Insulated copper wire is copper cable still wrapped in its plastic or rubber insulation. This is one of the most frequently brought-in materials at Auckland scrap yards, sourced from electrical rewiring jobs, appliance disposal, and demolition projects. The value depends on the copper recovery rate — heavy power cable (65%+ copper content) is worth significantly more than thin communication wire. Stripping insulation from heavy cable can increase your return substantially, but light-gauge wire (42% copper or less) should never be hand-stripped — the fine strands create cut hazards and the weight loss from insulation removal (roughly 35% of total weight) rarely justifies the effort. At endless metals, we accept both stripped and insulated cable.