Insulated Wire Grade 1
Grade 1 insulated wire is thick single or twin-core cable where the copper makes up a high proportion of the total weight. The price you are quoted reflects the copper the yard expects to recover once the insulation is stripped, so thicker conductors and thinner insulation both improve the rate.
Set by hand on ; not moved by our weekly market check. How we set prices
Compare all Copper gradesHow to Identify
Thick single or twin-core wire (6mm² and above), armoured cable (SWA), and heavy industrial cable.
Common Sources
Mains supply cable, steel wire armoured (SWA) cable from outbuildings and external runs, heavy industrial and three-phase cable, and thick twin-and-earth from domestic rewiring.
About Insulated Wire Grade 1
Thick single-core insulated wire such as mains wiring. The price reflects the estimated copper recovery once the insulation is stripped.
How This Grade Compares
Insulated Wire Grade 1 is a lower grade of Copper scrap. At £2.20–£2.80/kg, it sits within the typical range for this metal. Clean presentation and proper sorting will help you achieve the top of this range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Insulated Wire Grade 1 scrap worth per kg?▾
Our guide range for Insulated Wire Grade 1 is £2.20–£2.80 per kg (approximately £2,200–£2,800/tonne). It was set by hand on 25 March 2026 and is not moved by our weekly market check, so treat it as a guide and get a quote from the yard.
How do I identify Insulated Wire Grade 1?▾
Thick single or twin-core wire (6mm² and above), armoured cable (SWA), and heavy industrial cable.
Can I get paid cash for Insulated Wire Grade 1 at a scrap yard?▾
Not in Great Britain. Licensed scrap yards in England and Wales must pay by bank transfer or cheque under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013, and Scotland has banned cash payments for metal since 2016. Northern Ireland has no equivalent ban, but reputable yards there pay by bank transfer too.
What lowers the grade of Insulated Wire Grade 1?▾
Any contamination reduces your payout. Common issues include: attached fittings or connectors, paint or coating, solder, corrosion, or mixing with lower-grade Copper material. Sort and clean before selling.