Recommended Electrical Wiring

[Semievolved]

Getting ready to wire a new project and wondering if people have recommendations for wire type.

For small-draw circuits (LED lights, CO detector, etc) I was planning on running 14AWG 2 conductor. Curious peoples' thoughts on Copper Clad Aluminum vs full copper and any other inputs? This wire caught my attention, does it look OK?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...I3V3RPZE&psc=1

For larger draws like electric water heater, I will use either 10 or 8 gauge depending on how far it ends up being and V drop.

[Centex]

Personally, I'm not a fan of copper clad Al wire or AL wire. IMO weight is not a meaningful factor nor is the alleged difference in flexibility in the size-ranges we use. Copper is the universally accepted standard for both stranded and solid conductors. IMO it's just easiest and most assured to use copper to avoid any questions or special considerations relating to AL / AL clad with copper. YMMV.

Just FYI, two bulk wire vendors (by the foot and/or spools) I've used with excellent service and product quality (I'm sure there are others):

https://www.monoprice.com/

https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/

Just for your consideration, Have Fun!

[Semievolved]

Originally Posted by Centex

Personally, I'm not a fan of copper clad Al wire or AL wire. IMO weight is not a meaningful factor nor is the alleged difference in flexibility in the size-ranges we use. Copper is the universally accepted standard for both stranded and solid conductors. Common and useful wire calculation /sizing tables such as voltage drop and ampacity rating are almost universally based on copper conductors. IMO it's just easiest and most assured to use copper to avoid any questions or special considerations relating to AL / AL clad with copper. YMMV.

Just FYI, two bulk wire vendors (by the foot and/or spools) I've used with excellent service and product quality (I'm sure there are others):

https://www.monoprice.com/

https://www.wireandcableyourway.com/

Just for your consideration, Have Fun!

Thanks Alan, that's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Centex

Note i edited my post regarding wire size calculators - on reflection those are actually usually based on AWG equivalency and that's adjusted in the physical size of different wire materials if they are properly rated (18AWG Al should behave the same as 18AWG Cu if both are properly manufactured and labeled; they may have slightly different physical dimensions in cross-section).

American Wire Gauge is a description of cross-sectional area, not current-carrying capacity. Properly labelled aluminum cable will need to be a larger (lower AWG number) than the copper cable. The difference in gauge between aluminum and copper for the capacity is not slight - it is about two AWG numbers (e.g. 12AWG aluminum in place of 14AWG copper for the same current).

Some sources may refer to equivalents, but they mean aluminum wire of a larger size and labelled with that larger size, not aluminum cable with the same AWG marking.

[Semievolved]

I have used Wire and Cable before but their universe of choices quickly overwhelms me so I described my application (low A, low V LED light wiring in a van) hoping they'd point me to something and their reply was "ask an electrician", not helpful.
So, this is all copper wire and says it's ok for direct burial and UL listed for installation in walls but should I worry that they call it "speaker wire"?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ERHTK54GZ&th=1

[HABBERDABBER]

Looks fine to me, for your minimal load application. Maybe overkill, with the sheathing, but that never hurts. Electrons to a light or to a speaker.....they don't much care. It may be called speaker wire for use for outdoor/inground speaker wiring applications, and not typical 120V electrical applications. Speaker wire implies lower voltage application.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

American Wire Gauge is a description of cross-sectional area, not current-carrying capacity. Properly labelled aluminum cable will need to be a larger (lower AWG number) than the copper cable. The difference in gauge between aluminum and copper for the capacity is not slight - it is about two AWG numbers (e.g. 12AWG aluminum in place of 14AWG copper for the same current).

Some sources may refer to equivalents, but they mean aluminum wire of a larger size and labelled with that larger size, not aluminum cable with the same AWG marking.

I stand corrected. I personally only deal in copper, this is exactly the sort of potential confusion I avoid by doing so.

With apology for the misleading / misinformation post; I've deleted that to avoid further / future confusion.

[Semievolved]

I appreciate the help guys, thanks much!

[Doug & Betty]

I'll add my $0.02.
One of the original problems with Al wire was that it fatigued and cracked with repeated bending and vibration. Something trailer mod wiring is likely to experience.

I've never regretted spending extra for proper marine-grade copper wire. It's intended for severe service and environments, quality insulation that doesn't get brittle, etc. It also comes in many colors beyond red/black if you want to use multiple colors.

[AKCamper]

If you really want the best wire use tinned copper wire that marine supply stores sell. I’m sure it will be more expensive but it will never corrode. Probably overkill for interior wiring

[tdf-texas]

All the 12v wiring changes I have done on my trailer was completed using Ancor wire. Ancor wire is built to handle vibration and corrosion better than building trade stuff. That goes for terminals and connectors as well with all terminations crimped, soldered, and heat shrinked.

If you are going to do something, you might as well do it the best you can.

[Semievolved]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

All the 12v wiring changes I have done on my trailer was completed using Ancor wire. Ancor wire is built to handle vibration and corrosion better than building trade stuff. That goes for terminals and connectors as well with all terminations crimped, soldered, and heat shrinked.

If you are going to do something, you might as well do it the best you can.

Thanks for the Ancor tip. It is only about 20% more expensive than the speaker wire I was considering and I like the extra protection.