The issue of disposing of old household appliances often arises before owners when the refrigerator finally breaks down. Many people know that inside the compressor and electrical components there is valuable non-ferrous metal that can be taken to collection points. However, the extraction process requires not only physical strength, but also an understanding of the unit's structure, as well as adherence to strict safety precautions when working with tools and chemicals.
The electric motor located inside the compressor is the main source of copper in the refrigerator. These are stator windings made of high-quality wire, which is valued on the scrap market much higher than the ferrous metal of the housing. It is important to understand that simply removing the “motor” from the casing is not enough - to obtain clean metal, you will need to carry out a series of cutting and cleaning operations.
Before proceeding with dismantling, you need to make sure that the refrigerator is completely disconnected from the power supply and the refrigerant has been removed from it. Residual freon pressure and the presence of oil in the system can create a dangerous situation when the sealed compressor housing is opened. It is better to carry out the entire process in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, using safety glasses and gloves.
Anatomy of a compressor and localization of copper
The compressor of a domestic refrigerator is a sealed metal casing, inside which the unit itself is suspended on springs. The bulk of the copper is located in stator windings the electric motor, which drives the piston group. Externally, the compressor looks like a black “can” with tubes, but inside it is a complex mechanism, where the copper wire occupies a significant volume.
In addition to the stator windings, a certain amount of copper can be found in the starting relay and heat sink, if they are not dismantled in advance. However, the main interest for delivery is the internal winding of the motor. The net output weight depends on the power and dimensions of the motor, but on average a household compressor contains from 0.5 to 1.2 kg of non-ferrous metal.
It is worth noting that in modern models, manufacturers sometimes use aluminum instead of copper to reduce cost, although this is less common in older Soviet and European units. You can determine the material by the color of the wire cut or its reaction to the magnet (copper is not magnetic, but neither is aluminum, so visual inspection is important).
⚠️ Attention: There is a special compressor oil inside the compressor. When sawing the body, it may splatter. It is toxic and difficult to wash off, so work should be carried out in old clothes and gloves, avoiding contact of liquid with the skin and eyes.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
For successful and safe copper extraction, you will need a set of specialized tools. A regular DIY kit may not be enough, since the compressor housing is made of durable steel 2-3 mm thick. The main emphasis is on cutting tools and personal protective equipment.
You will need an angle grinder (grinder) with metal discs, powerful wire cutters or side cutters, a hammer, chisel or chisel, as well as pliers. To weigh the resulting raw materials, precise electronic scales are required. It would not be amiss to have a vice for fixing parts during cutting.
Pay special attention to protecting your vision and breathing organs. Cutting metal produces fine chips and dust, and burning insulation (if you choose this method) releases caustic substances. A respirator and high-quality construction glasses are mandatory elements of equipment.
☑️ Preparation for disassembly
Dismantling the compressor and opening the housing
The first step is removing the compressor from the refrigeration unit. To do this, you need to cut the copper tubes that fit the body, leaving a margin of length. Then the mounting bolts are unscrewed or the legs that hold the motor to the refrigerator frame are cut off. At this stage, it is important not to damage the starting relay if you plan to dispose of it separately.
Opening the sealed casing is the most labor-intensive process. There are two main methods: mechanical (cutting) and thermal. The mechanical method involves using a grinder to carefully cut the upper cone of the “can.” This allows you to keep the insides intact and avoid splashing of oil under pressure.
When working with an angle grinder, you must securely fix the compressor. After removing the cover, you will see the indoor unit filled with oil. It needs to be removed and the remaining liquid allowed to drain into the prepared container. Oil should not be poured down the drain or onto the ground; it should be disposed of as hazardous waste.
What to do with compressor oil?
Used compressor oil is classified as hazardous waste. It should not be poured into soil or sewerage. Collect the liquid in a sealed plastic container and take it to a specialized collection point for used oils or hazardous waste.
