Reference
SIZES, PACKAGING AND CONDITION
A plain-language reference for the three things that decide what surplus wire is worth: how big the conductor is, how it is packaged, and what condition it is in.
Sizes
Conductor sizes from #14 to 1000 MCM
American Wire Gauge applies up to #1. Above that, sizes are given in thousands of circular mils (MCM or kcmil). The table is a reference for what a size is typically used for, not a limit on what we will quote.
| Size | Typical use | What we usually see |
|---|---|---|
| #14 | Branch circuits, control and signal wiring | Common in THHN and XHHW |
| #12 | The most common branch circuit size | Coils and partial reels everywhere |
| #10 | Branch circuits, small feeders, solar | Often the largest leftover on a job |
| #8 | Feeders, ranges, subpanels | Reels and cut lengths |
| #6 | Feeders, service conductors | Common in SER and XHHW |
| #4 | Feeders, grounding | Copper and aluminum |
| #2 | Feeders, subpanels | Aluminum very common |
| #1 | Feeders and services | Copper and aluminum |
| 1/0 | Services and large feeders | Reels, often partial |
| 2/0 | Services and large feeders | Aluminum SER and XHHW |
| 3/0 | Services | Wooden reels |
| 4/0 | Services and heavy feeders | High-value partial reels |
| 250 MCM | Heavy feeders, primary cable | Wooden reels, needs equipment |
| 300 MCM | Heavy feeders, primary cable | Wooden reels |
| 350 MCM | Heavy feeders, primary cable | Wooden reels |
| 400 MCM | Heavy feeders, primary cable | Wooden reels |
| 500 MCM | Heavy feeders, primary cable | Wooden reels, flatbed loading |
| 600 MCM | Primary and heavy feeders | Wooden reels |
| 750 MCM | Primary and heavy feeders | Wooden reels |
| 1000 MCM | Primary and heavy feeders | Wooden reels, heavy lift |
Packaging
How the material is packaged
Packaging affects handling more than value, but it does affect what a pickup looks like.
- Full reels. Factory-sealed or factory-length wooden or plastic reels. The easiest material to handle and quote.
- Partial reels. The normal case. Footage is estimated from the tag, the flange marking or the wrap count.
- Wooden reels. Standard for tray, control and primary cable. Heavy; needs equipment.
- Plastic or steel spools. Common for smaller building wire and portable cord.
- Coils. Cut lengths and MC cable. Easy to load, harder to value without a length.
- Cartons. Data cable, fire alarm cable, MC cable in original boxes.
- Loose lengths. Accepted when part of a larger lot.
Condition
Condition descriptions we use
These are the terms on the quote form. They are descriptive, not a grading system — the material itself always decides.
- New surplus. Never used, still in factory packaging or on a sealed reel.
- Unused, never installed. Out of the packaging but never pulled or terminated.
- Overstock. Stock that sat on a shelf or in a warehouse and has aged without use.
- Partial reel. A reel that has been drawn down; footage unknown or estimated.
- Used / pulled from service. Installed and removed. Condition and jacket history matter.
- Damaged or attrition. Cut, crushed, sun-damaged, waterlogged or otherwise compromised.
- Other. Anything that does not fit the list — describe it in the notes.
Stored outdoors?
Utah sun and snow both leave marks on cable jackets. Say how long the material has been outside and we will factor it in rather than assume the worst.
Request a quote
Have the sizes? Send them over
A list with size, type and approximate footage per line is the fastest thing you can send us.