RynoSmellsDyno

i have a bunch of CCA (copper clad aluminum) 4 gauge. i know that this alone probably would not do…but what if i double it up? i know this is probably pretty ghetto but i think i read somewhere that this technique is possible to achieve a bigger wire. and i also read that cca wire is the same as a copper wire thats 2 sizes smaller. so that would mean that a 4 gauge cca wire would be a 8 gauge 100% copper wire. so if thats true then would two 8 gauge copper wire be close to a 0 gauge when running two wires together? if, again, this is even possible? i would just like to use what i already have.

Skirmich

First of all what a you trying to power on? are you sure you need a 0AWG? That's for +300Amps which would definitely means you must have at least a 180A Alt rewound..


To Answer your question. Nope 2x8AWG Wires don't equal 1x0AWG..
Technically 0AWG = 325A while each 8AWG is rated for 128.. So add up it comes shy of 256A for Both obviously taken into account resistance and temp.

Skirmich

My Big 4 Consists of:
0AWG for Alt to Batt.
2AWG for Positive to Starter (Not Pictured).
2AWG for Battery Ground to Chassis and Trans.
2AWG for Alt Ground to Chassis (Picture 3 Lower Side).


Main Alt to Batt wire:









This is the Main Ground:

Groovemaster

OK, so you had the 2 sizes smaller equalling 8AWG, that's good (BTW, I am not sure of the figures you are stating, as I beleieve one cable is for AC and the other DC, and there IS a difference, I believe CCA is used in the non-automotive market). Adding (2) cables of the same size will NOT make the conductor significantly larger than the 2 added together (i.e. 8awg is .1285" and 0awg is .3249". (2) 8awg cables added together is .257", which is closer to 2awg). Ohms law comes into play as well, and I believe when you have 2 similar size cables, there is a bit of a power loss because they are independantly smaller sizes.

RynoSmellsDyno

ohh okay that makes sense, i forgot about the resistance factor. i guess ill just have to get the bigger 100% copper wire when i get a chance.

that bit 3 upgrade looks good!

RynoSmellsDyno

or big 4 i should say for you!

Skirmich

^ I wasn't even planning on using a 0AWG since I never planned to have a big system, Current one is Almost pushing 1K RMS (Which is Decent but not Mind blowing). But the 4ft Stinger XPRT Oval Series (Discontinued) was available from a past build so I add it for the kicks/looks.