What we buy
- Fire alarm cable, FPLR, FPLP and plenum rated
- Cat 5e, Cat 6 and Cat 6A data cable in boxes and partial boxes
- Coax, RG-6 and RG-11, for camera and signal work
- Security, access control and intercom cable
- Thermostat, doorbell and speaker wire
- Communication and multi-pair cable
- 18/2 through 16/4 control and low-voltage cable
Plenum ratings and jacket print are the key facts. A box of CMP cable is a different product from a box of CMR, and the print on the jacket says which one it is.
Boxes, partial boxes and reels
A sealed 1,000 ft box is easy. A box with 400 ft left is still quotable. Fire alarm cable often comes on 1,000 ft reels with a few hundred feet used, which is normal.
Photograph the box label and the remaining coil. If several boxes are the same product, one photo plus a count is enough.
Details we ask for
Low-voltage details
- Product
- Fire alarm, Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 6A, coax, security, thermostat
- Rating
- CMP, CMR, FPLR, FPLP, CL3
- Sizes
- #22 through #14, 18/2 and 16/4 are common
- Quantity
- Box count, reel count, remaining footage
- Condition
- Sealed box, opened box, partial reel
- Packaging
- Box, carton, coil, reel
Every lot is reviewed on its details and photos; not every rating and condition is accepted.
Where it accumulates
Low-voltage contractors keep a box of every color and rating. Integrators retire cable after a standard changes. Facilities end up with partial reels after a fire-alarm upgrade. Data center and telecom work leaves boxes of Cat 6 that no longer match the current standard.
Pickup
Boxes and coils are light and stack well, which makes low-voltage cable easy to consolidate into a single pickup with other wire. If the lot is small, combine it with a larger load and it makes sense for everyone.
FAQ
Questions we get from sellers
Do you buy opened boxes of Cat 6?
Yes, if the remaining length is reasonable. State the approximate footage and photograph the box label.
Is plenum cable worth more?
Plenum-rated cable is a different product and is quoted on its rating. The print on the jacket and the box label are what we need to see.
Do you buy fire alarm cable?
Yes, FPLR and FPLP constructions are quoted regularly. Note the rating and the remaining footage on each reel.