Short answer: Strip a short section and look at the conductor, because copper is reddish or gold-coloured and heavy, while aluminium is silvery grey and noticeably light and stiff, and a scratch test or a magnet confirms it, with copper-clad aluminium showing a copper surface over a silver core when cut, which is worth knowing because aluminium cable sells for far less.
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List Free →Colour and weight
Copper is red-gold and heavy, whereas aluminium is silver and light.
Cut and scratch
A fresh cut shows the true colour of the conductor, and scratching the surface confirms it.
Copper-clad aluminium
Some cable has a thin copper layer over aluminium, which looks like copper on the outside but is worth much less.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade buyers can identify cable from photos, so you can check before you strip.
The right choice with wire is often the simplest one. ScrapTrade connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments.
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