Where is the copper in the refrigerator: complete analysis of the components

When disposing of household appliances or when planning repairs, many owners are interested in where exactly the copper is located in the refrigerator design. This non-ferrous metal is valued for its high thermal conductivity and anti-corrosion properties, which makes it an indispensable material in cooling systems. However, finding it is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, since manufacturers often mask key components with protective casings or use composite materials.

It is important to understand that the amount of copper in one piece of equipment is relatively small, and its extraction requires complete dismantling of the unit. In this article, we will examine in detail the anatomy of a refrigerator cabinet, indicate the exact location of non-ferrous metals, and explain why disassembling it yourself can be dangerous. We will also touch on the topic refrigerant leaks, since often it is the copper tubes that cause the device to fail.

Before you begin any manipulations with the insides of the refrigerator, you need to understand the safety rules. Inside the system, gas is under pressure, and the electrical part is under high voltage. Modern models often use steel tubes with a thin copper coating instead of solid copper, which significantly reduces their scrap value. Let's look at the design of the cooling system in more detail so that you understand what you are dealing with.

Condenser and discharge tube

The first element where non-ferrous metal can be found is the external radiator, known as a capacitor. In classic models of refrigerators, especially Soviet-made or early imported versions, this unit was a lattice of thin tubes located on the rear wall of the case. It is here that the refrigerant transitions from a gaseous state to a liquid state with the release of heat.

In more modern units, the design is often hidden. The tubes can be mounted directly into the side walls of the refrigerator or sealed with a sheet of metal on the back panel. If you see a black grille at the back, it is most likely made of painted steel, but the connecting areas may be copper. Discharge tubeComing directly from the compressor is almost always made of copper, since it experiences high temperature loads.

The diameter of these tubes is usually varies, and they are connected to the main circuit through special adapters. Often it is in the places where these connections are soldered that microcracks occur, leading to freon leakage. If you are planning to disassemble the radiator, keep in mind that in older models the tubes may be filled with oil, which must be properly disposed of.

It is worth noting that in some budget models, manufacturers replace the copper coil with aluminum or steel to reduce the cost of the design. You can determine the material by the color of the cut (if it is visible) or by weight, since copper is much heavier than aluminum. Visually, oxidized copper has a characteristic dark brown or greenish coating.

Compressor: the heart of the system

The component richest in non-ferrous metals in the refrigerator is the compressor. This is a sealed black "tank" located at the lower rear of the unit. Inside this housing lies an electric motor, the windings of which are made of pure copper. It is here that the bulk of the scrap that is of interest to recyclers is concentrated.

To get to this copper, it is not enough to simply unscrew the tubes. Mechanical opening of the compressor housing is required, which is a labor-intensive and messy process. Inside there are rotor and statorwound with copper wire. The weight of copper in the compressor can reach 1-1.5 kg, depending on the power and model of the motor.

⚠️ Attention: By opening the compressor, you break its tightness. There may be residual pressure and refrigerant vapor inside. In addition, when sawing the housing, oil mixed with wear products may be released, which requires the use of personal protective equipment.

The tubes entering and leaving the compressor are also made of copper. There are usually three of them: two for freon circulation (suction and discharge) and one technological, sealed during the production process. When dismantling, these tubes are sawed off or bitten off with pliers so as not to damage the threads if the compressor is planned to be reused.

It is important to distinguish between types of compressors. Inverter models may have more complex electronic components, but the principle of motor winding remains similar. However, in new lines of equipment, compressors with less copper content and more plastic elements inside the valve groups are increasingly found.

What to do with compressor oil?

Oil from a compressor is a waste technical product. It should absolutely not be poured into the sewer or onto the ground. Collect the liquid in a sealed container and take it to a special hazardous waste collection point or take it to the nearest gas station, where there are often containers for disposal.

Evaporator and hidden circuits

The evaporator is the unit that directly creates cold inside the chambers. In refrigerators with the No Frost system, it is located behind the rear panel of the freezer and hidden from the user's eyes. In older models with a weeping evaporator, the tubes could be visible on the back wall inside the cabinet, often covered with a layer of frost.

The material used for evaporators in modern technology is most often aluminum. It is lighter and cheaper, although less durable in aggressive environments. However, premium models or condensate drainage systems (capillaries) may still use copper. A capillary tube is a very thin element that connects the condenser and the evaporator.

If there is a leak in your refrigerator and the evaporator needs to be replaced, the technician will look for an analogue with copper tubes, as they are better solderable and less susceptible to corrosion than aluminum analogues. You can find copper in the evaporator by carefully removing the back plastic panel in the freezer.

• 🧊 Heat exchanger: The main part is hidden behind the plastic, access requires dismantling.
• 🔩 Fastening elements: Often made of steel, but may have copper contacts in the sensors.
• 💧 Exhaust system: Drain tubes are usually plastic, but the capalli heating element may contain copper.

When disassembling the evaporator, be extremely careful. Aluminum tubes are very soft and easily damaged, and if copper does end up there, it will be brittle due to low operating temperatures. Any microcrack during dismantling will make the assembly unsuitable for reuse without professional welding.

