Final answer:
The size of conductors that must be stranded for installation within raceways is typically determined by the wire gauge, with the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system serving as the standard in the U.S. Usually, any wire larger than 10 AWG must be stranded to meet safety and flexibility standards for such installations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the size of conductors that must be stranded when installing within raceways. The size of a conductor is integral to its current-carrying capacity, with larger diameters allowing for a greater capacity. However, instead of diameters, conductors are usually characterized by their gauge, with the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system being the standard in the United States.
For example, household wiring typically uses wires that range from 10-gauge (2.588 mm diameter) to 14-gauge (1.628 mm diameter). It is essential to choose the appropriate wire gauge for safety and efficiency to match the electrical requirements of the circuit.
Electrical safety also dictates that conductors above a certain size need to be stranded. This is because stranded wires are more flexible and less prone to breaking when pulled through conduits or raceways, compared to solid wires of the same gauge. The exact threshold at which wires must be stranded can vary based on local regulations or standards, but typically any wire over 10 AWG needs to be stranded for such use.