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 Topic: 0 gauge copper or aluminum?
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91stt
Joined: May 24, 2006
Location:
New Jersey,
United States
Posts: 488 |
| Posted: February 07, 2012 at 6:54 PM - IP Logged |
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Electrically 0 ga CCA is better than 4 ga Cu. But if you want to replace 4 ga Cu with its equivalent CCA counterpart, follow along:
I will be using resistivity instead of conductivity, since the values are proportional,it will not make a difference.
Resistivity (ρ):
Cu = 5.61E-08 Ω-ft
CCA = 8.69E-08 Ω-ft
Following oldspark's logic, we have:
Resistivity of CCA = 8.69/5.61 = 1.55 of Cu (I dropped the exponents since they cancel out anyway.)
So,
CCA has 5.61/8.69 = 65% the resistivity of Cu
Dimensions:
2 ga = 6.54304 mmD = 33.61 mm2
4 ga = 5.18922mmD = 21.14 mm2
2 ga has 33.61 / 21.14 = 1.59 times the area of 4 ga
1.59 * 65% = 1.03
So, 2 ga CCA is 1.04 times the conductivity of 4 ga Cu. For 12V applications this is equivalent.
The resistance of 1000 ft of 4 ga Cu = 0.246 Ω
The resistance of 1000 ft of 2 ga CCA = 0.240 Ω
As oldspark has mentioned earlier, CCA is prone to fatigue fractures especially if it has been nicked and from flexing. Whenever possible it is best to use copper for automotive applications. If you must use CCA go at least 2 wire gauge sizes larger that what is recommended when using copper.
I have worked this out in the past and the resistance per 1000 ft is very close when comparing Cu with CCA that is 2 gauge sizes larger.
Maybe someday when I have a bit of time to kill when I get to 1000 posts under my belt, I'll do a write up on this to get my certification badge 
___________________________________
This information is provided only as a reference.
All circuits should be verified with a digital multi-meter prior to making any connections. |
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oldspark
Joined: November 03, 2008
Location:
Australia
Posts: 2,856 |
| Posted: February 08, 2012 at 12:36 AM - IP Logged |
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Our calcs should be the same. Resistivity is merely the inverse of conductivity.
We have the same conductivity/resistance ratio (5.61/8.69 = 64.5).
I presume my area calcs were wrong (pi R squared; R=D/2). I might recheck later in the year or decade....
But what an error - my 1.6x better makes the CCA enticing (though I reckon it's not enough to outweigh the complications - unless it's a race car...) whereas one wouldn't even consider doing it if there is only 4% difference.
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haemphyst
Joined: January 19, 2003
Location:
Bouvet Island
Posts: 4,983 |
| Posted: February 09, 2012 at 10:19 AM - IP Logged |
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All that's well and good, but I still believe - STRONGLY - that is proper concessions are made, i.e. upsizing the gauge appropriately for aluminum conductors, versus copper conductors, then there should be no difference between wires.
As long as the voltage drop is the same, regardless of the conductor, then explain to me WHY you still believe it's not a good thing to use aluminum in place of copper. Again, IF THE WIRE GAUGE IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE CURRENT REQUIREMENTS, THEN THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE, REGARDLESS OF THE CONDUCTOR.
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DYohn
Joined: April 22, 2003
Location:
Arizona,
United States
Posts: 10,114 |
| Posted: February 09, 2012 at 10:47 AM - IP Logged |
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The only problem using aluminum wire is that it is much more brittle than copper and it's more difficult to make good connections using it. If you're a pro and know how to terminate it and properly support it fine, go for it. But I for one do not recommend using Al wire in car audio applications.
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haemphyst
Joined: January 19, 2003
Location:
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Posts: 4,983 |
| Posted: February 09, 2012 at 5:52 PM - IP Logged |
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OK. I can accept that as a valid reason. I was not thinking of the work-hardening of vibrating metals. I also love your caveats! :P
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DYohn
Joined: April 22, 2003
Location:
Arizona,
United States
Posts: 10,114 |
| Posted: February 09, 2012 at 7:24 PM - IP Logged |
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haemphyst wrote:
| OK. I can accept that as a valid reason. I was not thinking of the work-hardening of vibrating metals. I also love your caveats! :P |
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Yes, vibration is the enemy of aluminum wiring, especially in a vehicle. My caveats are always the same: if you know what you're doing then do it. If you don't, then don't. 
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equilibrium1990
Joined: January 13, 2012
Location:
Australia
Posts: 51 |
| Posted: February 25, 2012 at 1:15 AM - IP Logged |
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| Just installed 50 ft of 0Ga CCA wire last night, Running 1500RMS off it. Massive difference in sound quality over the 4Ga OFC I had in there, tho that's not to say 0 Ga OFC would not do better of course. I will let you guys no if any issues arise. Picked up IMC Audio 50Ft spool for $45Aud + Freight so I most certainly will not be complaining either way. |
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deeryders
Joined: November 08, 2011
Location:
New York,
United States
Posts: 35 |
| Posted: February 25, 2012 at 11:51 AM - IP Logged |
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whats the difference from CCA wire and OFC wire
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Former Best Buy Lead Installer Store 454 Westbury.
Dont Ground Out .. |
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haemphyst
Joined: January 19, 2003
Location:
Bouvet Island
Posts: 4,983 |
| Posted: February 25, 2012 at 5:50 PM - IP Logged |
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CCA - Copper Clad Aluminum
OFC - Oxygen Free Copper
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