READ their product descriptions thoroughly. I didn't, and got hosed.

The 4 gauge they shipped me was aluminum

This is bad because its significantly more resistant than copper. That means 4 gauge of this cable is NOT equal to 4 gauge of copper wire.

Buyer beware. I don't plan on doing any more business with this company, since they actually have the cajones to sell this junk. And they don't even mention anti-oxidizing grease.


Fwiw, fires have been started by aluminum wires in AC applications. Not sure if it is dangerous in DC or not. This is quoted from an engineering forum:


If someone can suggest a source of legitimate (read: pure copper) 4 gauge at a reasonable (sub $2/ft) price, please let me know.

 

You purchased their low grade KLM cable that is 90% aluminum and 10% copper. Their Kolossus Kable is 100% copper with a high strand count and higher price. I have bought quite a bit of it for different applications and have been very happy with its' performance. I completely agree with you however on the KLM stuff. I surprized that its' sold anywhere due to its' tendency to heat up. It may be safe in a 12 volt application but why take the chance?

 

they should be more forward in the fact its aluminum, as well as warn of the potential dangers, and advise of the proper use of an anti-ox grease.

 

Here is their description of that product. It's looks pretty clear about the content and it specifically states that it designed for "lighter current loads". I did not purchase it because after reading this I wanted to stay away from the aluminum. I did a little research and found that copper clad aluminum wiring such as this has no history of the concerns associated with 100% aluminum wiring. Dr. Jesse Aronstein, "Reducing The Fire Hazard In Aluminum-Wired Homes", May 10, 1996 http://www.inspect-ny.com/aluminum/alreduce.htm Look under section "J" So it looks like you will be fine without any anti-oxidation paste.



KLM Kable 4 Gauge Metallic Blue Power/Ground Cable
( Knukonceptz Item #KLM4BL )

Description: KnuKonceptz continues to blaze new trails for automotive audio enthusiasts with its new Copper Clad Aluminum Cable dubbed 'KLM'. Copper Clad Aluminum (CCA) is made up of 90% Aluminum and 10% Copper. Consisting of 29.44mm^2 of CCA the KLM Kable is equal in size to the Kolossus Kable, but is designed for lighter current loads and not lightening your wallet.

The KLM Kable 4 Gauge Metallic Blue Cable offers incredible flexibility and a rugged PVC outer jacket that is impervious to grease and oil. The PVC outer jacket can with-stand the extreme temperatures (-40 to 105 C) and capable loads of 100A. Price is per one foot.

The KLM cable is an exact replacement of the eKo Kable, it has the same electrical properties at a 20% discount.

 

Thanks for the heads up on the aluminum and lighter load capabilities. I used the eko cable i had before to do my big 3 upgrade. Looks like I'm pulling it. I didn't even bother checking until I saw this

 

I dont know if EKO is cca, maybe just KLM. If you look at the end of the wire and its a little slivery, then it is.

 

yea i took a closer look and i dont think the eko has any in it. Just the KLM because it says that its 20% cheaper than the eko one.