Why you should run OFC cables, not CCA.

[akillj 10+ year member]

You guys should watch this. Why do people even use CCA? Other than pretending to have the right size wire I don't see the point. IIRC, a single run of 0 gauge CCA can only handle as much current as a single run of 4 gauge OFC.

Do it right the first time. Assuming your system requires runs of 0, you'll end up buying it down the road anyway once you realize your voltage is dropping / fuses blowing.

4 gauge OFC is cheaper per foot than 1/0 CCA anyway (According to KnuKoncepz).

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[big scott]

wow that was interesting, thanks for posting.

and i run knu ofc 1/0 , from what i read its a better wire.

 

[argenis69 10+ year member]

^True. Thanks for the info.

 

[gckless 5,000+ posts]

He never says how much amperage he's drawing across that wire. Big factor, so can't really say anything decisively from that video.

 

[mylows10 5,000+ posts]

Interesting. But he doesn't do the test with 0 gauge only 8-4 gauge. Still a good test

 

[gckless 5,000+ posts]

Also, 1/0 AWG CCA is typically good for 250A at 20ft. 4 AWG OFC is usually rated at 150A at 20ft.

 

[los33 10+ year member]

The only way for 4ga wire to do around the same as 0ga you would have to be running 7ft or less of wire which even then it depends on how many strands the actual wire has.

It still has a higher possibility of heating up more then 0ga and causing power failure.

It has been a known fact, but its pointless as only trucks or very small cars use under 7ft from battery to the back of the car.

 

[Umbra]

He never says how much amperage he's drawing across that wire. Big factor, so can't really say anything decisively from that video.

My thoughts exactly.

CCA has its applications. I'm running 4 gauge CCA because the load is too much for 8 gauge OFC, but not so much that I need 4 gauge OFC. Aluminum is ~40% less conductive than copper and that's reflected in the price, but it's not necessarily junk.

 

[akillj 10+ year member]

I can't state a source for the whole 0 gauge CCA = 4 gauge OFC, that was just something I heard.

But still, the guy used the same amp for both tests. At the bare minimum it proves that the OFC wire can handle more current than CCA. But really, what's the advantage of CCA? Other than cost obviously. It can't carry as much current, so what's the point other than pretending you have the right size wire lol

And if you need the next size up wire, in most situations you would probably be better off just grabbing a run of OFC.

 

[los33 10+ year member]

I can't state a source for the whole 0 gauge CCA = 4 gauge OFC, that was just something I heard.
But still, the guy used the same amp for both tests. At the bare minimum it proves that the OFC wire can handle more current than CCA. But really, what's the advantage of CCA? Other than cost obviously. It can't carry as much current, so what's the point other than pretending you have the right size wire lol

And @Umbra, 8 Gauge OFC is 70 cents a foot, 4 Gauge CCA is 95 cents a foot.. KnuKonceptz Home

CCA is used stock for most if not all vehicle wiring as these power wires are not all meant just for car audio.

Also cca is good for component amps.

 

[akillj 10+ year member]

My thoughts exactly.
CCA has its applications. I'm running 4 gauge CCA because the load is too much for 8 gauge OFC, but not so much that I need 4 gauge OFC. Aluminum is ~40% less conductive than copper and that's reflected in the price, but it's not necessarily junk.

You do have a point there. I'm mostly talking about people who use CCA instead of OFC and think that it's the same thing. Which is untrue.

Like when an amp requires 1/0 and people run CCA to the back and wonder why their voltage is dropping and amps protecting lol

 

[SounDrive Pro Seller]

I've used CCA with no issues. It has more resistance but resistance shouldn't be something you're concerned with unless you're already using too little wire. It's also lighter and much cheaper. 2 runs of CCA is about the same price of 1 run of OFC in most cases.

I used a single run of 1/0 OFC for an amp rated at 3500w RMS. The only reason you would see excessive voltage drop is because of poor connections - use hydraulic crimped copper lugs and you should have no problems.

With that said, I personally prefer TINNED OFC over both CCA and OFC because it doesn't oxidize.

 

[akillj 10+ year member]

I've used CCA with no issues. It has more resistance but resistance shouldn't be something you're concerned with unless you're already using too little wire. It's also lighter and much cheaper. 2 runs of CCA is about the same price of 1 run of OFC in most cases.
I used a single run of 1/0 OFC for an amp rated at 3500w RMS. The only reason you would see excessive voltage drop is because of poor connections - use hydraulic crimped copper lugs and you should have no problems.

With that said, I personally prefer TINNED OFC over both CCA and OFC because it doesn't oxidize.

I'm curious, is oxidation really an issue with OFC wiring? Isn't the whole point of OFC is that it's oxygen free copper? Meaning no oxidation in the wire?

 

[mr_naler]

I used to be very opposed to the idea of using CCA. Recently I've been working in Industrial Services. I have been doing a lot of electrical work. Over the past 9 months or so I have learned that the only reason to use OFC is to save space. We use aluminum wire everywhere we can. It requires more runs, but accomplishes the same thing. CCA is great. It's lighter and cheaper. If your application limits the number or size of the wiring then clearly OFC is more efficient, but otherwise I would never pay for OFC just to have it. As long as you know the amperage being pulled through the wire and it is within what the wire is rated for over the given distance you will be fine. There is no downside to using CCA save for the size difference.

 

[bgowdy 5,000+ posts]

Ill stick to my 1/0 CCA, i have never had a issue, fire, or and heavy voltage drop while using it. It comes in a 50ft roll so i usually just run multiple runs(4 runs, 2 positive and 2 dedicated grounds from front to back batts as well as thte normal chasis grounds). Even using bullz audio 1/0 never had issues. i use to run a Bc3500 at .5 ohm daily, with 220a alt, 2 agm's and 4 runs of bullz and never dropped below 13.7v at idle and 14v at 2krpms.

This is a interesting video but again he didnt test the amps of 1/0 awg and like said above, 1/0 awg is for 250a through 20ft, mines runs were about 14.5ft each. But good info non the less