Hey everyone! I have a bit of a dilemma I'd love your input on. I recently came across a clearance deal on some 2AWG jumper cables at my local hardware store, which turned out to be copper clad aluminum (CCA) instead of pure copper. I've heard mixed things about CCA, especially when it comes to its reliability for automotive or 12V applications.
My main concern is whether it's safe to use these cables with my 1500W inverter, especially considering it typically draws about 120A. The original cables that came with the inverter are 8AWG pure copper and quite underwhelming for the power I'm dealing with.
Some people say CCA is worse than aluminum due to corrosion issues when the two metals make contact. How risky do you all think it is to use the 2AWG CCA for this application? Should I aim for lower current projects instead? Any insights on how CCA compares to pure aluminum for these sorts of uses would be really appreciated. Thanks!
3 Answers
While CCA cables are acceptable for some applications, they aren’t ideal for permanent installations. In your case, as long as you're using a 50A-75A breaker and keeping the load under control, you should be fine using them in your SUV for those smaller screens or charging your batteries. Just be cautious of the potential for corrosion between the copper and aluminum, particularly in harsh environments.
2AWG CCA cables are generally rated for about 90A, so you'd be pushing it for your 1500W inverter, which struggles at around 120A. You also need to make sure your inverter can accommodate 2AWG cables in the first place. It might fit those larger lugs on the positive and negative terminals, but just double-check that! Also, consider using a 50A breaker to cover your bases. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks for the clarification! The inverter takes 3/8 lugs and the 2AWG is definitely thicker than the original cables. I was thinking 50A might be a solid choice for the breaker. I'm keeping my options open, though—might just use these as spare jumpers.
Honestly, for the price you got those cables, they’re a good deal, but they aren’t something you'd want for your home wiring. For automotive applications, you’re fairly safe as long as you use them wisely and ensure everything is crimped and heat-shrunk properly. Just avoid running them at maximum capacity, and you should be good!
Exactly! It’s for my SUV, not for home use. I was just hoping to get some reassurance since everything I’ve heard about CCA has been pretty negative. Thanks for weighing in!
I appreciate the insight. I’ll probably stick to using them as a temporary solution. It’s nice to hear people say it’s manageable with caution!