Question about big transformers

[keebler303]

I have a chance to get some fairly large transformers for cheap.

Couple Questions:

The windings are all copper right?
Is it worth the trouble to strip out and scrap the copper if I can't find a buyer?

Thanks
Matt

[Al_The_Man]

It seems a shame to destroy them.
Being 600v pri. There would probably be a market for them in Canada.
Try listing them on Kijiji if you get them.
Al.

[keebler303]

There are 5 transformers from 63 down to 3 KVA. I agree it would be a shame to scrap them as they are worth a lot more than scrap to the right person. The problem is finding the right person.

Matt

[lovebugjunkie]

You may find people in the "lifter" community that could use them.
This is how they use them.
http://jnaudin.free.fr/html/lifterb.htm

[Al_The_Man]

Originally Posted by lovebugjunkie You may find people in the "lifter" community that could use them. This is how they use them.

Thats 30KV Not 30KVA.
Al.

[keebler303]

Yeah I have seen those before on mythbusters. These are definitely not usable for that.

Matt

[davesnd]

I bet a company like CIVIC recycling in Calgary Alberta Canada would buy something like this - they have a website where you can contact them - give them a google and then an email. Al is right on - I have a very similar transformer I bought used - these will be quite useful up in canada. And for heaven's sake don't destroy them for the copper!

[Geof]

I agree it seems a pity to simply scrap them for the copper but even up here their resale value is not high at least in my experience; I picked up a used 30KVA 600/208 for something like $200. They are so heavy the cost for shipping them any distance is going to start climbing toward that amount very quickly.

[keebler303]

As a follow up:

I got the 5 transformers for a song. I am keeping the 5KVA and 3KVA single phase transformers to use as isolation transformers for DC power supplies. I sold the pictured 30KVA unit for $150 to a mechanical contractor. I still have a ~30KVA 480-240 3 Ph unit and a 480-380Y/219 unit I am trying to get rid of.

I think the 380V class is European? It seems I will have a tough time moving that one.

Scrapping for copper is out as these appear to be aluminum windings. Still might be worth trouble but I'd rather sell them whole.

Matt

[Torchhead]

In July of last year Copper scrap was going for over $4.00 /lb. It drove up the price of everything. Seems the Chinese were using tons of copper (and selling it back to us) and fueled the scrap prices. Now copper has dropped to about a 1.00 or less per pound. All scrap prices (steel, paper, plastic, copper, aluminum) have dropped so low that they won't cover the cost of recycling. A lot of scrap yards have quit buying (at least in our area). They have no customers for the raw goods. There won't be enough copper weight wise in a transfomer to justify the labor to take it apart.

A lot of speculators bought up copper and other metals as it peaked and now they are sitting on material that is worth 1/4 what they paid. The price of wire is being based on the copper prices that was used to make it. A lot of sellers are wondering why they can't get a bid on bulk cable on EBAY!

Check the commodity price of Copper and then figure you might get half of that from a scrap dealer.

TOM CAUDLE
www.CandCNC.com