what is this?

**Troyer16** · 07-29-2013, 08:16 PM

Cable I got when cleaning out my buddys garage. He thought it was aluminum. It's slightly magnetic. Any help? What it qualfies as?

**Trot** · 07-29-2013, 08:36 PM

looks like the stuff they use to run between telephone poles to hang utilities on. phone and cable. throw it in the shred pile

**billygoat** · 07-29-2013, 08:44 PM

It's the power cable that runs on utility poles, looks to me to be the stuff that runs from the transformers to the electrical meter on houses. It's aluminum with a single steel strand for strength. Don't throw it in the shred pile until you check with your yard first.

Edit: It's been a while since I played with that wire. I used to make a living as an electrician. I'm pretty sure that only the bare wire has a steel strand. The other two should not, but I can't be sure. Try separating them and check again with your magnet.

**sawmilleng** · 07-29-2013, 08:50 PM

We cut it up and pull out the single steel strand out of the bare aluminum. We strip the plastic insulation off the other wires since they are straight aluminum. I'm not sure what the yards call it but it sure is better than selling it as steel shred!

Its called triplex or quadplex wire in the electrical trade. Used for overhead power runs.

Jon.