Stranding a conductor greatly increases what aspect of its performance?

Stranding a conductor involves twisting multiple smaller wires together to form a single larger conductor. This process significantly enhances the flexibility of the conductor, making it more suitable for installations where bending or movement is necessary, such as in overhead lines or when navigating corners and tight spaces. The increased flexibility allows for easier handling, installation, and movement of the conductor without damaging it or causing breakage.

While conductivity does not directly increase as a result of stranding, the combination of smaller wires can lead to better performance in terms of handling and reducing skin effect in AC applications. Durability and insulation are largely influenced by other factors such as the materials used and the insulation applied, rather than by the stranding itself. Thus, flexibility is the key aspect improved by stranding a conductor.