Aluminum Wire or Copper?

[btdickey99 5,000+ posts]

I am just wondering if there is a disadvantage in going with a more aluminum based wire over a copper based?

BTW I am looking at KnuKoncepts KLM 1/0

Thanks for any help

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[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

copper is a better conductor. my $0.02

 

[SethPhillips 5,000+ posts]

copper.. i throw aluminum shit in the garbo!

 

[btdickey99 5,000+ posts]

thanks thats all I needed

 

[05AztecRed 10+ year member]

aluminum also melts at a lower temperature, plus you need a larger gauge wire to equal the standard gauge copper.

 

[97gp 5,000+ posts]

Copper is also worth alot more at the scrap yard.

 

[ngsm13 5,000+ posts]

Because Knu's 1/0 is larger than most 1/0 (It's more near 2/0)... their KLM wire features the same conductivity as conventional 1/0 copper wire.

At least that's what Knu's said himself.

nG

 

[jco1385 5,000+ posts]

Jus wondering how aluminum voice coils are said to handle more power than copper ones?
I know it melts lower.

on a limb here...

maybe because they dont use the power as efficiently, therefore needing more power?

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

Aluminum can handle higher current for a VC application because it is able to dissipate heat better than copper.

Copper is a better conductor of electricity.

Because Knu's 1/0 is larger than most 1/0 (It's more near 2/0)... their KLM wire features the same conductivity as conventional 1/0 copper wire.
At least that's what Knu's said himself.

nG

According to their website the KLM can only handle 250A, which leads me to believe it is equal to (or slightly larger than) kollosus in size.

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

I am just wondering if there is a disadvantage in going with a more aluminum based wire over a copper based?

The only reason you would need to have a copper conductor is in extreme tolerance situations where the difference between a copper and aluminum conductor would be a factor.

In your case, there would be no difference, so long as you don't need the extra current carrying capacity of the copper wire. From Knu's site, the KLM is able to handle 250A where the kollosus is able to handle the full 300A of 1/0 wire.

 

[Bassballer5 10+ year member]

Because Knu's 1/0 is larger than most 1/0 (It's more near 2/0)... their KLM wire features the same conductivity as conventional 1/0 copper wire.
At least that's what Knu's said himself.

nG

not very true of him!

http://www.caraudiojunkyard.com/forum/headunits-amplifiers-wiring-electrical/258-comparison-10-different-brands-wire.html

 

[btdickey99 5,000+ posts]

thanks everyone......so from what I gathered the Knu KLM 0%alum and 10% copper) should be ok?

 

[ultimate157 5,000+ posts]

thanks everyone......so from what I gathered the Knu KLM 0%alum and 10% copper) should be ok?

Its OK if it meets your needs. It can handle 250A.

 

[btdickey99 5,000+ posts]

Its OK if it meets your needs. It can handle 250A.

I plan on using a 300a and only a 2200 watt amp at 1 ohm

 

[mokedaddy 5,000+ posts]

The biggest problem I have run into with the klm is the lack of flexibility. In that regard it is closer to welding wire. If you do not need flexible wire than the klm is just fine.