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5 value options for automotive and electrical wiring

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All wiring is not created equal. Things like pliability, insulation and durability–the ability to withstand elements and erosion—can drastically alter the value and application of a given spool. One massively important factor is the conductor material itself. Plenty of wiring is made with copper-clad aluminum, which degrades more rapidly with time and use, depending on factors like insulation and application. Four out of five of these value options below are OFC-grade, meaning they’re made with 99.9% oxygen-free copper for better conductivity and durability, and all of them are value-priced.

Here’s a serious length of wire from GS Power that’s compatible for speaker, automotive, trailer, home theater, and stereo uses—especially handy in automotive applications as it’s resistant to oil and gas, with PVC insulation that protects the copper from a range of -40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. The wire jacketing is unmarked, and the wires are bonded, but they pull apart, and bend and solder, easily. Most importantly, 99.9% oxygen-free copper means enhanced conductivity for the job.
$39 from Amazon

A 50-foot spool of 10 AWG (American Wire Gauge) copper wiring, also from GS Power, it’s also 99.9% oxygen-free (i.e. OFC copper). Thicker than the 16 AWG, it’s still relatively pliable, for a variety of applications, and GPT grade in terms of environmental durability (and specific automotive application). span. Jacket comes unmarked, with PVC insulation providing the same temperature-range protection to copper interior, ideal for automotive stereo, robotics, R/C, and home theater applications.
$51 from Amazon

This 6-pack of 16 gauge wire (100-foot spools each) is a good investment for serious wiring needs. Jackets come unmarked, but multi-colored, allowing you to categorize by sight. PVC insulated, the wiring is copper-clad aluminum, i.e. CCA, i.e. not resistant to corrosion. Wiring alsonot suitable for wet or harsh-weather environments, meaning you’ll want to stick to things like home theater, LED lights, and car radio speaker set-ups, etc. Interior applications where CCA-grade wiring is acceptable.
$51 from Amazon $59 from Walmart

Another 100 feet of wiring from GS Power, this is 12 gauge OFC wiring useful for a variety of applications (think car stereo, trailer interior, speakers, home theater). The pure copper wire is PVC insulated, ensuring long shelf life and durability for your wiring setup. The jackets (in red and black) are bonded and unmarked, but pull apart easily for use.
$37 from Amazon $47 from Walmart

Again, if you’re powering through wire, a four-pack of 12 gauge wiring like this is a decent investment. Also from GS Power, OFC wiring (i.e. not as susceptible to corrosion as CCA), it comes with a thick, unmarked jacket in blue, red, yellow, and black. Use for home theater, low-voltage LED lighting, automotive interior/speaker, etc.
$59 from Amazon

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Again, every wiring project is different, but no matter what, they all require quality and durability in your wires. From the wiring itself, copper- or aluminum-based, to the thickness and pliability of the jacket, it’s important to assess quality according to your needs. And whatever your specific needs, whether you go through a good amount of electrical wire in a home or professional setting, these five options will keep you in good shape, at reasonable cost.

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