Searching for non-ferrous metals in old household appliances often becomes the first step towards proper disposal or even a source of additional income. The question of where the copper is in an old refrigerator arises among many owners of decommissioned equipment who decide to disassemble the unit before selling it for scrap. This is not just idle curiosity, but an attempt to understand the real value of a device that has failed.
Copper is valued much higher than steel or aluminum, so knowing the exact locations of its location allows you to maximize profits from delivery. However, it is worth immediately noting that the amount of precious metal in one household appliance is small, and the process of extracting it requires time, tools and compliance with safety precautions. In this article, we will analyze in detail the design of the refrigeration unit so that you understand exactly where to look for this resource.
It is important to understand that modern models and Soviet-made equipment may differ in design, but the general principle of operation and the location of the main components remain similar. We'll look at which components contain pure copper and which use brass or aluminum, which often confuses those new to the scrap collection industry. A competent approach to dismantling will allow you to avoid damage and obtain high-quality material for delivery.
Design features of the refrigeration circuit
The main source of copper in any refrigerator is its refrigeration circuit. This is a closed system of tubes through which refrigerant circulates, providing cooling to the chambers. It is in these tubes that the bulk of the non-ferrous metal available for extraction is concentrated. However, not all tubing is the same, and herein lies the first important consideration for the assembler.
Traditionally, the tubing connecting the compressor to the condenser and evaporator was made of copper due to its excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. In older models, especially Soviet-made ones, copper was used in almost the entire circuit. This made them a real “treasure” for processors. Modern manufacturers often replace copper with steel or aluminum in certain areas to reduce the cost of construction.
It is also worth considering that there is refrigerant and oil inside the tubes. When the system is depressurized, which is inevitable when mining copper, these substances come out. Freon can be dangerous if inhaled in high concentrations, and the oil requires disposal. Therefore, it is better to carry out work in a well-ventilated area or in the open air.
⚠️ Attention: When cutting the refrigeration circuit pipes, make sure that there is no pressure left in the system. Although older refrigerators that don't work usually don't have it, it's a good idea to be careful. Also avoid open flames near the work site, as oil and refrigerant vapors can be flammable.
Compressor: the heart of the system and the source of the windings
The second most important component containing copper is the compressor. This is a pump motor that forces the refrigerant to move through the system. Inside the black metal casing is an electric motor, the stator of which is wound with copper wire. It is this winding that is of interest to miners of non-ferrous metals.
Extracting copper from a compressor is a more labor-intensive process than simply cutting off tubes. You will have to open the sealed case, which requires the use of a hacksaw or grinder. Inside you will find a heavy electric motor, which contains the required resource. The weight of copper in the compressor can be a significant portion of the total weight of the collected non-ferrous metal.
There are different types of compressors, and the amount of copper in them can vary. In older models, the winding was made of pure copper, while in some modern budget options, manufacturers can use aluminum with a copper coating. You can determine the material by making a small cut on the wire with a needle file: if white metal is visible under the layer, it is aluminum.
Is it possible to hand over the entire compressor?
Scrap metal buyers often accept entire compressors, but pay for them as ferrous scrap or mixed weight, since there is a lot of steel and oil inside. To get a price for copper, the compressor must be disassembled and the winding removed, separating it from the steel core.
Condenser and evaporator: where is the most metal
The condenser, which in everyday life is often called a radiator (the grill on the back wall of the refrigerator), is also an important source of copper in older models. In Soviet refrigerators, this unit was almost always made of steel tubes, but in higher quality equipment or certain models copper coils could be used. However, most often the capacitor is steel coated with paint.
A more promising element is the evaporator. In older weeping wall refrigerators, the evaporator was often a copper tube attached to or built into the back wall of the chamber. On models with the No Frost system, the evaporator is located behind a plastic panel in the freezer and may also contain copper elements in the heat exchanger.
Be especially careful when removing the evaporator. In old-style refrigerators, the evaporator could be made in the form of an aluminum plate with a pressed-in copper tube. It is extremely difficult to separate these metals at home, and such a mixture will have to be handed over at the price of its metal or as mixed scrap.
