How are cable conductors categorized by stranding type, and what performance characteristics distinguish each classification?

Q: How are cable conductors categorized by stranding type, and what performance characteristics distinguish each classification?   A: Cable conductors are classified into five stranding categories based on flexibility and application: Class 1 (solid/7-strand rigid) for fixed installations; Class 2 (19-61 strand) balancing flexibility and durability for general wiring; Class 5 (fine-stranded, >100 strands) for dynamic flexing in machinery; Class 6 (ultra-fine, >200 strands) for continuous movement in robotics; and Class 4 (intermediate stranding) bridging Class 2 and 5 performance.   Key distinctions include: Class 2's 19-61 strands enabling moderate bending without work hardening; Class 5's fine stranding reducing conductor fatigue in 10,000+ flex cycles; and Class 6's micro-strands supporting 1 million+ flex operations in automation systems. Material specifications mandate Class 2-6 conductors use oxygen-free copper (OFC) for conductivity, with Class 5-6 incorporating tin plating to prevent strand corrosion during flexing. These classifications ensure optimal performance across static, semi-flexible, and dynamic installation scenarios.