The Litz effect, where more current flows on the perimeter of a wire
than in its core, only really matters at high frequencies; at 60Hz it is
virtually unmeasurable.

Just take care that all the strands are twisted together and under the
retaining screw. You could solder the strands together to be sure or
put them into a crimped terminal.

The capacity of 14G stranded and solid is identical. But check the
load; if it is a hot water heater 14 might not be nearly big enough.

Joseph Meehan wrote:
hankB wrote:

I have an outdoor receptacle (B)that is connected to a GFI outdoor
receptacle (A) via a shielded extension cord-14?.B got wet, corrosion
set in and I plan to replace it.I have been told that an outdoor
solid wire from A to B would be better and that if I used a braided
wire unless ALL the strands are securely attached it might conduct
but not be able to handle a heavy load such as an 120 V electric
water heater. True? Is there a way I can measure whether the braided
wire is fully conductive


I don't know what a "a shielded extension cord-14" is and how it might
be properly used in this situation.

All else being equal a stranded cable can carry more current than a
single wire of the same gauge. The flow of electricity is primarily around
the outside of a wire and in a stranded cable there is more of that outside
area.

What are you hooking up here? It sounds like the whole plan is wrong
from the start. I sure sounds like you are not following code from the
start. What kind of water heater are you connecting to an extension cord?
Is it a fixed appliance or portable.?