Tools for safe dismantling
To effectively extract copper, you will need a set of tools. You should not rely only on the strength of your hands, since the design of the refrigerator provides for reliable connections. The right tool will speed up the process and make it safer.
You will need:
- 🔧 A hacksaw or angle grinder (angle grinder) for cutting pipes and opening the compressor.
- 🔨 A hammer and chisel for separating elements welded or riveted to body.
- 🧤 Thick protective gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges.
- 👓 Safety glasses to prevent metal shavings from getting into your eyes.
Use of power tools requires extreme caution. Sparks from the grinder can ignite residual oil or dust. It is recommended to use metal cutting discs and work in short cycles, allowing the tool to cool. Also make sure that the refrigerator is disconnected from the power supply long before starting work.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Differences between copper, brass and aluminum
One of the main problems when sorting is the ability to distinguish copper from other non-ferrous metals. Brass, for example, looks very similar to copper, but costs less. Aluminum, in turn, is often used in modern refrigerators instead of copper.
Copper has a characteristic reddish-red hue. If the metal has a yellow tint, it is most likely brass. Aluminum is easily distinguished by its silver color and very light weight. Additionally, copper is not magnetic, which is a great way to test if you have a strong neodymium magnet.
The table below shows the main differences to help you sort:
| Metal | Color | Magnetic | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Red | No | Heavy |
| Brass | Yellow-golden | No | Medium |
| Aluminium | Silver | No | Light |
| Steel | Gray/Black | Yes | Heavy |
Understanding these differences will allow you not to mix metals and hand them over at a higher price. Buyers may evaluate a mixture of copper and brass as brass or mixed scrap, which will lead to financial losses.
Environmental aspects and waste disposal
When dismantling a refrigerator, you are faced not only with metal, but also with other materials that require proper disposal. Insulating foam, plastic, rubber bands and refrigerant residues should not just be left in a landfill.
Particular attention should be paid to insulation. Old refrigerators may have used fiberglass or even asbestos (in very old models) as insulation, which is hazardous to health if dust is inhaled. Modern foam is safer, but also requires disposal in large volumes.
⚠️ Attention: Never burn insulation or plastic parts of the refrigerator over a fire to “free” the copper. When plastics and insulation burn, toxic substances are released that are dangerous to you and the environment.
The correct decision would be to hand over the disassembled refrigerator to a specialized scrap metal collection point, where they have licenses to work with hazardous waste. Even if you have removed the copper, it is better to hand over the remaining body and parts officially, rather than throw them away in the nearest container.
Economic feasibility of copper mining
Is the gamble worth it? This is the main question that arises before starting work. The amount of copper in one refrigerator varies. From an old Soviet unit you can get from 1.5 to 3 kg of copper (pipes + compressor winding). From modern ones - much less, often less than 1 kg, since manufacturers are actively saving on materials.
If you plan to sell one refrigerator, the profit will be symbolic. However, if you have access to several pieces of equipment or are doing it professionally, collecting copper becomes more worthwhile. The main thing is to take into account the cost of time, tool depreciation and electricity.
In addition, the price of copper scrap fluctuates (fluctuates) depending on the market situation. Before starting a mass disassembly, it makes sense to check the current prices at the nearest collection points. Sometimes it is more profitable to hand over the entire refrigerator as black scrap than to spend hours dismantling it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Approximately how many kilograms of copper are in one old refrigerator?
On average, from an old Soviet refrigerator you can get from 1.5 to 2.5 kg of pure copper. This is the sum of copper from the circuit tubes and compressor windings. In modern models, the amount of copper may be less than 1 kg due to the use of aluminum and steel.
Is it possible to find copper in the freezer?
Yes, the evaporator, which is located in the freezer (often behind a plastic panel), may contain copper tubes. However, in many models, especially with the No Frost system, the evaporator is made of aluminum.
Is it dangerous to open the compressor?
It is safe to open the compressor if it is disconnected from the network and there is no pressure. However, there may be some oil left inside that should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground. Also, when cutting with a grinder, sparks and metal dust are formed.
Will they accept copper tubes if they have solder residues?
Yes, copper tubes with solder are accepted, but they can deduct a percentage for clogging or evaluate them in a lower category (“mix”). To get the best price, it is recommended to clear the tubes of solder and insulation.