Why does everyone here only push OFC wiring?

General
1

Every time someone asks a simple question in this forum, the replies are full of people recommending OFC wiring.

Yeah, I get that CCA has lower conductivity and might corrode faster, but it’s so cheap that for budget builds, it seems like a decent option. You could just go for a thicker cable instead.

It feels like everyone here forgets about regular copper cables that aren’t OFC. Welding cables, for example, are great and cost way less.

Why does this always turn into an all-or-nothing thing? Why is it only OFC for every use? Aren’t there better budget options out there? And for those new to this hobby, saving money is often a priority.

Are there serious issues with standard 99% copper cables like welding cables? Or is this just an audiophile thing, where people would even buy gold cables for a barely noticeable difference?

2

Here’s something to think about… I tried budget CCA wire once. It got way too hot and started corroding within a year (I’m in Michigan). Switched to 1/0 welding cable, and it’s been perfect for 8 years.

3

@Lennox
Did you size the old wire correctly? Is the new one OFC or just regular welding cable?

4

Vic said:
@Lennox
Did you size the old wire correctly? Is the new one OFC or just regular welding cable?

The new one is just regular welding cable from the store. The old wire was 2/0 CCA junk.

5

Welding cables are usually OFC. They follow true AWG specs and aren’t oversized like some car audio wires.

6

Hadley said:
Welding cables are usually OFC. They follow true AWG specs and aren’t oversized like some car audio wires.

Even if it wasn’t OFC but 98% copper, would anyone really notice a big difference?

7

@Vic
Honestly, no one here would notice. But people recommend OFC because they’ve seen what happens with CCA. It’s cheap, but it can cause problems—overheating, corrosion, even fires. After spending a lot on a car and stereo system, no one wants to risk that to save a few bucks on wiring. It’s about avoiding headaches and doing it right the first time.

8

I use welding cable for all my builds. It’s a little harder to work with since the jacket is a sticky rubber, but aside from that, there’s no difference in performance compared to branded wire.

9

Here’s a quick breakdown:

CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum)

  • Less conductive than copper, so you need a thicker cable to handle the same current.
  • Corrodes faster, which slows down conductivity.

OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper)

  • Slower to corrode and more efficient at conducting electricity.

By the time you buy a thicker CCA cable and replace it due to corrosion, you’re not saving much money.

10

I used to work on aircraft, and we didn’t use OFC. Some folks here act like they’re building a rocket. Regular wiring works just fine.