Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about what we buy, how surplus wire is valued, what to send, and how pickup works in Pennsylvania.
Selling surplus wire
What kind of electrical wire do you buy in Pennsylvania?
Copper and aluminum building wire, THHN and THWN, XHHW and XHHW-2, MC and AC cable, tray cable, control and instrumentation cable, SER and SEU, URD and USE-2, welding cable, portable cord, bare copper, and medium and high voltage cable from 5 kV through 69 kV. We buy wire and cable only.
Do you buy partial reels and short lengths?
Yes. A partial reel with legible jacket print and a reasonable remaining length is reviewed the same way as a full reel. Very short cut lengths, damaged cable and unidentified material are usually valued on conductor recovery instead of resale value, and we will say so plainly.
Do I need to strip, sort or re-spool the wire before selling?
No. Do not cut usable cable or remove tags to prepare a quote. Photograph the inventory as it sits, note what you know about footage and condition, and leave the reels intact. Sorting is only useful when it helps you describe a mixed lot.
How is surplus wire valued compared with scrap?
Usable wire in continuous lengths with readable markings is generally worth more than its metal content because another contractor or plant can install it. The difference depends on construction, size, length, condition, documentation and current demand. We quote the material as wire first and explain when recovery value is the realistic outcome.
What information do you need for a quote?
Wire type, gauge or MCM size, voltage rating, manufacturer if known, approximate footage per reel, number of reels, condition and storage history, the Pennsylvania city or township where the material sits, and photographs of the reel tags, jacket print and conductor ends.
Valuation and pricing
Is unused electrical wire worth more than scrap?
Usually, when it is identifiable, in a usable continuous length and in resalable condition. Scrap value is based on conductor weight; resale value reflects the fact that another contractor can install the wire. Short, damaged or unidentified material generally falls back to recovery value.
How do you price a partial reel?
We use the remaining footage, the construction and the condition of the jacket and reel. Where footage is uncertain, we estimate from the reel diameter and the number of wraps and say that the number is an estimate.
Do you buy mixed lots?
Yes. Mixed lots are reviewed line by line. A single submission can include copper and aluminum, building wire and control cable, full reels and partials. The clearer the list, the more useful the quote.
Do you charge for pickup or review?
There is no charge to review an inventory. Pickup logistics, loading responsibilities and payment terms are agreed in writing as part of the quote.
Wire types
Do you buy aluminum cable?
Yes. Aluminum XHHW-2, SER, SEU, URD and USE-2 are common in Pennsylvania service and distribution work. Large aluminum feeder in full reels is particularly workable.
Do you buy medium voltage cable?
Yes, from 5 kV through 35 kV, and higher voltage classes on a case by case basis. Shielded constructions, insulation type, test history and storage condition all affect the review.
Do you buy wire with damaged or missing labels?
We can still review it. A photograph of the jacket print, the conductor end and the reel helps. If the construction cannot be identified, the material is usually treated as recovery rather than resale.
Do you buy communication and low voltage cable?
Yes, including fire alarm cable, control and instrumentation cable, and low voltage cable used for controls, lighting and communications, subject to condition and quantity.
Logistics
Can you pick up from a job site?
Yes. Job site, laydown yard, warehouse and plant pickups are all possible. Tell us about access, surface, dock height and whether a forklift is available.
Do I need to palletize the reels?
Not necessarily. Reels that can be rolled or lifted individually are workable. Palletizing helps with loose coils and small spools, but do not move material in a way that damages it.
How quickly can a pickup happen?
Timing depends on the size of the lot, the location and the equipment needed. It is confirmed in writing with the quote rather than promised before the inventory is understood.
Can you work around plant security requirements?
Yes. Badging, escort, gate hours, contractor orientation and insurance certificates can all be handled if they are raised before the pickup is scheduled.
About our coverage
Do you have an office in my city?
We do not claim a local office or storefront in every community. We review inventories statewide and arrange pickup at the seller's site.
Which areas do you cover?
All 67 Pennsylvania counties. The regional and city pages on this site describe local industrial context and the wire types that are common in each area.
Can I sell wire from outside Pennsylvania?
This site is focused on Pennsylvania. If the material is just across a state line, ask, and we will tell you whether it can be reviewed.
Have surplus wire on the floor right now?
Send photographs of the reels, tags and jacket print. We will tell you what the material is worth as wire, not just as metal.