Probable Effect Concentration Quotients (PECQS) Practice Test

Conductors of which size and larger must be stranded when installed in raceways?

1. 6.0 sq mm

2. 7.0 sq mm

3. 8.0 sq mm

4. 9.0 sq mm

The correct answer is: 8.0 sq mm

Stranded conductors are often required in specific sizes when installed in raceways to ensure flexibility and ease of installation. The requirement for conductors to be stranded is particularly important for larger sizes because solid conductors can be rigid and may not fit well in the raceways, which often have bending and turning requirements. In this context, the choice of 8.0 sq mm indicates a size that balances the need for conductivity and flexibility. Stranded conductors consist of multiple small wires twisted together to form a single conductor, providing greater flexibility and allowing for easier movement through tight spaces and curves in raceways. This flexibility can help avoid damage to the conductor during installation and can also accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Larger size conductors, like those in the 8.0 sq mm category and above, benefit from being stranded in that they remain easier to handle and install in various electrical setups. This is why the answer is considered correct, as the installation requirements reflect the practical considerations of working with conductors of this particular size.