Transformer Scrap Singapore

Why Transformers Are a Copper-Heavy Scrap Item

Transformers — whether industrial distribution units, welding transformers, or small power-supply transformers pulled from old equipment — contain dense copper windings wound around steel laminations. The copper-to-steel ratio is usually higher than in a motor, making transformers one of the more valuable single-unit scrap items we buy in Singapore. Aluminium-wound transformers exist (used on some utility units) and are priced separately. Both contribute to our copper and aluminium scrap flows.

Molten Steel buys industrial transformers, welding transformers, machine-tool control transformers, UPS and power-supply transformers, and the small step-down transformers common inside old electronic and control gear.

Typical Singapore Pricing for Transformer Scrap

Indicative April 2026 rates, whole units:

• Small dry transformers (under 20 kg) — approx. $1.80 to $2.40 per kg whole.
• Medium industrial transformers (20–100 kg) — approx. $2.20 to $2.80 per kg whole.
• Large industrial transformers (over 100 kg, copper-wound) — approx. $2.60 to $3.20 per kg whole.
• Welding transformers — approx. $2.40 to $3.00 per kg, generally high copper content.
• Aluminium-wound transformers — $1.20 to $1.60 per kg whole.
• Stripped copper windings — $7.50 to $9.00/kg depending on cleanliness and gauge.

Oil-filled transformers are a special category. Because of the environmental and handling requirements (see below), we quote oil-filled units only after inspection.

How We Grade Transformer Scrap

Grading criteria applied at our yard:

• Winding material — copper or aluminium. Verified by visual inspection and test cut if needed.
• Type — dry type, resin-cast, or oil-filled. Each grades differently.
• Size class — larger transformers carry higher copper percentages and price higher per kg.
• Condition — burnt, smoke-damaged, or melted windings are discounted for copper yield loss.
• Housing — steel enclosures are weighed into the total; aluminium enclosures priced at aluminium rates.
• Environmental status — oil-filled transformers must be confirmed PCB-free. Old PCB oil units are NEA-classified hazardous waste.

Important: Oil-Filled and PCB Transformers

Transformers manufactured before roughly 1980 may contain polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) oil, classified as hazardous waste under NEA regulations in Singapore. PCB oil requires specialist disposal — not scrapyard acceptance. For oil-filled transformers, we require either (a) manufacturer documentation confirming non-PCB mineral oil, or (b) the oil fully drained by a licensed hazardous-waste contractor before we accept the carcass. Dry-type transformers and resin-cast units have no oil content and are accepted without this step. If you’re unsure about an old transformer’s oil classification, call us first — we can advise on the correct disposal route.

Preparation Tips for Transformer Sellers

• Separate dry-type transformers from oil-filled units — they go through different acceptance routes.
• For oil-filled units: confirm oil status (PCB or non-PCB mineral oil) before scheduling pickup.
• Remove bolted mounting brackets, terminal covers, and wheels if you want a cleaner net weight.
• If you have the labour, strip copper windings out of dead transformers. Clean copper pays $7–$9/kg vs $2.50/kg whole.
• For welding transformers, leave the cable tails attached — they’re additional copper.
• Group small control transformers (from machine cabinets, old electronic gear) in boxes rather than loose.

Who Sells Transformer Scrap to Us

• Industrial plants & factories — distribution transformers from plantroom upgrades, retired welding transformers, machine control transformers.
• Electrical contractors & switchgear firms — obsolete transformers cleared from stockrooms.
• Data centre & telecoms operators — UPS transformers, rectifier transformers during infrastructure refresh.
• Marine workshops — vessel transformers, shore-power transformers.
• Demolition contractors — transformers pulled from buildings and plant rooms during teardown.
• Test labs & research sites retiring lab equipment.

Transformer scrap is often collected alongside general industrial scrap metal pickups. Clean copper windings from stripped transformers flow into our copper scrap Singapore category at top rates. For logistics, see our metal scrap collection Singapore service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you buy oil-filled transformers?

Yes, but with conditions. We need confirmation the oil is non-PCB mineral oil (documented) or the oil fully drained by a licensed hazardous-waste contractor beforehand. Old transformers with unknown oil status need to be tested first — NEA rules.

How do I know if a transformer has copper or aluminium windings?

Modern industrial transformers (1990s onwards) are typically copper-wound unless marked otherwise. Utility-grade pad-mounted transformers are sometimes aluminium. The nameplate usually indicates winding material; if missing, we test on inspection.

Is it worth stripping transformers before selling?

For large transformers (over 50 kg) with accessible windings, yes — stripped copper pays $7–$9/kg vs $2.60/kg whole, covering labour easily. For small transformers and small quantities, sell whole.

Can you handle large transformer removal from a site?

Yes — for large industrial transformers, we bring the appropriate lifting equipment. Let us know weight, access, and any electrical disconnect requirements when you call. For units still live or partially connected, have your electrical contractor isolate first.