Copper wire is a versatile material that can be recycled into a variety of things, and one of the best sources to find copper is electrical wiring, plumbing, and manufacturing. Most copper wire is typically made from pure copper and insulated with a thin layer of plastic to protect it from outside elements and improve its conductivity. However, there are three types of copper scrap wire in particular that can be recycled for maximum profits.

To elaborate further, here are the 3 types of scrap wire that are economically valuable:

Bare Bright Copper Wire

Bare bright copper wire is most often found in electrical wiring. It is composed of pure copper and is devoid of any insulation. Due to its unadulterated nature, it has the characteristic bright orange hue of copper. It is usually found in the 16 gauge range, but some wires are thicker or thinner, depending on what they are used for.

Bare bright copper wire is valuable due to its shiny surface which doesn’t contain any contaminant like oil or shellac, fetching a good price in the market. For the fairest price, choose a professional recycling company, such as Alnor Industries Ltd., who understands the true value of this scrap. 

Number 2 Copper

Number 2 copper wire contains an alloy of copper and zinc. It can be easily distinguished by its dark orange or reddish hue, compared to the orange of Bare Bright copper. It is usually used for electrical wiring and plumbing, as the zinc coating prevents corrosion in water systems. Thus, if you have aged electrical wires and rusty plumbing materials and equipment, you can earn a profit by extracting this copper scrap from them.

However, this type of scrap wire may contain hair wire of a lower gauge, which might lower its value. Hence, select wires that are free from such contaminants. 

Copper Yokes

Copper yokes are conical in shape and were an integral part of older CRT TVs and decades-old appliances. They serve as the wire that conducts electricity from the power source to the TV or appliance. If you have some aged appliances and electronics in your home, you’ll most likely find high-quality copper yokes. However, they are coated in some shellac, so they will not fetch a very great price like Bare Bright copper. That being said, it is still a profitable venture to recycle copper yokes.

Therefore, if you are looking to recycle copper scrap, then consider one of these 3 types of wires to get maximum profits.

You can always count on us at Alnor Industries to give you the best price for high-quality scrap wire. Contact us today to learn more about our services.