Searching for and handing over non-ferrous metals often becomes a way not only to free the garage from rubbish, but also to get quite tangible money for it amount of money. Owners of summer cottages and private houses are often faced with the issue of disposing of broken household appliances, and old refrigerators here occupy a leading position in terms of the volume of scrap sold. However, to get maximum profit, it is not enough to simply weigh the entire unit, because the main value lies in non-ferrous metalshidden inside the case.
The most expensive component that buyers are interested in is, of course, copper. It is this metal that makes up a significant part of the cost of scrap, and its amount in Soviet and imported models can vary. It is important to understand that copper in the refrigerator is unevenly distributed, and to extract it you will need not just physical strength, but also an understanding of the device refrigeration circuit. Without knowing exactly where the tubes and coils are located, you risk wasting a lot of time or damaging valuable material.
In this article we will analyze in detail the anatomy of an old refrigerator so that you know exactly where to look and what to cut. We will look at each unit containing precious metal, estimate its approximate weight and discuss the nuances of safe disassembly. Information It will be useful for both beginners and experienced assemblers who want to systematize their knowledge about the copper content in various techniques.
Compressor: the heart of the system and the source itself expensive copper
The first and most obvious place where the bulk of the copper in the refrigerator is concentrated is the compressor. This black "bellied" cylinder, usually located at the lower rear of the unit, is a sealed electric motor. Inside its steel casing there is a stator winding made of thick copper wire. It is this unit that gives the greatest profit when converted to pure metal, although it requires the greatest effort to extract.
The process of extracting copper from a compressor cannot be called simple. You will have to open the durable steel case, which will require the use of an angle grinder, a hacksaw or a powerful ax. Inside you will find a heavy core on which the winding is wound. The weight of this winding directly depends on the power and age of the model: in old Soviet refrigerators more copper was used, while in modern analogues manufacturers often save on materials.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the compressor, be sure to remove the oil from it. There is technical liquid inside that can cause skin irritation or damage clothing. Also make sure that the unit is completely disconnected from the power supply.
It is worth noting that in some modern or budget models, instead of pure copper, the windings may use aluminum or copper-plated aluminum. This significantly reduces the cost of scrap. You can determine the material by the color of the wire cut: a bright reddish tint indicates copper, while a silver or dull color indicates the presence of aluminum. In old Soviet models, the probability of finding pure copper tends to one hundred percent.
⚠️ Attention: When sawing the compressor housing, use safety glasses and gloves. Metal shavings and fragments can fly in different directions, presenting a danger to the eyes and exposed skin.
For those who do not want to bother with the physical destruction of the housing, there is the option of handing over the entire compressor. However, buyers accept them at a significantly lower price, since they take on the risks and labor costs of extracting the metal. If you have the opportunity and tools, cutting it yourself will be more profitable.
Condenser and evaporator: radiator grille at the back
The second most important source of copper is the condenser, which in everyday life is often called a radiator. This is a grill located on the back wall of the refrigerator. In older models built before the mid-90s, this grille was almost always made of copper tubing. In newer models, manufacturers have switched en masse to steel or aluminum, since these materials are cheaper and lighter, although they are inferior to copper in thermal conductivity.
How to distinguish a copper capacitor from a steel or aluminum one? The easiest and most reliable way is to use a magnet. Copper and aluminum are not magnetic, while steel has pronounced ferromagnetic properties. If the magnet “sticks” to the radiator tubes, then there is no copper there. If the magnet does not react, there is a high probability that you have a valuable non-ferrous metal in front of you.
The weight of copper in the capacitor depends on the dimensions of the refrigerator. In large two-chamber models, the length of the tube can reach tens of meters, which gives an output of 1 to 3 kilograms of pure metal. The tubes are usually thin-walled, so they can be easily cut with ordinary metal scissors or wire cutters, if you first bleed off the refrigerant.
How to quickly check the material of the tubes without a magnet?
If you don’t have a magnet at hand, you can make a small scratch in an inconspicuous area (for example, at the end of the tube). Copper has a distinctive reddish-pink color when cut, aluminum is silver-gray, and steel will have a dark or gray tint. Copper also oxidizes, acquiring a greenish coating, while aluminum becomes coated with a white oxide.
The evaporator, which is located inside the freezer or behind the back panel of the main compartment, may also contain copper, but less often. In most older models, the evaporator was made of aluminum plates or steel tubes. However, in some specific series there were also copper elements. Disassembling the inside of the refrigerator is more labor-intensive, as it requires dismantling plastic panels and insulation.
Wiring and electrical components
Do not discount the electrical part of the refrigerator. Although the amount of copper here is not comparable to the volume of metal in the compressor or radiator, a competent assembler will not miss these grams. The wiring in old refrigerators is usually made of high quality, using thick copper conductors, which makes its collection economically justified when recycling a large amount of equipment.
First of all, attention should be paid to the power cord. In Soviet models it was often long and contained three cores of sufficient cross-section. Copper is also present in the windings of additional electric motors, for example, if the refrigerator has a No Frost system with fans. Each such fan contains a small copper winding, which can be removed in the same way as the main compressor.
