How to Sell Copper Bus Bar for Scrap
"We pulled copper bus bar from an old switchgear installation. Some of it is bare, some has insulation tape. What grade is this and what does it pay?"
Clean bare copper bus bar is Bare Bright or Copper #1 — the highest grades at $3.80–$4.20/lb. Bus bar with insulation tape is Copper #2 at $2.80–$3.40/lb. Remove the tape if you can — it adds $0.60–$1.00/lb. On 100 lbs that's $60–$100 extra.
Copper Bus Bar Grades
Bare copper bus bar with no coating, no insulation, and no solder is Bare Bright at $3.80–$4.20/lb — the top grade. Bus bar with light oxidation or small amounts of hardware is Copper #1 at $3.50–$3.90/lb. Bus bar with insulation tape, paint, or heavy oxidation is Copper #2 at $2.80–$3.40/lb.
Removing Insulation Tape
Electrical insulation tape (PVC tape) on bus bar is easy to remove — just peel it off. This upgrades the material from Copper #2 to Bare Bright or #1, adding $0.60–$1.00/lb. For a 100-lb load, 20 minutes of tape removal is worth $60–$100.
Switchgear and Electrical Panel Teardowns
Switchgear and electrical panel teardowns are excellent sources of high-grade copper bus bar. The bus bar is typically thick (1/4" to 1" solid copper), clean, and easy to grade. A large switchgear installation can yield 200–1,000+ lbs of Bare Bright copper bus bar.
Commercial Electrical Scrap Buyback
For large electrical teardowns, ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers commercial pickup and pays above-yard rates for clean copper bus bar. We handle all logistics. Call (754) 310-2984.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade is copper bus bar?
Clean bare copper bus bar is Bare Bright at $3.80–$4.20/lb. Bus bar with insulation tape is Copper #2 at $2.80–$3.40/lb. Remove the tape to get the higher grade.
Is it worth removing insulation tape from bus bar?
Yes. Removing tape upgrades from Copper #2 to Bare Bright, adding $0.60–$1.00/lb. On 100 lbs that's $60–$100 extra for 20 minutes of work.
What is copper bus bar worth per pound?
Bare copper bus bar (Bare Bright grade) is worth $3.80–$4.20/lb. With insulation tape (Copper #2) it's $2.80–$3.40/lb.
Do you buy copper bus bar?
Yes. We buy copper bus bar in any quantity. Commercial lots qualify for free pickup. Call (754) 310-2984.