Wire Wars: Steak vs Tofu Edition
Copper = premium steak, aluminum = budget tofu – each has its place:
Round 1: Cost
- Aluminum: 60% cheaper
- But needs 30% thicker wires
Round 2: Safety
- Copper resists corrosion better
- Aluminum needs special connectors
Round 3: Weight
- Aluminum 50% lighter → EVs gain 1.2% range
Best Uses
| Application | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Cables | Copper | Stable with high power |
| Interior Lights | Aluminum | Light + cheap |
| Trailer Wiring | Hybrid | Copper core + aluminum shield |
2024 Price Alert
With copper prices up:
- Use copper-clad aluminum (CCA) for non-critical circuits
- Keep pure copper for key parts
Real DIY Case
Jim upgraded his stereo with aluminum wires:
- Savings: 220→220→89
- Sound quality: No noticeable loss
