Let’s go over one of the most common house wires out there: Romex®.
Romex® comes in many colors, yellow, white, orange, and a few others, and has three copper wires inside of it. One is a bare bright wire, which is the ground, and then two smaller gauges that can be approx. 10-12 gauge wire for the actual power to go through.
Where Can I Find Scrap Romex?
You can find scrap Romex wire, which is a type of electrical wiring commonly used in residential construction, in several places:
- Construction Sites: Contractors and builders may have leftover or discarded wire they are willing to part with.
- Demolition Sites: When old buildings are demolished, the old Romex® wire is often removed and discarded. Make sure you ask permission from the demolition crew or property owner.
- Online Marketplaces: You can also search websites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
- Electricians and Contractors: These users specializing in electrical work may have leftover Romex® wire from previous projects. Try and get to know a few of them in your neighborhood.
Some people think that stripping Romex® is a really great thing…and often, we agree. Romex® can make you about 10% more money when you strip it with the right tool; it won’t be bad.
Suggested Reading: Best Handheld Wire Strippers
Cutter, Klein-Kurve Stripper / Cutter, 10-18 AWG Solid, 12-20 AWG Stranded Wire, Glow in the Dark Grips
With Romex® powering thousands, if not millions, of homes through the US and Canada, it often will be one of the more scrapped items regarding insulated wire. Make sure NOT to mix it with your computer cords, as that will really make it lose value.
Scrap ya next time!
-Tom
