Making the Switch to CCA Building Wire: A Guide for Builders and Electrical Contractors

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Change is never just about materials — it's about mindset. When it comes to transitioning from solid copper to Copperweld® Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Building Wire, the shift is smoother than many home builders and electrical contractors might expect. While initial hesitations around change management are common, those who've made the switch often wonder why they waited so long.

This guide walks through what that change really looks like for builders and contractors — both on the jobsite and behind the scenes.

For Home Builders: More Than Materials — Managing Cost and Confidence

For builders, the idea of moving away from solid copper might raise concerns beyond the technical. Most aren't involved in day-to-day installations — their focus is on project timing, cost stability, inspection success, and minimizing callbacks or theft risk.

The good news: Copper-Clad Aluminum supports those priorities.

Builders often ask whether CCA wire will raise red flags with inspectors — especially in regions where copper has long been the default. Copper-Clad Aluminum is NEC-compliant and widely recognized by inspectors across the country. Because it installs much like copper and meets code requirements, most projects proceed without disruption or added scrutiny.

Some builders also report a noticeable drop in theft incidents. Because CCA looks like copper but has little scrap value, thieves often abandon it once they realize the payoff isn't worth the effort. That means fewer delays, fewer headaches, and fewer insurance claims for stolen materials.

Builders also ask about long-term cost stability. Unlike copper, which is heavily impacted by global markets, aluminum pricing tends to be more stable over time. That makes bids more predictable, and unexpected budget spikes less likely.

While a few minor installation adjustments occur — such as using deeper electrical boxes in some situations — these are handled by the contractor and rarely impact scheduling or budgets. What builders see is a wire that performs like copper, costs less, and supports smoother project delivery overall.

For Electrical Contractors: Small Shifts, Stronger Habits

Electrical contractors have a slightly different set of concerns, especially when it comes to stocking, training, and field-level installation practices.

When it comes to installation changes during the rough-in process, there are surprisingly few required for crews switching to CCA building wire. Most of what crews already do — from pulling wire to mounting devices — stays the same. Most electricians already drill ¾" or ⅞" holes for residential runs, which easily accommodate upsized CCA. Where needed, deeper plastic boxes may be required to meet box fill requirements, but these are a common variation and are readily available from existing supply houses. Devices such as outlets and switches also do not change.

The only consistent adjustment comes during the trim-out phase, where crews must bend conductors around wire-binding screws or install conductors under pressure plates instead of backstabbing their connections. For many contractors, this is already standard practice. Many have favored wire-binding-screw or pressure-plate installation over backstabbing for years as it leads to fewer callbacks and reduced risk of issues down the road.

At first, managing two types of wire inventory — solid-copper and CCA — can seem like extra work. Contractors may worry about warehouse layout, picking errors, or added complexity for field crews. In reality, those concerns tend to be short-lived. Warehouses typically displace copper stock with CCA stock one-for-one, so space isn't an issue. A handful of new SKUs are easy to integrate into existing tracking systems, and labeling practices — such as distinct reel colors or tagged pallets — help crews quickly identify wire materials. Some contractors adopt a phased rollout, while others shift entirely once early feedback proves positive. Either way, the logistics are manageable.

"Everything I thought would be hard about switching to Copperweld Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Building Wire turned out to be easy. The wire installs pretty much the same as copper, and our crews picked it up surprisingly fast."

— Joe Strada, CEO, Strada Services

Some contractors have even turned training into a badge of honor. At Tayco Electric & Solar, team members who demonstrate flawless stripping technique earn a certification and bragging rights. It's a small cultural shift that turns change into camaraderie.

"Honestly, once we made the switch, we didn't look back. Our team even made a game out of clean wire stripping — now it's a badge of honor."

— Eric Owen, Tayco Electric & Solar

The Takeaway: Change Is Easier Than Expected

Switching from solid-copper to CCA building wire doesn't require reinventing your operations — but it does require thoughtful rollout. Teams should be ready to review stocking plans, reinforce best practices, and discuss installation process updates with their crews. Fortunately, these changes are neither expensive nor disruptive. Once field teams settle into the new rhythm, the process becomes second nature. For contractors, most of the 'change' is about streamlining old habits — not overhauling systems.

The shifts may be small, but the long-term benefits are real. With added bonuses like reduced theft incentives, cost savings, and smoother logistics, it's easy to see why more and more builders and electrical contractors are making the shift to CCA — and why it makes good business sense.

Learn more about Copperweld building wire products.

Copperweld is the world leader in bimetallic wire and cable specializing in power, grounding, and signal conductors for building construction, power grid, utilities, communications, and transportation. For over 100 years, their mission has been to make the most reliable, sustainable, and innovative wire and cable products on the market. Copperweld's metallurgical expertise and engineered solutions result in bimetallic products that enhance performance, extend service life, conserve copper, improve energy efficiency, and reduce theft incentives. Their American-made products are manufactured in the USA, and the culture of excellence and innovation that inspired them over a century ago still drives them today.

SOURCE Copperweld