Alligator Clip Vs. Cable Lug Vs. Anderson connector

Bop said:

It isn't always easy to tell them apart visually, but the good old cigarette lighter test shows if you have CCA cables or not...
Easiest way (and doesn't need cutting off any terminals) is just strip back a bit of the insulation (just slit it and 'dig out' a single strand), and cut that single strand of the wire, and bend it out away from the terminal... then heat it up with a lighter- copper will stay stiff and mildly discolour, CAA will bend and go 'floppy'...
(only a minute and a half long)

Best thing is if it is a good copper cable, just put some heatshrink over the slit and you can still use the cable... no need for a new terminal to be fitted...

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robbob2112 said:

I guess this would work if you don't have crimpers and lugs handy. To me I just whack off the lug and verify under a microscope visually.

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Bop said:

Kinda a bit awkward dragging a microscope up into the roof cavity...
;-)
The lighter test is quick, easy and simple to do in the field... and takes seconds without needing to fit new lugs etc

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robbob2112 said:

And I made a mistake - magnifying glass - I use my phone for this a lot of the time.

Why would you take unknown cables to the roof? Especially knowing they came with an inverter and all such cables are suspect.

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Bop said:

Because you may need to check what existing cables are fitted (I do installs and repairs, that is a trick the pro's use to quickly identify what a cable is made of... here CCA isn't allowed anymore, but many cables aren't done by electricians in older installs and can be found)- it is also a 'nondestructive' test for an existing made up lead, which can be used afterwards without needing to fit a new terminal, use crimpers etc- slit, pull a single strand and test with the lighter, if it IS copper, fit some heatshrink and use it... (CCA can be found in MANY things besides inverters, and is a risk to use, which is why it isn't allowed here)
Alll I was doing was leting people know of a simple and reliable way of testing for it- why this is such a thing for you to get wound up over I don't know...

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Bop said:

It isn't always easy to tell them apart visually

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