cca wire ?

[snapper388]

I ordered a roll of 4 awg power wire on ebay to run from the converter to the battery for what I thought was a good price. when I received the wire it looked like copper but didn't feel heavy enough to be copper after doing some research I learned it is copper clad aluminum wire. I'm going to move my battery within ten feet of the converter. is it safe to use cca wire for this application? or do I need to buy copper?

[mlts22]

I'd see about a place that can make custom length wires that are pre-crimped with whatever end lugs that you need. That way, since they are sealed with heat-shrink tubing, there won't be corrosion issues later on.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

I tried to post a warning about this a few months ago. Alas for quicksand posting retention. I would not use aluminum ON A BET.

GM tried using aluminum battery cables back in the 70's. They lost their rear. They were copper clad, they used NoOx, and they still had fires.

[westend]

Use copper. For 20' of wire, you're not talking about a huge monetary loss. You can buy welding cable in short lengths that will be easy to install.

[snapper388]

I ordered this wire to charge the battery with the 55 amp converter it is power wire for a 12 volt car stereo amp it is copper coated aluminum and I have never used it before. didn't even know they made it. all the info I find is on copper or aluminum have not found anything on copper clad. I don't want to use something that will cause problems. or that is not big enough.

[teddyu]

Don't forget to use No-Ox on the ends if you use the CCA. Even though it is clad, the cladding can be damaged when tightening. Using No-Ox is a safe precaution. JM2¢...

[CA_Traveler]

You can search the internet for wire calculators and compare the voltage drop for different wires and amps. The AL wire won't be as good but may be OK. I'd use all CU.

[enblethen]

What size wire is required for the inverter? Aluminum would have to go up in size.
Aluminum connections would need to have de-oxidation compound applied to all connections. Connections would need to be rated for AL/CU.
You would need to tighten them several times to insure they stay that way.
Personal opinion, go with copper. I would go farther to say get some multi-stranded from a marine supply and not use building wire.
West Marine battery wire