The chemistry and physics associated with the development of conducting organic materials during the past decade has resulted in a great deal of speculation regarding their possible role as molecular wires in molecular switching. In typical conducting polymers, such as polyacetylene, polythiophene or poly[arylene vinylene], polaronic or bipolaronic charge states are delocalized over 3–6 repeats units (18–36 atoms) as determined by a variety of techniques. In this paper we will explore how these delocalized charge states can be extended and stabilized, and whether there seems to be limits to further delocalization. If inherent limitations are structure related, then more consideration must be given as to how molecular wires need to be visualized.