What we buy
- SER and SEU aluminum service entrance cable
- URD and USE-2 underground distribution cable
- XHHW and XHHW-2 aluminum feeder conductors
- #2 through 1000 MCM, including 4/0 and 500 MCM
- Multiplex and triplex service drop where it is clean and identifiable
- Full reels, partial reels and coils
Aluminum is priced against a different market than copper, and the alloy matters. State whether the conductor is AA-8000 series, which is standard for modern building wire, and photograph the reel tag when the alloy is printed there.
Service entrance and underground
SER and SEU are usually bought for a specific service and leave partial reels. URD and USE-2 often come off utility or site work in longer lengths. Both are worth quoting when the footage and the size are clear.
Aluminum details
- Product
- SER, SEU, URD, USE-2, XHHW-2, multiplex
- Sizes
- #2 through 1000 MCM
- Voltage
- 600V class
- Conductors
- 2, 3 and 4 conductor assemblies, single conductors
- Quantity
- Footage and reel count
- Condition
- Sealed, partial, sun-faded, jacket damage
- Storage
- Indoor rack, outdoor yard, underground pull
Aluminum stored outdoors for years is still quotable; jacket condition drives the number.
Terminations, lugs and mixed metal loads
Aluminum terminations are a separate item. If the cable has lugs, splice kits or connectors attached, photograph them. Copper and aluminum should be listed separately even when they came off the same job, because they are priced separately.
Reel weight and handling
A full reel of 4/0 aluminum SER is heavy and awkward. Confirm whether the reel is on a pallet, whether it can be forklifted, and whether a trailer can reach it.
If it is sitting in a backyard, a field or behind a fence, tell us and the pickup will be planned around that rather than around a loading dock that does not exist.
FAQ
Questions we get from sellers
Do you buy aluminum wire by weight?
Weight is one input, but product type, size and condition drive the quote. A reel of SER is a product, not a pile of metal.
Is aluminum URD accepted with jacket damage?
It can be quoted, but jacket damage on underground cable matters. Photograph the damaged section and tell us how much of the reel is affected.
Do you buy aluminum wire that has been in service?
Yes, describe it as used and photograph the ends and jacket. Removed service cable is quoted on remaining length and condition.