Short answer: Data cables such as network and telephone cable contain thin copper conductors inside a lot of insulation, so the copper yield is low and stripping is slow, which means they are only worth collecting in large quantities from an office or building clear-out and are usually sold insulated, and some cheaper cables use copper-clad aluminium rather than solid copper.
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The conductors are thin, and the insulation and jacket make up most of the weight.
Check the conductor
Cheaper cables may use copper-clad aluminium, which is worth far less than solid copper.
Bulk only
A building’s worth of cabling can add up, but a few leads rarely justify the effort.
How ScrapTrade Fits In
ScrapTrade buyers quote on data cable in bulk, so large clear-outs can be sold as they are.
Knowing your cable saves a lot of effort. ScrapTrade connects you with verified buyers, transparent weighing and escrow-protected payments.
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