Copper clad aluminum wiring often is used as a price-reducing measure in audio electronics, such as headphones and stereo systems, because of its cheaper cost in comparison to pure copper wire. Copper clad aluminum wire distributors sell wire to be used in audio systems, as well as other types of electronics and building wiring.

Several factors to consider when preparing to buy copper clad aluminum wire are the cost of production and installation, the affect of wire cost on product cost and the base price of copper clad aluminum wiring. Learn more about copper clad aluminum wire pricing and costs to evaluate the right choice for you.

Determine copper clad aluminum wire pricing and costs using the following factors:

1. Learn about the price difference between copper clad aluminum cable and pure copper.
2. Consider the influence of copper clad aluminum wiring on product costs.
3. Buy copper clad aluminum wire online by the foot.
   

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Compare copper clad aluminum wiring and pure copper when estimating costs

Copper clad aluminum rod and wiring should be compared with pure copper when looking at the features and associated costs of different types of wire. Copper clad aluminum is meant to be used as a less expensive replacement for pure copper when the price of copper is high, since the amount of copper in the wire does not typically affect the wire's functionality.

I recommend: Car Audio & Electronics explains the difference between the pricing of copper clad aluminum wire and copper wire, which is largely dependent on the price of copper. You also can learn more about copper clad aluminum rod and wire pricing from International Copper Association, which explains the cost difference in terms of the overall life cycle of the wire.

Understand the product costs associated with copper clad aluminum cable

Because copper clad aluminum wire is used as a replacement for copper wire when the price of copper is prohibitive, copper clad aluminum may not necessarily reduce the price of your electronics product or building wiring. Instead, using copper clad aluminum wire can help you restore rising prices to a lower previous price.

I recommend: Compare prices of electronics using copper clad aluminum wiring (CCAW) and pure copper at Audio-Discounters.com. If you are using copper clad aluminum in a building installation project, check prices at Gadgets Galore on a range of copper clad aluminum speaker wires priced between $120 and $200.

Shop online for copper clad aluminum wire by the foot for any purpose

Copper clad aluminum wiring is sold by the foot at hardware stores and also can be found online. Remember that while copper clad aluminum is less expensive, the base price of copper wire and copper clad aluminum wire are both influenced by the cost of copper.

I recommend: Automotive Accessories Connection sells copper and copper clad aluminum wiring online by the foot for about $1 to $2. Hill Country Corner Store offers spools of copper clad aluminum wire for sale online for between $40 and $100 per spool.

Copper clad aluminum wire, commonly abbreviated as CCA, is composed of a thin layer of copper over an aluminum core with the copper making up ten percent of the wire’s volume. Copper clad aluminum is particularly useful in high-quality coils where weight matters like in mobile coils. For example, voice coils in headphones and portable loudspeakers should be light.

Copper clad aluminum wire is also used in overhead coaxial cable for high frequency television signals. It replaces copper as a grounding conductor on structures. Some of the benefits of copper clad aluminum wire are:

1. Copper clad aluminum (CCA) wire is less expensive than copper wire.

2. CCA wire is lighter than copper wire.

3. CCA wire has higher conductivity than aluminum wire.

4. CCA wire has higher tensile strength than aluminum wire.

5. CCA wire offers better solderability than aluminum wire.

6. CCA wire offers equal corrosion resistance to copper wire.

7. CCA wire offers equal signal frequency to copper wire.

8. CCA wire is easier to install than copper wire.

9. CCA wire is more flexible than copper wire.

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Purchase copper clad aluminum wire online for electronics applications

Copper clad aluminum wire is especially suitable for high frequency applications. Even though it is comprised of 90% aluminum, its high frequency electrical properties are equal to solid copper.

I recommend: Torpedo Specialty Wire manufactures copper clad aluminum wire available in annealed and drawn conditions in sizes from 0.5mm to fine for use in specialty electronics. MWS Wire Industries specializes in fine and ultra-fine copper clad aluminum wire for use in electronic applications.

Contact copper clad aluminum wire manufacturers who serve the automotive industry

The strong economic advantage that copper clad aluminum has over pure copper makes it a logical choice to replace the more than 45 pounds of copper wire that are found in a typical automobile's wiring.

I recommend: Anaheim Wire Products is a distributor and manufacturer of electronic, automotive and computer wire including copper clad aluminum wire and copper clad aluminum rod. ADMAX Electronic Limited manufactures automotive copper clad aluminum cable.

Buy copper clad aluminum wire and cable for the telecommunications industry

Copper clad aluminum wire is the standard material for the center conductor in the cable television industry. The reduced weight of copper clad aluminum wire provides lighter cables which reduces shipping costs, stress on reels, stress on strand wires and frictional force in conduit pulls.

I recommend: American Wire Group is a distributor and manufacturer of copper clad aluminum enameled wire and cables for the utility, wind power and telecommunications markets. Standard Wire and Cable Company is a custom manufacturer of commercial, military and industrial copper clad aluminum rods, wire and cable.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When installing copper clad aluminum wiring, the terminal preparation of the wire should be properly made to avoid any effects from the potential difference between copper and aluminum.
• •  Copper clad aluminum wire is available in round, flat, square and rectangular shapes.
• •  Copper clad aluminum wire is less likely to be stolen than pure copper.

Copper Clad Aluminum Wire or CCAW is a special kind of wiring product where the light aluminum core is "cladded" or covered with a copper coating. Copper clad aluminum wire has several main advantages over other wiring types, making it extremely popular in certain modern engineering. Industries from auto manufacturing to sound projection use copper clad aluminum wire in a wide range of products. Knowing about some of the key terms manufacturers use in discussing CCAW will help a business see how this material is valuable in modern industries.

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Conductivity

Conductivity for metals is the comparison of how well they transmit electricity. Copper clad aluminum wire has a good conductivity in comparison to some other wire types. Engineering experts look at this kind of value carefully when designing nearly any consumer or commercial product.

I recommend: See a breakdown of conductivity by metal at this page from myHRSB.

Tensile strength

Tensile strength is the measure of a kind of elasticity or pliability for metals. It represents how much they can be stressed or stretched without fracture.

I recommend: See a definition on tensile strength from Britannica online.

Corrosion resistance

Corrosion resistance is how well the metal can stand up to moisture or water. Copper clad aluminum wire has a good corrosion resistance factor due to the natural properties of copper.

I recommend: See more on the corrosion resistance properties of metals at this page from Engineering Toolbox.

Solderability

Solderability is the properties of the metal that allow for soldering it to other materials and connecting pieces for good engineering results. In copper clad aluminum wire, the copper cladding is useful for solderability purposes.

I recommend: See details on the desired copper for solderability in copper clad aluminum wire at this page from InTechLabs.

Annealing

Annealing is a heat treating process that manufacturers use on products like copper clad aluminum wire. Annealing allows for specific properties for copper clad aluminum wire coils and other products.

I recommend: See more on the annealing process at WiseGeek.

Automotive and sound wiring

These two types of wiring, automotive wiring in vehicles, and sound wiring in 'coils' and other gear for speakers, represent a good part of the modern use of copper clad aluminum wire, and knowing about these uses will help businesses in these fields stay competitive.

I recommend: See more on why copper clad aluminum wire is a good choice for automotive wiring at this page from Car Audio Mag.