Updated June 12, 2026 • ScrapMetalBuyers.com • All Guides
Copper Wire Grades Explained: Bare Bright vs. #1 vs. #2 Copper
Walk into any scrap yard and you'll hear terms like "bare bright," "#1," and "#2" copper. These grades determine your payout, and understanding them is the single most important skill for anyone selling copper scrap. Here's the complete breakdown.
Bare Bright Copper (BB) — Highest Grade
Bare bright is the highest grade of copper scrap, paying $3.80–$4.50/lb in 2026. To qualify as bare bright, copper wire must be completely free of insulation, unalloyed (pure copper, not brass or bronze), free of solder, paint, or coatings, shiny and clean in appearance, and at minimum 16-gauge thickness. Common sources include stripped THHN wire, bus bar, and clean copper pipe with no fittings.
Copper #1 (Clean Copper) — Second Grade
Copper #1 pays $3.50–$4.20/lb and includes clean, unalloyed copper that may have light oxidation or tarnish but no solder, paint, coatings, or attached fittings. Common sources are clean copper pipe, bus bar with light oxidation, and clean copper sheet.
Copper #2 (Dirty Copper) — Third Grade
Copper #2 pays $3.20–$3.90/lb and covers copper contaminated with solder joints, paint or coatings, heavy oxidation or patina, or small amounts of attached metals. Common sources are plumbing pipe with solder, painted copper, and copper with light coatings.
Insulated Copper Wire (ICW) — Variable Grade
Insulated wire pays $0.80–$2.50/lb depending on the estimated copper content (recovery percentage). Thick-gauge wire like Romex 12/2 has a high copper percentage and pays more. Thin wire like phone wire has a low copper percentage and pays much less.
The Price Difference Matters at Scale
At 100 lbs, the difference between bare bright ($4.20/lb) and #2 copper ($3.50/lb) is $70. That's why sorting and upgrading your copper grade before selling is always worth the effort. For large copper lots, ScrapMetalBuyers.com pays top-of-market rates for all copper grades. Call 954-488-0700 for a same-day quote.
💰 What ScrapMetalBuyers.com Pays by Copper Grade
As of June 12, 2026 — Call 954-488-0700 to confirm current rates before delivery.| Copper Grade | Market Range | SMB Drop-Off Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Bare Bright (BB) — shiny, clean, no insulation | $3.80 – $4.50/lb | Up to $4.60/lb |
| Copper #1 — clean pipe/bar, light oxidation OK | $3.50 – $4.20/lb | Up to $4.30/lb |
| Copper #2 — solder, paint, light coatings | $3.20 – $3.90/lb | Up to $3.90/lb |
| Insulated Wire (THHN/Romex, thick) | $1.20 – $2.50/lb | Up to $2.60/lb |
| Insulated Wire (thin, phone/speaker) | $0.40 – $0.80/lb | Up to $0.90/lb |
ⓘ Drop-off rates apply when you deliver to a confirmed ScrapMetalBuyers.com U.S. location. Call 954-488-0700 to find your nearest drop-off point and lock in your price before you haul.
📍 Drop Off & Get Paid More
Did you know that sellers who deliver directly to one of our U.S. drop-off locations receive a premium above our standard pickup rate? We pass the logistics savings straight to you.
Drop-off locations are available across the United States. Contact us first so we can confirm the nearest location, verify your material, and lock in your price before you make the trip.
📞 Call 954-488-0700 to Find Your Drop-Off Location Get a Drop-Off Quote OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
What happens if I mix bare bright with #2 copper?
The yard will price the entire mixed load at the #2 rate. Always keep grades separated in different containers.
Can I upgrade #2 copper to #1 by cleaning it?
Sometimes. If the contamination is light oxidation, some yards will accept it as #1 after inspection. Solder cannot be removed easily, so soldered copper stays at #2.
What is "burnt copper"?
Burnt copper is wire that has had its insulation burned off. It's illegal to burn wire in most jurisdictions due to toxic fumes, and many yards won't accept it or will pay a lower price for it.
Is enamel-coated magnet wire bare bright?
No. Magnet wire (the fine wire in motors and transformers) has an enamel coating and is classified as #2 copper at best. It cannot be classified as bare bright.
How thick does wire need to be to qualify as bare bright?
Most yards require bare bright wire to be at least 16-gauge (approximately 1.3mm diameter). Thinner wire is harder to process and may be classified as #2 even if clean.
Does ScrapMetalBuyers.com grade copper on-site?
Yes. When you deliver to a drop-off location or schedule a pickup, our team grades your copper on-site and explains the classification. We're transparent about grading — call 954-488-0700 with any questions before you arrive.
Ready to Sell? Get a Same-Day Quote
Call us now or fill out our form. We respond within 2 hours, pay same-day, and handle all logistics at no cost to you.
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