What is BX Wire?

BX wire, also known as armored cable, is an electrical cable protected by a flexible metal jacket that surrounds the insulated conductors inside. The armored casing provides additional mechanical protection, making BX wire a popular choice for installations where wiring may be exposed to physical damage.

Because it contains both insulated copper conductors and a metal armor, BX wire is widely accepted by scrap yards for recycling.

Where is BX Wire Found?

BX wire has been used in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical systems for many decades. It is commonly recovered during building renovations, electrical upgrades, and demolition projects.

Typical sources include:

• Residential homes and apartment buildings
• Commercial offices and retail spaces
• Industrial facilities and warehouses
• Schools, hospitals, and public buildings
• Electrical service and renovation projects

What Determines Its Value?

The value of BX wire depends primarily on the amount of recoverable copper inside the cable and the type of metal used for the outer armor. Most BX cable contains insulated copper conductors protected by a steel or aluminum jacket.

Since the cable contains multiple materials, its scrap value is generally based on the recoverable copper content after processing.

Preparing BX Wire for Recycling

In most cases, BX wire does not need to be dismantled before recycling. Modern recycling facilities have specialized equipment that efficiently separates the copper conductors from the metal armor and insulation.

• Keep BX wire separated from other wire grades when possible.
• Remove excessive dirt, concrete, or construction debris.
• Avoid burning or damaging the insulation to recover the copper.
• Bundle larger quantities together for easier handling and processing.

Why Recycle BX Wire?

Recycling BX wire recovers valuable copper and other recyclable metals while reducing waste from construction and demolition projects. The recovered materials can be processed and reused in the manufacture of new electrical products, helping conserve natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of mining.

Whether recovered from a residential renovation or a large commercial project, BX wire remains an important source of recyclable copper and metal.