Start and protection relays, thermostats and temperature sensors also contain small amounts of non-ferrous metal in the form of contacts and internal conductors. It only makes sense to collect them on an industrial scale, when you have a full bag of small electrical items. For a one-time delivery of one refrigerator, the effort to desolder the contacts from the relay may not be worth the time spent.
- 🔌 Power cord: contains 3 copper cores, easily separated from the plug.
- 🌀 Fans (No Frost): low-power motors with copper winding.
- 📟 Control boards: in modern models they contain microcircuits and tracks, but require chemical processing.
When dismantling the wiring, it is important not to damage the insulation excessively if you plan to hand over the cable separately. However, for refrigerators, where the cable is often short and simple, it is usually stripped of insulation by hand or burned (which is highly discouraged due to the toxicity of the smoke) to obtain pure copper "wire rod."
Differences between Soviet and modern models
Understanding the differences between equipment from different eras is the key to a successful "copper" business. Old refrigerators, such as the legendary ZIL, Biryusa or Saratovwere created in conditions of shortage of materials, but with an eye to durability and maintainability. Engineers of that time did not skimp on non-ferrous metals, so the copper content in them is as high as possible.
Modern refrigerators, even those produced 15-20 years ago, are designed to minimize cost and weight. The use of aluminum and steel in heat exchangers has become the norm. Compressors have also become more compact, and the amount of copper used in them has been reduced due to optimization of the design and the use of other alloys.
| Component | Soviet models (before 1990) | Imported/Modern (after 2000) |
|---|---|---|
| Condenser (radiator) | Copper (99%) | Steel or Aluminum |
| Compressor winding | Pure copper | Often aluminum or alloy |
| Pipelines | Copper | Aluminum / Steel |
| Scrap weight (approx.) | High | Low |
You can visually determine the age of the refrigerator by its design and markings. Heavy, bulky units with protruding handles and an enamel coating inside the chamber are good candidates for containing large amounts of copper. Lightweight, streamlined models with plastic internal panels will most often disappoint the assembler.
Safe disassembly and dismantling techniques
The process of cutting a refrigerator into scrap metal is associated with certain health and safety risks. Inside the system is a refrigerant that may be inert under normal conditions, but when burned or in contact with an open flame will release substances such as phosgene. Therefore is strictly prohibited cutting pipes or opening the compressor near an open fire or using welding without prior preparation.
The first step should always be to remove the refrigerant. At home, this is done by carefully filing the tubes in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside. The gas will come out with a characteristic hissing sound. Only after the system is completely depressurized and the pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure, you can begin active actions.
☑️ Safe disassembly of the refrigerator
For cutting metal parts, it is best to use an angle grinder (grinder) with a metal disc or powerful scissors. A grinder saw allows you to quickly separate the rear condenser grille from the steel housing. When working with a compressor, you will need a more serious tool, since the steel of the housing is thick and durable.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to extract copper by burning insulation or plastic parts over a fire. This not only pollutes the environment, but also makes the copper brittle ("burnt"), which is why buyers can lower the price or refuse to accept it altogether.It is advisable to clean the collected copper from solder, steel and other impurities. The cleaner the scrap, the higher the category and price. Separate brass inserts and steel fasteners, as they are considered impurities.
Economic feasibility and disposal
Is the game worth the candle? Many people ask this question before starting disassembly. The answer depends on the current prices for non-ferrous scrap metals and the availability of free time. On average, from one old Soviet refrigerator you can get from 3 to 7 kilograms of copper, depending on the model and the condition of the components. Considering the market value of copper, this can add up to a significant amount, especially if you have access to several pieces of equipment.
However, if you are looking at a single modern refrigerator, it may be more profitable to sell it in its entirety as scrap or household appliances. The time spent disassembling one modern unit may not be worth it, given the low copper content and the difficulty of extracting aluminum alloys, which are purchased separately and cheaper.
An important aspect is environmental responsibility. Old refrigerators contain not only valuable metals, but also dangerous substances: freon, which destroys the ozone layer, and oils. Proper disposal implies not only making a profit, but also transferring the remains of the case to specialized organizations that will recycle plastic and insulation without harm to nature.
In conclusion, searching for copper in old refrigerators is a fun, albeit time-consuming process that requires knowledge and compliance with safety precautions. Knowing where to look, you can effectively assess the potential of the old unit and make a decision: use it for parts or hand it over entirely.
Approximately how much copper is in one old refrigerator?
On average, in a Soviet refrigerator you can find from 3 to 7 kg of copper. Of this, about 1-2 kg is for the compressor windings and the rest is for the condenser tubes and wiring. In modern models, the amount of copper may be less than 1 kg or it may be absent altogether.
Is it possible to hand over a refrigerator along with freon?
Collection points for ferrous scrap often accept entire refrigerators, but at a low price. Non-ferrous metal points require preliminary removal of freon and oil. Delivery with freon may be prohibited by environmental regulations.
What is the difference between copper and brass when delivered?
Copper has a rich reddish-pink color and is softer. Brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) has a yellow tint and is harder. Copper is more expensive, so they are usually sorted when handed over.
Is gas from a refrigerator dangerous?
Yes, old refrigerants (freons) upon contact with fire form phosgene, a chemical warfare agent. They are also heavier than air and can displace oxygen in a confined space. Work only in ventilated places.