OFC vs CCA

[GPCustoms]

A quick note: This is not meant to bash anyone or anything, I wish only to inform and discuss the differences between OFC and CCA wire. Also note that this write up is based on my knowledge, which may or may not be factual; that's where the discussion comes in.

Now i'm sure most of you have seen this video, or a similar video:
Wire comparison with thermal camera feat. Garry Springgay at Cogent Audio Labs - YouTube

At face value, it's pretty convincing; OFC is superior to CCA. And it's true, OFC is more conductive than CCA, thus it is able to handle more current.

However, the test done in the aforementioned video was somewhat skewed. Assuming the OFC wire was seeing its maximum rated amperage (or at least close to it), it's no wonder the less conductive CCA wire was struggling to carry the SAME amperage.

All wires are rated (or rather able) to carry a certain amount of current. Let's say for example that 8awg OFC wire is rated for 80 amps, and 8awg CCA wire is rated for 60 amps. If your amplifier pulls 80 amps, then OFC wire would obviously be the better wire choice. OR you could add another run of CCA wire

Now, if your amplifier only pulls 60 amps of current, the CCA wire will do just fine. Yes, the OFC wire is still slightly more conductive, but the difference is very minuscule, especially considering the price difference between the two.

There's a lot of rumors going around that insist that CCA wire is "bad" and causes voltage drop. This isn't necessarily true.

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TL-DR

Consider this analogy: Wires are like water pipes, and the water flowing through them is like current.

OFC wire is a bigger pipe, which allows more water (current) to flow through it. Let's say it's capable of transferring 80 gallons per minute

CCA wire is a smaller pipe, capable of transferring 60 gallons per minute.

While the OFC can transfer more water (current) it isn't necessary when you only need to transfer 60 gallons per minute.

And even if you do need to transfer 80+ gpm you can simply add another smaller CCA pipe (aka another wire run) and you're now capable of transferring 120 gpm.

See where this is going? Hope this helps.

[Pieper]

Not news

[Matt3824]

One thing I've always wondered about is why people use Dual inputs on amps, but still use CCA wire. OFC carries more current and therefore would have the same effect as dual inputs, to a degree. I wish I had the time to do a test on it.

[AlwaysLearning]

Good writeup for teh 's. I just got 50ft of cca, only using one run for now but will use 2 when I get a bigger amp. Plus, aluminum is more conductive PER weight of conductor (as it is lighter than copper, less dense) , but having more runs (more wire jacket) may negate this

and lol people that take Gary SpringGay seriously

[SantaClawZ]

Originally Posted by Matt3824

One thing I've always wondered about is why people use Dual inputs on amps, but still use CCA wire. OFC carries more current and therefore would have the same effect as dual inputs, to a degree. I wish I had the time to do a test on it.

2 runs of CCA 1/0 = 500a
1 run of OFC 1/0 = 300a

The CCA will have less resistance as well. Sure dual copper runs would have even less resistance, but there's a point where the cost outweighs the benefit.

[AlwaysLearning]

Originally Posted by SantaClawZ

2 runs of CCA 1/0 = 500a
1 run of OFC 1/0 = 300a

The CCA will have less resistance as well. Sure dual copper runs would have even less resistance, but there's a point where the cost outweighs the benefit.

Also depends on the wire itself, Knu OFC 1/0 is rated 350a at 20ft I believe and it is bigger than most ofc 1/0. I'm getting diyma 1/0 which is really 2/0 its even bigger than the knu but its tinned cca. Should be good for a good bit more than 250a at 20ft

[Matt3824]

Originally Posted by SantaClawZ

2 runs of CCA 1/0 = 500a
1 run of OFC 1/0 = 300a

The CCA will have less resistance as well. Sure dual copper runs would have even less resistance, but there's a point where the cost outweighs the benefit.

But if you've got a 5ft run into the amp, it would be cheaper to run OFC than CCA w/dual inputs.

[profundus-sanus]

this video has been beat to damn death time and time again. you get more current capacity for your money with cca. if you're in a wire limited situation or just have to get the best get tinned ofc.

and def i'm with the running ofc to your amps instead of dual inputs. i def only use ofc for runs from batt/distro to amp. just using cca for front to back runs.

[AlwaysLearning]

Actually the CCA I just got is rated at 300A @ 20ft!

[Turn it up]

Nice write up. Ive seen a few posts saying that cca is junk & wont put it in their car etc is that true?
Also heard 0 awg cca is like 4 awg OFC? Is that true?
I have my eye on that shok cca & execution but having doubts....