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Copper Wire

Why should you never burn the insulation off copper wire?

Short answer: Burning insulation releases toxic smoke and fine particles, pollutes the air and soil, creates a fire risk and is illegal in many places, and it also damages the copper by oxidising it so that it is graded lower, which means you lose money as well as risking your health, so stripping mechanically or selling the wire insulated are the safer and better options.

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A health hazard

Burning plastic insulation releases toxic fumes, which are harmful to you and to anyone nearby.

Often illegal

Open burning of waste is prohibited in many areas, and fines can be heavy.

It lowers the price

Burnt copper is blackened and oxidised, and buyers grade it below clean bare copper.

How ScrapTrade Fits In

ScrapTrade buyers accept insulated wire as it is, so there is no reason to burn it.

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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