Electrical wiring and sensors

In addition to the main cooling circuits, copper is present in large quantities in the electrical part of the refrigerator. This is the power cable, internal wiring harnesses, as well as fan windings of the No Frost system. The wires have a copper core covered with PVC or rubber insulation.

Removing copper from the wires requires stripping them, which takes additional time. Refrigerators also use various temperature sensors (thermostats), which may contain small copper elements inside, but their weight is so small that it makes no practical sense to consider them as a source of scrap.

The compressor start relay deserves special attention. Inside this small plastic box is a coil that also contains copper. Although the amount of metal there is small, during mass recycling these parts are collected separately. In modern electronic control units, copper is present in the form of tracks on boards and in transformers.

Table: Distribution of non-ferrous metals in nodes

For a better understanding of where to look for valuable material, we have compiled a summary table. It will help you navigate the design of your refrigerator and assess the potential yield of scrap. Remember that the data is averaged and depends on the specific model and year of manufacture of the equipment.

Analyzing the table, we can conclude that the main source of income for recycling is the motor-compressor. The remaining elements provide only a slight increase to the total mass. However, if you hand over the entire refrigerator to ferrous metal, the presence of copper tubes can increase the estimated cost of the unit.

Safety precautions and risks during disassembly

Independent disassembly of the refrigerator in order to obtain non-ferrous metal is associated with a number of risks. The first and most important is the residual pressure in the system. Even if the refrigerator has not been used for several years, pressurized gas may remain in the pipes. Careless cutting of the tube can lead to a sudden release of the substance, which is dangerous for the eyes and respiratory tract.

The second risk is associated with electricity. Before starting any work, make sure that the device is unplugged at least one hour before disassembling. Capacitors in starting equipment can retain a charge that can cause a sensitive, although not fatal, electric shock.

⚠️ Attention: Refrigerators manufactured before the mid-90s could use R12 freon as a refrigerant, and foam materials containing freon for thermal insulation. When insulation is burned to extract metal, toxic substances are released. Never burn refrigerator parts in open fires or ovens!

In addition, when working with a grinder or a hacksaw for metal, small metal shavings and dust are formed when opening the compressor. It should not get into the lungs. Use a respirator and safety glasses. Also, sharp edges of sawn metal can cause serious cuts, so work with thick gloves.

Diagnostics of faults associated with copper tubes

For owners who are interested in the location of copper not for the sake of disposal, but for the sake of repair, it is important to know the signs of problems with copper circuits. Most often, users encounter refrigerant leaks. If the copper tube becomes thinner or bursts at the soldering point, the gas comes out and the refrigerator stops freezing.

It is visually difficult to determine the location of the leak, since freon is colorless and odorless. However, oil often accumulates at the gas outlet, which flows out of the system along with the refrigerant. If you notice oily spots on the back wall or near the compressor, this is a sure sign of depressurization of the copper line.

Another problem is oxidation of the contacts in the electrical part. Copper is prone to oxidation when in contact with moisture, which leads to the formation of a greenish coating. This can cause poor contact in the compressor or sensor terminals, leading to incorrect operation of the equipment. Periodically checking the connections helps to avoid breakdowns.

If you find that the copper tube is pinched or has a dent, this interferes with the circulation of freon. The pressure in the system increases, the compressor is overloaded and may burn out. In such cases, it is necessary to replace a section of the tube, which can only be done by a qualified technician using special equipment for soldering and vacuuming.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How many kilograms of copper can be obtained from one old refrigerator?

On average, from one standard two-chamber refrigerator you can get from 1 to 2.5 kg copper. Most of this weight (about 70%) comes from the compressor motor windings. The rest is condenser tubes, wiring and small items. The exact weight depends on the year of manufacture: in old Soviet models there is more copper, in modern ones it is often replaced with aluminum.

Is it possible to determine the presence of copper in tubes with a magnet?

Yes, this is the easiest way to check. Copper and aluminum are not magnetic. If you hold a magnet close to a radiator or compressor tube and it sticks, then the tube is made of steel (often coated). If the magnet does not react, there is a high probability that it is a non-ferrous metal (copper or aluminum). To accurately determine copper, you can make a small cut in an inconspicuous place: copper has a characteristic reddish-golden color on the cut, and aluminum is silvery-white.

Is it dangerous to open a compressor at home?

It is risky. The main dangers: residual gas pressure, the possibility of sparking when working with an angle grinder (there may be oil vapors nearby), as well as sharp metal edges. In addition, there is technical oil inside the compressor that cannot simply be thrown away. If you do not have experience working with power tools and you do not plan to follow safety precautions, it is better to hand over the entire compressor to a specialized collection point.

Why do new refrigerators have less copper?

Manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to reduce the cost of construction. Copper is an expensive material, the prices of which on the stock exchange are constantly rising. Replacing copper tubes with coated steel or aluminum can reduce the cost of the unit. In addition, modern soldering technologies make it possible to reliably connect dissimilar metals, which was previously difficult.

What to do if a copper tube bursts?

If you find a crack or hole in a copper tube, you must stop using the refrigerator. You won't be able to seal the hole yourself with regular sealant or glue - the pressure in the system is too high. You need to call a specialist who will cut out the damaged area, insert a new copper tube, solder the connection with hard solder, vacuum the system and fill with freon.