Abstract: A wire payoff apparatus includes first and second wire spools, having first and second rotatable payoff caps thereon, respectively, first and second enclosure drums around the spools, respectively, first and second drive mechanisms for rotating the payoff caps, respectively, and a brake assembly. The apparatus further includes first and second diameter sensors for sensing the wound diameters of the spools, respectively, first and second line sensors for sensing the payoff of line from the first and second spools, respectively, a line speed sensor and a control. During operation of the apparatus, wire is alternatively payed off from the first spool or the second spool by passing over the respective payoff cap thereof as the payoff cap is rotated and the wire is passed outwardly through the respective enclosure drum to the brake assembly.