CCA vs OFC for wiring project

[Power247]

I am about to begin an exterior lighting/switch project using the factory upfitter switches from a C&C truck. As I am looking to order wire in bulk I see way more options in copper clad aluminum. I know pure copper is a better conductor, but is CCA good enough being it is half the cost and more available? Typical current draw will be under 10 amps for any single run.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | MM3 tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

 

[OctaneMatt]

Under 10A, there shouldn't be a reason to worry about it. Just make sure you're wire is appropriately sized for the length. The average advice for CCA is to oversize the wire a gauge or two, but at under 10A, it really shouldn't be an issue.

That being said... I personally prefer copper and would opt for it. I dunno why, it just makes me feel better about myself.

 

[chrisbh17]

I am about to begin an exterior lighting/switch project using the factory upfitter switches from a C&C truck. As I am looking to order wire in bulk I see way more options in copper clad aluminum. I know pure copper is a better conductor, but is CCA good enough being it is half the cost and more available? Typical current draw will be under 10 amps for any single run.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | MM3 tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

Check out 4RCustoms on Ebay, they carry GXL/TXL wire which is basically what the factory uses. Good prices and you can get custom colors/striping if you want to be really "stock-y" about it.

 

[Power247]

Thanks for the responses guys!
@OctaneMatt that chart is very helpful. I think that I'm going to stick with copper too.
@chrisbh17 I will check them out. I do want this to look as stock as possible without breaking the bank.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310

 

[chrisbh17]

No problem.

Ive used their stuff multiple times, it is very high quality and looks stock even before you wrap it.

BTW if you want to wrap anything, look at Tesa tape. They make a felt type one for interior use and a friction/sticky type one for exterior use. Also pretty much the same stuff the factory uses.

 

[Power247]

No problem.

Ive used their stuff multiple times, it is very high quality and looks stock even before you wrap it.

BTW if you want to wrap anything, look at Tesa tape. They make a felt type one for interior use and a friction/sticky type one for exterior use. Also pretty much the same stuff the factory uses.

Excellent! I will check that out too. I typically just use split loom but always looking to do the cleanest install possible.

Greg
2012 | RAM 2500 | CCSB | Custom tuned by Double R Diesel
2016 | Heartland Pioneer | DS310