Copper wire theft costs utilities and property owners hundreds of millions of dollars annually. As a result, it is one of the most regulated categories in scrap metal law. Legitimate copper wire from contractors and demolition sites looks identical to wire stolen from electrical infrastructure — documentation is the only distinction.
Wire Types and Their Risk Profile
| Wire Type | Theft Risk | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Bare bright copper (clean, manufactured) | Low–moderate | Standard seller ID |
| Insulated copper wire (romex, thhn) | High | Seller ID + origin documentation |
| Utility-grade wire (ACSR, bare copper) | Very high | Utility company letter or contractor docs |
| Wire still on spools | Very high — commonly stolen directly | Manufacturer invoice or contractor docs |
| Buss bar and transformer windings | High | Equipment disposal documentation |
The Pull-String Test
Wire that still has a plastic pull string running through it was recently pulled from conduit in an active installation — not salvaged from a demolition or renovation. This is one of the most reliable visual indicators of potentially stolen wire. Texas explicitly prohibits purchasing wire with pull string still present. Most experienced law enforcement inspectors know this test. Require additional documentation or decline the purchase if pull string is present.
State-Specific Copper Rules
Texas: Prohibits wire with pull string; requires contractor license documentation for renovation-source wire.
California: Prohibits wire bearing utility company markings or on intact spools; requires contractor license number and job address.
Florida: Requires documentation from a licensed electrical contractor for any copper wiring purchased as scrap, including the project address.
Georgia: Prohibits wire from active construction sites without written authorization from the general contractor.