When scrapping copper wire, knowing what type you have can mean the difference between a decent payout and top dollar. Whether you’re dealing with extension cords, Romex®, THHN, or stripped wire, understanding the types of copper wire — and when to strip them — is crucial for getting the best scrap price at your local yard.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common types of copper wire, how to identify them by color and coating, when it’s worth stripping, and how to use tools (including the iScrap App) to maximize your payout.
How to Tell What Kind of Copper Wire You Have
- Bare Bright Wire: Shiny, pinkish-orange, no coating or oxidation — the highest-value copper scrap.
- #2 Copper Wire: Dull reddish or burnt orange color, often from motors or items with enamel coating. Found in electric motors, yokes and other electronics.
- Tin Coated Copper: Silver-colored coating over copper — still valuable, but priced lower. Found in older electronics and wiring.
- Insulated Copper Wire: Found in electronics, appliances, and extension cords — value depends on copper recovery. The most common; found in extension cords, appliances, etc.
- THHN Wire and Romex®Wire: Common house wiring — often worth stripping due to high copper content. Is the standard for house wiring and electricians.
SEE CURRENT WIRE PRICES
Why Copper Wire Types Matter
Scrap yards pay based on metal recovery, not just weight. Wires with more copper and less insulation are worth more.
For example:
- Romex® wire (used in homes) has more copper than plastic-heavy extension cords.
- Two wires may feel the same in your hand, but one could be worth double per pound.
Before heading to the yard, separate your wires by type to get accurate pricing.
When Should You Strip Your Wire?
Stripping wire takes time — and sometimes it’s not worth it. Here’s how to decide:
✅ Strip if:
- The wire is thicker than a pencil (or your pinky)
- You have a large quantity to process
- The insulation comes off easily or cleanly
- You have the right tools (see below)
❌ Skip stripping if:
- The copper recovery is low (e.g., thin electronics wire)
- You’re losing money on labor/time
- You don’t have the tools to strip efficiently
Helpful Tip: Calculate your hourly return. If stripping adds $15–20/hour or more, it’s probably worth it. If not, save time and sell insulated.
Tips for Stripping Copper Wire
- Leaving any stubborn wire or cable out in the sun is a great way to loosen the insulation, make it much more pliable, and easy to strip!
- Use proper tools like:
- A Handheld Wire Stripper – suitable for small jobs
- Automatic Stripping Machines – best for volume
Before You Head to the Scrap Yard…
Suggested Reading: The Best Handheld Wire Strippers
Before bringing your wire to the scrap yard, make sure it’s properly sorted by type to avoid losing value — mixing Bare Bright with #2 can cost you. Take a moment to ask your yard how they grade wire and whether stripping will earn you more. Sometimes, it’s not worth the effort, especially for thinner, low-recovery cables. Using the iScrap App can help you double-check wire prices, yard policies, and even get feedback from scrap yards by sending a quick photo. A little prep goes a long way toward maximizing your copper cash-out.
