A Guide: How to Scrap Copper Wire
Of the many various ferrous metals, copper is one of the most valuable. Wiring is a common form of copper, and you can find it in pretty much all domestic, commercial and industrial properties.
If you happen to stockpile even a small amount of copper wire that you could scrap. it could result in a nice payback. However, there are a couple of ways you can maximise the value of copper wire.
As one of the leading scrap metal recyclers in the northwest, we’re pretty knowledgeable when it comes to metals, so we’ve set out this handy guide for anyone who looking to scrap copper wire.
1. Sort your scrap copper wire out
It may all look the same to the untrained eye, but copper wire is divided into five categories. On top of this, most scrap merchants separate scrap copper into low grade or high grade. High grade can be identified by having a single layer of insulation. Low grade has a double layer. The five categories go from 70% down to 25% as follows:
70% – single core cable that’s around 5-8mm in diameter
50 – 60% – the type of wire that is usually found inside electronics.
45% – this wire is usually found in household goods such as extension cord and appliance leads.
25% – steel wire armoured cable which is generally used for communications.
2. Strip any insulation off
If you can spare the time and effort stripped wire is a lot more profitable and there are electric insulation strippers for this type of job. However, if you’re not selling copper wire in bulk as a full-time job, you can do this easily by hand with a small implement. Insulation comes off much more easily when warm, so safely heat the wiring for a while.
3. Research copper prices
The price of copper fluctuates across the globe on a day-to-day basis. If you know an expert in this field, they should be able to provide some advice on the best time to sell. Otherwise, keep an eye on the inevitable rise and fall of copper prices and try and strike while the price is going up.
4. Use a reputable scrap dealer
With any type of industry, there are a few traders who bring down a good reputation. The image of scrap metal has improved vastly over the past decade, but it always pays to be vigilant. Find a reputable scrap dealer online. Those with a good name are bound to provide the best prices and sound advice on selling. We have been trading for over 30 years and have a team of industry experts who can guide you on the best ways to trade your scrap metal. We have a full cable granulation plant, this enables us to pay the best prices in the northwest for your scrap copper cable. Take a look at our granulation plant in action.
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