Abstract: A superconducting system having a coil or cable in the form of strands at superconducting temperature is connected to a power supply at room temperature. The connection is by means of a stranded current lead substantially under regular conducting conditions. Each current lead strand is insulated and connected to a corresponding superconducting strand so as to supply current and to contribute an individual series resistance. The temperature-sensitive resistance provides an important current self-limiting mechanism to forestall current imbalance or channeling among the superconducting strands and therefore forestall premature quenching. Various embodiments are directed to regulating the current in the individual superconducting strands, including regulating the resistance in the individual current lead strands with careful temperature control as well as improving the overall superconducting system with optimized cooling.