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We had to replace an electrical panel for a house built in the 1950's and the copper wire is quite heavy. Any idea what type of copper it is and what the approximate going rate is for this type of copper?

I plan on taking it to a recycling location, but don't want to make a special trip if it isn't worth much.

im not the expert on this but... #2 insulated in Tucson is .92/ lb. heavier stuff, or back then solid vx. strands is #1.

If you take the time to strip it you will get more money for it, sometimes it strips easy sometimes it doesn't

Copper Spot price as been down lately sitting at 2.919lb I would recommend calling around for prices if you have enough to make it worth while.
just north of Boston Prices. Being near a Sea Port helps get a little more
My not a expert estimates
if its still nice and shiny Bare Bright Copper #1 @2.25-2.50 lb
Copper #2 ( not shiny, may have some solder, fine stranded stuff) 2.00-2.25 Lb
Aluminum is $.45-.50 lb or so
Steel shred is about 190 a ton (was about a month ago I think its down)

as Cwgii says around .90 for the Home wire insulated stuff. If its all the same stuff they should have a price for your particular Gauge/style wire.

I hear some places won't buy stripped copper, presumably because of all the copper thieves.

Recyclersteve wrote:I hear some places won't buy stripped copper, presumably because of all the copper thieves.

I have never heard any thing like that. is it a state thing? Yard thing?

My places want the stripped stuff easier for them and they probably make more on it. And so do I

I go to 3 different scrap yards depended on the load, size, what there paying on that day, and how close i am to them. 2 pay cash, the bigger place pays by Check. All require ID's

have u estimated how much copper you have ? Feet/weight?
What state you in?

Arizona yards are not allowed to buy stripped copper. I understood it has something to do with discouraging people from burning the insulation off.

You can get decent prices on e-bay.

No.1 Insulated Copper Wire shall consist of plastic insulated unalloyed, uncoated (plated) copper wire, with the copper wire not smaller than 16 gauge.

hobo finds wrote:No.1 Insulated Copper Wire shall consist of plastic insulated unalloyed, uncoated (plated) copper wire, with the copper wire not smaller than 16 gauge.

ahhhhhhhhhh, see like women say........ size matters.

I ended up getting $1.70/lb. for 12 lbs. of insulated 90% copper and $1.40/lb. for 10 lbs. of INS copper #1 80%. Total received for all parts of the electrical panels turned in (incl. breakers) was about $40. This was on 12/21/14.

Recyclersteve wrote:I ended up getting $1.70/lb. for 12 lbs. of insulated 90% copper and $1.40/lb. for 10 lbs. of INS copper #1 80%. Total received for all parts of the electrical panels turned in (incl. breakers) was about $40. This was on 12/21/14.

What were the breakers sold as? Shred price or something better?

They only paid the steel price for breakers. I didn't like it, but didn't feel like making a scene for about 15 breakers.

Recyclersteve wrote:They only paid the steel price for breakers. I didn't like it, but didn't feel like making a scene for about 15 breakers.

Breakers are lots of plastic. It surprises me that you get paid that well.

here in Tucson over the last week. copper thieves caused problems at a medical practice and 30k loss of food from a bbq restaurant.

messymessy wrote:

Recyclersteve wrote:They only paid the steel price for breakers. I didn't like it, but didn't feel like making a scene for about 15 breakers.

Breakers are lots of plastic. It surprises me that you get paid that well.

I am always surprised at what you can scrap that people don't normally think of as metal! Usually the prices for "electronics" are terrible, but beats trashing something if you're going to the yard regardless.

Scraping overcurrent devices is unheard of around here.. though like said most are now plastic.. i know this is almost a year old but did you have federal pacific? Most houses had fuse protectors

Sorry, I never did make note of the brand.

daviscfad wrote:Scraping overcurrent devices is unheard of around here.. though like said most are now plastic.. i know this is almost a year old but did you have federal pacific? Most houses had fuse protectors

You can sell lots of breakers on Ebay for decent money. You get the best money for old ones that aren't made anymore, like Federal Pacific, Wadsworth, Pushmatic or Zinsco.

Yes federal pacific volt in breakers sell for stupid money