Dengwei International Trade is mainly engaged in various high-end steel import and export businesses, and is a brand enterprise in the metal circulation industry.
Views: 0 Author: Rachel Wynn Publish Time: 2025-05-28 Origin: Site
Bare bright copper is the most valuable and sought-after form of scrap copper due to its exceptional purity, clean appearance, and ease of recycling. Commonly found in stripped electrical wires, this high-grade metal plays a crucial role in the recycling industry and is a key indicator of copper market trends. Understanding its characteristics, pricing, and how it compares to other copper grades helps contractors, recyclers, and material buyers maximize profits and make informed decisions.
Bare bright copper refers to uncoated, unalloyed, and clean copper wire that is free from insulation, corrosion, solder, and other impurities. It must be at least 99% pure and typically comes in the form of #1 copper wire, often stripped from electrical cables. It is recognized by its shiny, reddish-orange appearance.
Purity: Minimum 99% pure copper
Appearance: Bright, clean, shiny, reddish-orange surface
Form: Typically found as stripped copper wire over 16 gauge in thickness
Market Grade: Highest value among scrap copper types
This copper is usually retrieved by stripping insulation from copper electrical wires or cables, a process that can be done manually or mechanically. It’s important to ensure no tarnish, paint, or solder remains, as these can downgrade its classification.
As the top-tier copper scrap, bare bright copper commands the highest price per pound in the recycling market. Prices fluctuate based on global copper demand, commodity exchanges like the London Metal Exchange (LME), and local recycling conditions.
Example average prices (2025):
| Copper Type | Typical Price (USD/lb) |
|---|---|
| Bare Bright Copper | $3.90 - $4.25 |
| #1 Copper | $3.60 - $3.85 |
| #2 Copper | $3.00 - $3.30 |
| Insulated Copper Wire | $1.80 - $2.50 |
Electrical wiring and conductors
Bus bars and grounding rods
Transformer coils and electrical panels
Manufacturing of new copper products
To qualify as bare bright, the copper must be:
Free from any kind of coating, insulation, or tarnish
Larger than 16 gauge in diameter
Not mixed with tinned or burned copper
Clean and bright to the eye with no oxidation
Strip all insulation before selling copper wire
Separate bare bright from lower grade copper
Store copper indoors to prevent oxidation
Sell in bulk when prices are favorable
Because it’s nearly pure, free of contaminants, and ready for immediate reuse in manufacturing, making it more cost-effective to process.
No. Mixing will downgrade the entire batch to a lower grade, significantly reducing its value.
Yes. Bright, shiny copper indicates purity. Tarnished or oxidized copper is less valuable due to cleaning and processing needs.
Almost always, yes. It typically comes from stripped electrical wiring. Solid copper pipe is usually not considered bare bright.
Copper prices can change daily depending on global market trends, exchange rates, and regional supply-demand dynamics.
Bare bright copper represents the highest quality scrap copper available and offers excellent resale value. Whether you're recycling wiring from a demolition project or managing scrap from electrical work, separating and preserving bare bright copper can significantly enhance profitability. Always stay updated on copper prices and follow proper sorting practices to get the best return.