Disassembling the electric motor and removing the windings
After removing the indoor unit from the casing, it is necessary to dismantle the electric motor. It is attached to the compressor housing or internal frame using bolts or rivets. Sometimes it is necessary to knock down the rotor or remove the retaining rings. The main task is to get to the stator on which copper is wound.
The stator is a package of metal plates in the grooves of which lies a copper wire. To remove it, you often have to destroy the structure itself. The most effective method is to cut the winding on one side with a chisel or grinder, and then pull out bundles of wire from the opposite side.
Some craftsmen prefer to completely burn the insulation, but this method has its drawbacks, which will be discussed below. When mechanically cutting, it is important not to damage the copper with unnecessary blows, since scrap crushed copper can be cheaper than solid wire. Carefully unwind the coils using pliers.
Comparison of cleaning methods: mechanics vs. heat treatment
There is an eternal debate among scrap collectors: what is the best way to clean copper? The mechanical method involves removing the insulation with a knife, stripping with sandpaper or using special stripping machines. The thermal method involves burning insulation over an open fire.
Mechanical cleaning produces copper of the "Luster" or "Mix" category, which is valued as highly as possible. However, this is a very labor-intensive process that takes time. Heat treatment is faster, but reduces the grade of the metal due to oxidation and carbon residues, and also harms the environment.
When insulation is burned, copper loses up to 10-15% of its weight due to the formation of an oxide film on the surface. Scrap acceptors often reduce the price of such copper or classify it as “burnt copper.” In addition, when plastic insulation burns, dioxins are released, which are hazardous to health.
| Comparison parameter | Mechanical cleaning | Thermal treatment (combustion) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight retention | High (losses are minimal) | Low (losses up to 15% due to waste) |
| Grade of metal | Higher (Shine/Piece) | Low (Zhzhenka) |
| Effect on health | Safe (when working with a mask) | Dangerous (toxic smoke) |
| Time consumption | High | Low |
Sorting, weighing and assessing metal yield
After extraction, all metal must be sorted. Separate pure copper from brass (bushings, contacts), aluminum and steel. Mixing metals at delivery will result in the entire volume being priced at the price of the cheapest component. The steel plates from the stator core also have value as ferrous scrap, but they must be weighed separately.
Weighing is best done on precise electronic scales. Keep in mind that the yield of pure copper is approximately 25-30% of the total mass of the compressor assembly. The rest is steel, oil and other components. Knowing the weight of the compressor, you can roughly predict the profit.
The cut non-ferrous metal should be stored in a dry place to avoid oxidation. Copper is quite resistant to corrosion, but prolonged exposure to a humid environment can create a patina, which is undesirable for the Blesk grade. Pack the metal in bags or boxes for transportation to the collection point.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Approximately how much copper is contained in one compressor from a refrigerator?
On average, from one standard household compressor it is possible to extract from 0.5 to 1.2 kg pure copper. The exact quantity depends on the year of manufacture, manufacturer and power of the electric motor. In old Soviet models, the metal yield is usually higher than in modern energy-efficient units.
Is it possible to hand over an entire electric motor without removing the copper?
Yes, scrap metal collection points accept assembled electric motors. However, the price per kilogram in this case will be significantly lower, since the receiver will have to do the cutting himself. Usually the engine is assessed as an “electric motor” or mixed scrap, which is 2-3 times cheaper than pure copper.
Is it dangerous to open the compressor yourself?
The process carries certain risks. The main one is the scattering of metal shavings and the possible ignition of oil vapors when using a sparking tool. There may also be residual pressure inside. Following safety precautions and wearing safety glasses will minimize these risks.
What to do if the wire inside is not copper?
If you find that the wire has a silver color at the cut and is light in weight, most likely it is copper-plated aluminum. Its cost is significantly lower. Such metal should be handed over separately, having honestly warned the receiver, since it is not checked with a magnet, but its density is different.