Copper chemical symbol CU was one of the first metals used by man. Copper is one of the most important metallic elements. Next to Silver, Copper is the best conductor of electricity. The identification of Copper is simple. Copper is non-magnetic, non-sparking, and red in color. Copper is used in the manufacturing of electrical wire/cable, transformers/generators, electric motors, water pipe/tubing, roofing, electric switchgear and as an alloying agent.
Bare Bright
bare bright is a thick copper wire which has had its insulation stripped off.
#1 Copper Wire
#1 copper wire is bare bright with the insulation burnt off
#1 Pipe or Tubing
#1 tubing is a tube of copper with no impurities such as paint or solder.
Sheet Copper
Sheet copper is as its name states a sheet of copper. Some uses are roofing, kick panels for doors, backsplash behind ovens or stoves.
#1 MCM
#1 MCM is bare bright with the insulation still on. Typical recovery is 85% or higher.
#1 High Voltage 60%
High voltage power cable used inside buildings. This has a thick conductor of copper inside, followed by thick insulation, followed by a thin copper sheath, then the outer coating of insulation. This recovers 60% copper
#1 Insulated
#1 insulated wire is building wire, control cable, etc. When the insulation is removed the copper must be bare and uncoated. The typical recovery is 70% copper.
#2 MCM
#2 MCM is the same as #1 MCM except the copper is tin coated.
# 2 Tube/Pipe
#2 tube and pipe is like #1 tube and pipe. The exception is #2 can have soldered joints and paint.
#2 Insulated
#2 insulated is communications cable, lamp cord, wiring harnesses, ect. The conductor can be bare or coated. Typical recovery is 55%.
#3 Insulated
Insulated wire consisting of christmas lights, computer cables, power cords with the ends on, etc...this wire recovers 30% copper on average
Bare Heliax
Bare Heliax has no outer coating. Outer shell of copper, followed by a thick ring of foam and another thin layer of copper in the center.
Coated Heliax
Coated Heliax has an outer coating, then a thin layer of copper, followed by a thick ring of foam and another thin layer of copper in the center.
copper bearing
Copper bearing is copper/aluminum and other radiator ends. Other items include motor stators & other products where the copper content is 30% or greater.
