SPEC6 AWG at a glance
| Also called | 6 gauge |
|---|---|
| Conductor area | 26.24 kcmil · 13.3 mm² |
| Solid diameter | 0.162 in |
| Stranded (Class B) | 7 strands · 0.184 in |
| THHN outside diameter | ≈ 0.254 in |
| Finished copper wire weight | ≈ 97 lb / 1,000 ft |
| Bare copper weight | ≈ 81 lb / 1,000 ft |
| Common put-ups | 500 ft reels · 1,000 ft reels · 2,500 ft reels |
| Conductor | 60 °C | 75 °C | 90 °C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 55 A | 65 A | 75 A |
| Aluminum | 40 A | 50 A | 55 A |
Dimensions from NEC Chapter 9 Tables 5 and 8. Weights are approximate and vary by manufacturer and insulation. For design, follow the NEC and a licensed electrician.
Wire types we buy in 6 AWG
01Identify 6 AWG Wire From Markings, Not Insulation Diameter
Start with the reel tag and jacket print. Look for the conductor size, copper or aluminum designation, wire type, manufacturer and date code. For assemblies such as 6/3 NM-B, photograph the complete cable designation rather than reporting only the gauge. Clear markings help distinguish reusable inventory from material that needs more investigation.
6 AWG means 6 gauge. It is not an aught size, and its 26.24 kcmil area does not change its AWG designation. MCM is another name for kcmil, but do not relabel this conductor as an MCM size when requesting an offer.
A solid 6 AWG conductor measures 0.162 inch in diameter. Class B stranded construction has 7 strands and an overall conductor diameter of 0.184 inch. Approximate THHN outside diameter is 0.254 inch, including insulation. These measurements are identification checks, not substitutes for readable markings; flexible constructions and other insulation types can differ. Our wire gauge chart helps compare size terminology.
02What the 6 AWG Specifications Mean
Conductor area describes the metal cross-section, while outside diameter includes insulation. Neither measurement alone establishes an acceptable circuit rating. Copper and aluminum also have different ampacities and weights, so identify the conductor metal before comparing inventory or estimating footage.
Under NEC 310.16 at 30°C ambient, before adjustments, 6 AWG copper has ampacities of 55, 65 and 75 amps in the 60°C, 75°C and 90°C columns, respectively. Aluminum values are 40, 50 and 55 amps in those same columns. These are reference values, not blanket approvals for a particular feeder or charger.
Terminal temperature ratings, wiring method, ambient conditions and conductor grouping affect permitted use. A 90°C insulation marking does not automatically permit using the 90°C ampacity at equipment terminals. NM-B ampacity is limited by the applicable 60°C requirement. Have a licensed electrician or engineer select conductors for an installation; see our NEC ampacity reference for context.
03Common Uses in Houston Construction and Plant Work
Houston construction projects can leave reusable 6 AWG inventory after feeder, subpanel and EV charger work. This size appears in some 60-amp feeder applications, but conductor metal, terminal ratings, load requirements and installation conditions determine whether it is suitable. Do not assume every 6 AWG cable can serve the same circuit.
Bare 6 AWG copper is used for grounding electrode conductors where permitted. Other familiar material includes 6/3 NM-B and SER cable. Keep these products identified separately: a bare grounding conductor, an insulated building wire and a multiconductor assembly have different applications and resale considerations.
In Greater Houston industrial and plant work, surplus may include tray cable, VFD cable, portable cord or welding leads. Flexible welding cable is not automatically interchangeable with building wire. When selling project leftovers, describe their original application and photograph the actual markings. We review the product itself, not just the job it came from.
04Wire Types We Buy in 6 AWG
As 6 AWG wire buyers, we review both individual conductors and complete cable assemblies. The type designation matters because it describes the product being offered; gauge alone does not tell us its insulation, construction or intended application. Keep different types separated when practical and show each reel tag or jacket marking.
Material we buy in this size includes:
- THHN/THWN-2 building wire and XHHW-2 wire.
- USE-2/RHW-2 wire, URD and PV wire.
- NM-B cable and UF-B.
- MC cable, MC-HL / Teck and SER/SEU.
- Tray cable, VFD cable, welding cable, portable cord and bare copper.
For surplus 6 AWG cable assemblies, report the complete conductor configuration and approximate remaining length. Intact jackets, legible identification and usable lengths help us assess reuse. We also review partial reels and cut lengths; material does not have to remain on a full factory reel to be considered.
05How Footage, Weight and Packaging Affect Value
6 AWG copper wire value depends on more than copper weight. We consider conductor metal markets, wire type and current demand, size, footage, manufacturer, date code, quantity, packaging condition and pickup logistics. Reusable wire is usually worth more than its scrap melt value, but condition and identification matter.
For a simple estimate, 97 pounds of finished copper THHN/THWN-2 corresponds to approximately 1,000 feet. That estimate assumes wire-only weight: subtract the reel or container weight first. It does not apply directly to a multiconductor cable, another insulation construction or aluminum wire.
Bare stranded copper weighs about 81 pounds per 1,000 feet; bare aluminum weighs about 25 pounds per 1,000 feet. Common put-ups are 500-, 1,000- and 2,500-foot reels, but original reel capacity is not proof of remaining footage. Send meter markings, inventory records or a measured length when available. Photograph reel damage and exposed ends so we can assess packaging and material honestly.
06Sell 6 AWG Wire in Houston: Review, Pickup and Payment
To sell 6 gauge wire, text 951-403-5738 or email industrial832@gmail.com with photos of reel tags and jacket print, footage or weight, and your location. We review the material, provide a written offer, then schedule pickup or drop-off. At the handoff, we verify the material; payment follows the written offer.
We serve Greater Houston only: Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Chambers and Waller counties. Pickup is scheduled at the seller’s site. Tell us about reel condition, loading access and available handling equipment before scheduling heavy reels. Do not move material in a way that risks injury or damages the cable.
Our address is 6402 McGrew St, Houston, TX 77087, in the southeast Houston Mayfair area near I-45 and I-610. Drop-off is by appointment only; call first. Use our offer request page to start. We focus on reusable material and will tell you when damaged wire is better suited to scrap.
FAQQuestions sellers ask
Can I sell mixed copper and aluminum 6 AWG inventory together?
Yes. We buy both metals, but identify them separately in your submission. Label photos or inventory notes so we can match each quantity to its conductor metal and wire type. If the metal is uncertain, send close-up photos of the markings rather than guessing from jacket color.
Should I strip the insulation before requesting an offer?
For potentially reusable wire, leave the insulation and identification intact. Stripping removes the finished product’s usefulness as insulated wire and can erase information needed for review. Send photos first so we can assess whether the material has reuse value before you alter it.
Does old stock with a readable date code still qualify?
A date code is one factor in our review, not enough by itself to determine acceptance or value. Send the manufacturer information, markings and condition photos. Describe storage conditions and any visible deterioration so we can evaluate the actual material without assuming that age alone establishes usability.
Will you consider short or damaged 6 AWG pieces?
We review cut lengths, but short, burned or heavily damaged wire may be better suited to scrap. Show the shortest pieces and any damaged areas rather than photographing only the cleanest material. We focus on reusable inventory and will tell you what appears reusable after review.
Are you Houston Wire & Cable Company or a manufacturer?
No. Houston Wire Buyers is not affiliated with Houston Wire & Cable Company or any manufacturer. We buy surplus wire and cable in Greater Houston. For a sale inquiry, contact us at 951-403-5738 or industrial832@gmail.com; our offer concerns your surplus material, not manufacturer warranty or technical support.