What practice ensures that jumper wires are secured appropriately?

Staking as specified is the correct practice for ensuring that jumper wires are secured appropriately. This method involves mechanically fastening the jumper wires to the printed circuit board (PCB) or the adjacent components, which prevents movement during assembly and operational conditions. Staking provides a reliable connection that maintains the integrity of the electrical pathways and prevents potential failures due to loose connections.

Using adhesive alone may not provide the necessary mechanical strength or electrical connectivity needed for robust soldered assemblies. While it can be a method of securing components, it does not offer the same level of security and reliability as staking.

Flexible layering refers to the design approach involving flexibility in PCB layers or component placement, which is not specifically related to securing jumper wires.

Employing thicker gauges for jumper wires could potentially enhance durability and reduce the chance of breaking or short-circuiting, but it does not address the proper securing of the wire to the board or components. Thus, staking is specifically focused on securing and facilitating stable connections, making it the best practice identified in this scenario.