Aluminum and copper wire

[Tbsclmail]

I am working on installing a turn signal kit on a UTV. The wiring harness isn’t long enough and I’m looking to lengthen it maybe 18”. My question is: the wiring harness is a silver wire that doesn’t scrape off, so I’m assuming it’s aluminum? All of the wire I’m finding around the area is copper. I know in residential wiring you shouldn’t combine the two types.

In this 12 volt scenario, can I use the copper wire I purchased at the store to tie to the aluminum and lengthen it?

 

[andyd]

if the shiny wire is fine stranded then it is probably tinned copper.

 

[supton]

Agreed, it's probably tinned. If you cut it back and strip, it's likely copper.

Regular copper wire should work fine. Figure out how to seal it against the elements (tape is not a great sealer).

 

[tnt_motorsports]

Agreed, it's probably tinned. If you cut it back and strip, it's likely copper.

Regular copper wire should work fine. Figure out how to seal it against the elements (tape is not a great sealer).

I agree completely. Heat shrink can be easily found at Harbor Freight.

Just my $0.02

 

[92saturnsl2]

If that's an aftermarket kit, I can almost guarantee it's aluminum wire. No company in their right mind would sell pure copper in these types of kits unless you bought something high dollar-- you get A: CCA (copper clad aluminum) which looks like copper but doesn't feel like it to anyone who's worked with pure copper or B: straight aluminum.

There's nothing wrong with aluminum as a conductor. It weighs less than copper for the electrical conductivity it provides, just ends up being larger. And nothing wrong with tying Cu and Al together in a low draw application. If you're the paranoid type get the UL certified splice connectors that were made for aluminum wired homes.

 

[Elkins45]

I accidentally ended up with some of that CCA wire and used it to wire boat lights. Since I mistakenly thought it was copper I used regular crimp connectors. A year later I had to do the whole thing over because the connections had all oxidized and most broke where the wire emerged from the insulation.

 

[Asterix]

Do yourself a favor and only use Molex Perma-seal crimp connectors, especially on a trailer where they'll see weather. They have hot-glue-filled heat-shrink tubes that seal and provide strength. You can get butt splices, ring terminals, and quick connects. Digikey, Mouser, and Waytek have them. They are well worth the cost.

If you do connect aluminum to copper, goop it up with antioxidant meant for that purpose. Home Depot should have the goop.

 

[nomas]

If you do connect aluminum to copper, goop it up with antioxidant meant for that purpose. Home Depot should have the goop.

EJC . I keep a tube on hand . I use it on my battery connections too .