Lets talk power wire!

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

If you have to ask, chances are you'll never notice the difference.

 

[nutxo 10+ year member]

Ive always wondered. I read a thing that stated the power actually ran on the outsides of the wires. So shouldnt CCA theoretically be the same?

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Lol kinda rude... And I didn't notice only one person said it. Sorry to offend you.

I'm not offended...and I can't believe you've survived on this forum this long if you thought what I said was rude, lulz

 

---------- Post added at 10:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:14 PM ----------

 

Ive always wondered. I read a thing that stated the power actually ran on the outsides of the wires. So shouldnt CCA theoretically be the same?

The skin effect only applies with high frequency AC power, not DC.

 

[Ronny 10+ year member]

Ive always wondered. I read a thing that stated the power actually ran on the outsides of the wires. So shouldnt CCA theoretically be the same?

Mostly only in AC power. So on the speaker cables yes, not necessarily on the DC power cables.

But when you get higher into power levels, and higher frequency AC power, things start to change. If you'd like a quick read check out "skin effect," on Wiki.

If you don't understand it, and other people want an end-all for this constant argument, I could type up a giant thread to put a stop to all the arguing over this whole AC/DC power traveling only on the skin of cables topic. Perhaps even have it stickied.

 

[jolly_26 10+ year member]

Mostly only in AC power. So on the speaker cables yes, not necessarily on the DC power cables.But when you get higher into power levels, and higher frequency AC power, things start to change. If you'd like a quick read check out "skin effect," on Wiki.

If you don't understand it, and other people want an end-all for this constant argument, I could type up a giant thread to put a stop to all the arguing over this whole AC/DC power traveling only on the skin of cables topic. Perhaps even have it stickied.

If you have the time, could be worth doing it actually. And if not get it stickied, maybe have it linked in the wire comparison sticky or something along those lines.

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

Mostly only in AC power. So on the speaker cables yes, not necessarily on the DC power cables.But when you get higher into power levels, and higher frequency AC power, things start to change. If you'd like a quick read check out "skin effect," on Wiki.

If you don't understand it, and other people want an end-all for this constant argument, I could type up a giant thread to put a stop to all the arguing over this whole AC/DC power traveling only on the skin of cables topic. Perhaps even have it stickied.

lol, what constant argument? Anytime I've seen this brought up it's because people are confused but as soon as you tell them it's only relevant with AC they understand...but if you would still like to flex your electrical knowledge for all to see, by all means go ahead?

 

[Falcons 5,000+ posts]

dont **** with bubba. he is an electrical engineer!

 

[bubbagumper6 5,000+ posts]

dont **** with bubba. he is an electrical engineer!

Technically not until Saturday (graduation), but yeah! haha

 

[Popwarhomie 5,000+ posts]

Good to know. I think CCA 1/0 will be just fine for me then. (will be pulling under 250 amps total.)

 

[goingdef 10+ year member]

pure copper has a lower ohm load per foot therefore you will see a couple 1/10's of a volt difference at the amp depending on what you use.

 

[VisceralSound 10+ year member]

Only thing that I think of really needing what ofc gives is if im chasing numbers where that 1/10th matters on the meter, other than that cadence wire is awesome for its price.

 

[SuperSaeYoung]

Aluminum is very weak. They melt at a lower temperature, when the wire heats up it expands and can leave air gaps in the wire and arc which can cause short and burn out.

 

[maylar 10+ year member]

Aluminum has about 59% of the conductivity of copper, so you need a bigger gage for the same rated current. It also oxidizes more than copper and should be coated with an anti-oxidant paste at the connections (a standard electrical supply item). Betcha all dinn know that.

Aluminum was used in house wiring in the 60's-70's but got outlawed because it proved to be a fire hazard over time. Connections came loose and created high resistance that make heat.

 

[TaylorFade 10+ year member]

Here's a little info I found that I thought was interesting. Notice the heat difference and the clamped power.

Some truth about wire. - Car Audio Classifieds

 

[mlstrass 5,000+ posts]

OP you will be fine with KNU CCA...