Which Common Household Items Contain Insulated Copper Wire?

March 22, 2018

Did you know? Insulated copper wire can be found in a number of household items. Knowing where to look can help you create a sizeable pile of insulated wire for scrapping. Here are some of the best places to find and collect this highly sought-after material.

1. TVs and Monitors. Although many scrap yards won’t accept TVs and monitors, you can certainly cut off the attached wires to add to your pile. Look at the base of the TV and monitors. Simply snip off with scissors.
2. Most electronics have insulated wires inside the metal housing, including laptops, printers, radios, and DVD players. Once you’ve opened up the item, you will find thin insulated copper wires running throughout. Simply cut with scissors and add to the pile. Don’t forget the small electronics laying around your house too! The items themselves, like cell phones and cameras, as well as their charging cords are all great places to find insulated wires.
3. Desktop towers are a great source for scrapped insulated copper wire. Take apart the tower to see the insides. You’ll find boards, hard drives alongside different types of insulated wires like ribbon wire and thin-insulated connectors. Simply cut with scissors.
4. Large Appliances. We all know that items like stoves, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and dish washers are ideal when scrapping steel. However, don’t forget to cut off the wires in the back before dropping them off at the scrap yard. These large appliances come equipped with thicker insulated wire, which will help to instantly increase the weight of your pile.
5. Small Appliances. Broken or unused appliances inside your home also have a good amount of copper wire. Be sure to check around for things like blenders, toasters and coffee makers. You’ll find insulated wire both – both inside and out. Simply cut with scissors and add to your growing pile.

These are just a few items where you can find scrap copper wire. Where else have you found wire around your home? We’d love to hear from you.