Reasons why you shouldn't use CCA wire

[Beatin' 10+ year member]

Im all about degradation of a product. CCA life span is far less compared to OFC in the same application. Ive done countless tests at work on the stuff... but like i said to each there own.

Are you implying that if two wires, OFC vs. CCA, are both made in their respective gauge size to handle 200A, but only put no more than 150A through them daily, the CCA wire will degrade faster than the OFC?

How?

I know that the copper coating will degrade, but this seems to be a problem with the manufacturing process regardless of whether it's CCA or OFC. I've seen OFC wires with severe corrosion in the middle of the run, rendering that whole expensive copper wire useless. The degredation of the copper coating on the terminal ends of CCA wire are a non-issue due to the length of the exposed surface.

Until I'm shown otherwise, I stand by my original statement in that if the electric current carrying apparatus (wire, lol) is built correctly for a specific amerage rating, then it will do the job with no problem. Steel, copper, aluminum, banana, doesn't matter.

 

[momax_powers 10+ year member]

Are all voice coils made from ofc copper?

 

[profundus-sanus 10+ year member]

this guy doesn't know what he's talking about. 4 gauge ofc will not keep up with 1/0 cca, ever.

cca per national electrical code is good for 75% of the capability of ofc. Did he make the cca run 75% of the length of the ofc? Was the cca in his test cheap undersized wire? sure looked like a garbage undersized soundquest kit to me... Looks like a advertisement more than a scientific test.

Cca is 50% of the cost of ofc in most cases. With 2 runs of cca you'll crush 1 run of ofc.

 

[double 07 10+ year member]

I thought that was why most decent cca is over sized....case and point I have XS Power 1/0 cca in my BMW and it is 5200 strands and I have never had an issue with my wire....the ofc from XS is 4704 strand......I am not saying that ofc isn't better it's just that I think cca can do the job if used within it's limits and installed correctly......That video looked more like a sales pitch to me.......tell him to redo the video with some wire from XS Power instead of a cheap amp kit that probably had 10ga wire in a 8ga jacket...

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

The biggest problem with CCA is heat. More heat equals less efficency. As the efficency drops the heat will build up faster and faster. Its not worth it IMO. Do it right the first time

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

thats odd.. my cca wire has not gotten any warmer than the ofc it replaced (yes, tested with a thermometer.) again, use the correct size stuff, and you'll have no issues.
EDIT: I am NOT saying it cant happen. im saying its not nearly as common as some people want to think!

Personally I think its dumb to spend so much on top level equipment then sweat a few more bucks a foot on the POWER SUPPLY for said top level equipment. I guess thats why I can run full tilt for hours at a time without losing a volt. NO WEAK LINKS IN THE CHAIN

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Personally I think its dumb to spend so much on top level equipment then sweat a few more bucks a foot on the POWER SUPPLY for said top level equipment. I guess thats why I can run full tilt for hours at a time without losing a volt. NO WEAK LINKS IN THE CHAIN

I dont drop below 14.4 with my cca so.....

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I dont drop below 14.4 with my cca so.....

Are you running close to 6000 watts with only 3 group 34 batteries?

 

[NASTY08IMPALA 5,000+ posts]

Are you running close to 6000 watts with only 3 group 34 batteries?

I could run ur setup and still hold that voltage with my cca..i un aq 3500 with 1 g34 and 2 g27s

 

[ciaonzo 5,000+ posts]

Roll call...

CCA

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

I could run ur setup and still hold that voltage with my cca..i un aq 3500 with 1 g34 and 2 g27s

You dont know that cause you have never done it. I wasnt about to find out the hard way.

 

[LosIsATool 5,000+ posts]

Do you guys know what sets a audiophile apart from a ghetto basshead? Cheaping out on the important parts. If you can not afford good wire I'm sorry for you, if cheap wire is good enough for you to be pleased I will put you in the ghetto basshead catagory

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

You have a single m4 with that electrical, and decent alt so... No you shouldnt have voltage issues. To be honest I have ran a m4 with far less then you with little to no voltage drop. Those amps might as well be considered mythical creatures because all the claims on output with them.

 

[dbjunior 10+ year member]

I run cca but I use a 50% method. Whatever your current draw is should only equal 50% what you wire is rated for. You will never have a voltage issue from your wire if run like this, regardless of wire type.

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

odd.. I can do the same, with no issues. NOT BEING RETARDED. Ive got a more than adaquate charging system. of course, im not a semiretarded basshead like most of children here.
the WEAK LINKS in most of the members here's system is the installer. take from that what you will.

The other weak link is the alt. No one ever spends the money there. That is the most important part of the electrical.