The prices of 4-core (4c) copper and aluminum power cables are affected by multiple factors such as conductor material, cross-sectional area, market supply and demand, and process costs. Prices vary significantly among different specifications (4mm², 10mm², 16mm², 25mm², 35mm², 70mm², 95mm², 185mm²), and the price difference between copper and aluminum cables remains stable.​ In terms of materials, copper cables are generally more expensive than aluminum cables due to the excellent conductivity (conductivity of about 58MS/m) and stable mechanical properties of copper conductors. Taking the 4mm² specification as an example, the unit price of copper cables is about 15-25 yuan/meter, while that of aluminum cables is 8-12 yuan/meter, with a price difference of about double. As the cross-sectional area increases, the absolute value of the price difference further expands. The unit price of 185mm² copper cables can reach 300-450 yuan/meter, while that of aluminum cables is 150-220 yuan/meter, with a price difference of more than double. This is because the market price of copper (about 60,000 yuan/ton) is much higher than that of aluminum (about 18,000 yuan/ton), and copper cables have higher requirements for conductor purity and stranding technology in production, increasing processing costs.​ The cross-sectional area is a core factor affecting prices. For the same material, prices show non-linear growth with the increase of cross-sectional area: the price of copper cables from 4mm² to 10mm² increases by about 50%-80%, because the insulation layer accounts for a high proportion in small-section cables, and the growth rate of material costs is relatively slow; the increase from 16mm² to 35mm² reaches 100%-150%, as the proportion of conductor material usage rises, and cost sensitivity increases; for large-section cables above 70mm² (such as 95mm² and 185mm²), affected by conductor purity and armoring technology, the price increase is more significant. The price of 185mm² copper cables is about 20-30 times that of 4mm².​ Fluctuations in market supply and demand have a significant impact on prices. Copper prices are greatly affected by the international commodity market and exchange rate changes. If the monthly increase of copper prices exceeds 5%, the prices of corresponding specifications of copper cables usually rise by 3%-4% simultaneously; aluminum price fluctuations are relatively flat, but affected by production capacity policies (such as electrolytic aluminum production restrictions), the phased increase may reach 8%-10%. In addition, during the peak season of the industry (such as before the summer peak of electricity consumption), demand surges, and manufacturers may increase prices by 5%-10%, while in the off-season, prices may drop by 3%-5% to reduce inventory.​ Technology and additional functions also push up prices. Flame-retardant (Zr) and armored (such as YJV22) cables are 15%-25% more expensive than ordinary ones due to increased material costs (adding flame retardants, steel tapes) and process complexity. For example, the unit price of 4c 25mm² flame-retardant copper cables is about 40-55 yuan/meter, which is 6-10 yuan/meter higher than ordinary copper cables.​ Purchase volume has a significant impact on prices. Bulk purchases (such as more than 1000 meters) can enjoy a discount of 5%-15%, while retail unit prices are higher. Imported brands (such as Nexans, Prysmian) are 30%-50% more expensive than domestic brands (such as Far East, Hengtong) due to costs involving tariffs and brand premiums.​ In summary, the price of 4c copper-aluminum power cables should be comprehensively judged based on material, specification, purchase volume and market dynamics. Copper cables are suitable for scenarios with high requirements for conductivity and safety (such as high-rise buildings, precision equipment), while aluminum cables have more advantages in cost-sensitive projects (such as outdoor power grids, temporary power supply). Users can choose according to actual needs.