code requires a fixed, straight run. Coiled or braided aren’t typical conductor types for alarm cables—the former isn’t a distinct conductor, and the latter usually refers to shielding rather than the conducting path. So the default, unless a code mandates otherwise, is stranded.