Category 04 — Control and signal
SELL SURPLUS CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION CABLE
Control and instrumentation cable is usually bought in 500 or 1,000 foot reels against an I/O list. When the list is cut down, a plant can be left holding shielded pairs it will never pull. That surplus is exactly what we review.
Constructions we review
Multi-conductor control cable, twisted-pair instrumentation cable, triads, shielded and overall-shielded constructions, drain wires, thermocouple extension cable and specialty signal cable. Both 300V and 600V ratings appear, in tray-rated and non-tray jackets.
Communication and shielded cable from the same storeroom is welcome in the same submission: fire-alarm cable, low-voltage cable, security and access-control cable, coaxial and data cable in cartons or on reels.
Why the shield matters
Shield type, pair count and conductor gauge drive the price of instrumentation cable far more than total weight does. Photograph the print legend and a cut end showing the shield, the drain wire and the pair twist.
If the reel has been opened, keep the cut end square and tape it so the shield does not unravel in transit. That single step protects the quote.
Constructions in this category
- Multi-conductor control Typically 16 to 10 AWG, numbered conductors, 600V tray or conduit rated.
- Instrumentation pairs Twisted pairs or triads with individual and overall shields.
- Thermocouple extension Type-specific alloys with colour-coded insulation; reviewed by type.
- Shielded / armored Foil, braid or combination shields, with or without armor.
What to include with your quote request
These details turn a question into a number. Anything you do not know can be estimated; say that it is an estimate.
- Pair, triad or conductor count and conductor gauge
- Shield and drain-wire description
- Voltage rating and jacket type (tray-rated, plenum, conduit)
- Reel count and approximate footage per reel
- Legend photo plus a cut-end photo showing the shield
Not sure whether it is worth quoting?
Send it anyway. A short reel, an odd construction or a faded tag costs nothing to review, and the answer is usually more useful than the guess.
Questions
Control & Instrumentation questions
Category-specific answers, before you fill in the form.
Do you buy small reels of instrumentation cable?
Yes, and they are often worth more per foot than power cable. Small reels are quoted together with the rest of the storeroom lot when possible.
Is obsolete control cable considered?
Send it anyway. If the construction is still used in the field, there is usually a buyer for it. If it is not, we will tell you instead of making an offer that cannot be honored.
Related pages
Request a quote
Sell your control & instrumentation
Send the details and photos for a purchase quote. The form goes to the same inbox as every other category, and the review starts as soon as it arrives.
Quote request — Control & Instrumentation
Eight photos are enough for most lots. Tag, legend, cut end and a wide shot per reel.
Sell your surplus wire
Have a control & instrumentation reel to move?
Send the details and photos. We will tell you what the material is worth and how a pickup would work.