Users questions

Is it worth burning copper wire?

Is it worth burning copper wire?

NO BURNING: First and foremost, we would like to reiterate that you should NEVER under any circumstances “burn” your copper wire to remove the insulation. Not only does it harm the environment from the fumes, but it will downgrade your copper at the scrap yard.

Is it dangerous to burn copper?

Copper itself does not burn. Finely divided Copper powder may burn in air or become an explosion hazard. POISONOUS GASES ARE PRODUCED IN FIRE, including Copper fumes and Copper Oxides.

What is the chemical formula for fire burning copper wire?

Copper(II) oxide or cupric oxide is the inorganic compound with the formula CuO. A black solid, it is one of the two stable oxides of copper, the other being Cu2O or copper(I) oxide (cuprous oxide).

What happens when you put copper wire in a flame?

Copper is another metal that can form many oxides. The one formed when copper is heated and reacts with oxygen is copper (II) oxide, also known as cupric oxide. When copper is placed in a flame with oxygen, the flame changes colour to a bright green. The copper (II) oxide that results is black and insoluble in water.

What happens when you burn copper wire?

Burning copper wire releases carcinogens and toxins into the air and into the ground around the burn site, including “dioxins, furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particulate matter, heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, selenium and cadmium) and other pollutants.”

What is the difference between number 1 and number 2 copper?

Scrap copper #2 tubing is different than copper number one tubing in a many ways. The most noticeable difference between the two classifications of scrap copper is that copper #2 tubing does not have a shiny look to it.

What is #2 scrap copper?

2 Scrap Copper consists of clean, unalloyed copper solids. It may include clean, oxidized or coated (plated) copper clippings, punchings, bus bars, commutator segments. Copper pipe or tubing free of excessive solder also falls in this category, but must be clean and oxidized.

Where can I find a lot of copper?

Blogs

  • Old houses. Although PVC pipe is now the standard material used in household plumbing, there are plenty of old houses around the state that still use copper pipes.
  • Thrift stores.
  • Auto parts.
  • Roofing.
  • Household appliances.
  • Computers and TVs.

How do you clean copper wire for recycling?

Add 1 tablespoon (17.06 g) salt and 1 cup (236.58 ml) vinegar to a bowl. Salt and vinegar can help clean off any tarnish or corrosion that remains on your copper wire. Mix the solution together until the salt is well incorporated with the vinegar. Allow the wire to sit in the solution.

What can you do with old copper wire?

Collect scrap copper wire until you have about 20 lbs. or more, remove the components and bring it to a recycling center to sell.

  1. Separate your copper wire into grades.
  2. Call local recycling centers and junk or scrap centers and ask about their current copper prices.

How long does it take for a copper roof to turn green?

20 years

How do you keep a copper roof shiny?

Just Everbrite™ Kits with Gel are recommended for older copper roofs. Once the copper looks the way you want it, neutralize to stop the acid from working, dry and apply 2 to 3 coats of Everbrite™ Protective Coating to keep your copper from tarnishing.

Can you keep copper from turning green?

Coat the copper item in a protective coating to prevent future discoloration. Coat the item in beeswax or carnauba wax. Dip the soft cloth in the wax and apply it to the copper surface.