Booster cables - what is the difference in use between copper cald aluminum and 100 copper wire?
It depends on some factors which are not mentioned in the question. The main difference between 100% copper wire and copper clad aluminum is that IF they are the same diameter, then the copper will carry and stand up to more electrical current than the aluminum. If the diameter of the aluminum cables have been upgraded in size, to match the current carrying capacity of the normal copper cables, then the only remaining difference is that copper withstands much more bending and coiling beforethe metal begins to "work harden," and some of the individual wire strands begin to break. In other words, the copper stands up to use better than aluminum. When buying booster cables, read the lables, and make sure that the maximum number of Amps, for which the aluminum cables are capable of carrying, is equal to or greater than the highest rated copper cables. Therefore, IF the copper clad aluminum cables are rated for the same current carrying capacity as copper cables, then there is NO difference in use between the two types.