Be careful buying “copper” wire from Amazon

[Astro14]

Some jumper cables are also made with copper plated aluminum wire. So basically the wire gauge alone doesn't mean a thing if it's made cheaply like that.

The jumper cables I’ve bought on Amazon are all copper. And cost about $100 for a set. I learned a while back that copper clad aluminum doesn’t work as well in bitter cold (like, a Vermont winter, which is when you’re most likely to need a jump). It’s stiff, doesn’t conduct as well. Pure copper is the only way to go.

I‘ve bought seven sets of these:

Deka 4 Gauge 16 Foot Booster Cables​

But they show unavailable…

As far as wire, I’ve bought this wire on Amazon to have on hand. Seems of good quality.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NV0FGU/

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

It was just referred to as 18 gauge low-voltage automotive copper wire.

“Low-voltage” is probably your giveaway. CCA is not rated to carry the same current as OFC because the aluminum can’t handle the same conditions that copper can, plus it’s higher internal resistance.

Only purchase wire that is clearly advertised as 100% OFC.

 

[mr_boring]

OP - when I need a little wire for a project like that I go through construction dumpsters. They aren't supposed to - but contractors here will throw away 20-30 feet of Romex in a heartbeat. I have one outlet in my garage and am about to add one. I'm sure I'll be able to find a 10 footer length first site I hit up. Romex carries DC just fine and lives forever.