The question of how much copper is contained in the refrigerator motor often arises among those who are faced with the need to dispose of old household appliances or want to repair the unit on their own. The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system, and it is in its windings that the main supply of non-ferrous metal, which is valuable for recycling collection points, is concentrated. However, the exact weight of copper varies depending on the year of manufacture of the device, the model of the compressor and the production technology used in a particular period.
Modern models of refrigerators differ significantly from equipment produced 30–40 years ago. If earlier engineers did not save on materials, using a thick layer of varnish and massive windings, today, in pursuit of energy efficiency and cost reduction, manufacturers optimize every gram of weight. Therefore, expecting to find kilograms of pure metal in a small compressor, you may be unpleasantly surprised by the real figures, which often turn out to be much more modest than expected.
In this article we will examine in detail the structure of the electric motor, methods for disassembling it and accurate data on the content of non-ferrous metals. You will learn how to distinguish a high-quality engine from a cheap analogue and whether it is worth bothering with dismantling in order to obtain several hundred grams of metal. It is important to understandthat the process of extracting copper is labor-intensive and requires compliance with safety precautions when working with power tools.
Compressor structure and distribution metal
To understand where the copper in the refrigerator comes from, you need to consider the design of the compressor. This is a sealed unit, inside of which there is an electric motor and a piston group. The bulk of the body is steel, which protects the internal mechanisms and withstands high refrigerant pressure. However, it is electric motor that is the source of non-ferrous metal, since its rotor and stator are wound with wires.
In classic models, the winding was made of pure electrical copper, which has excellent conductivity. The stator is a set of metal plates in which a wire is laid in the grooves. Depending on the power of the motor, the length and cross-section of this wire change. Modern budget models may contain windings made of aluminum, which is much lighter and cheaper, but inferior in performance characteristics. You can determine the material by the color of the wire cut or magnetic properties (copper is not magnetic, but the stator underneath it is).
The weight of the compressor assembly itself is usually from 8 to 12 kg, but copper makes up only a small part of this weight. Most of the weight comes from the steel casing, oil and coolant. Sealed housing makes it difficult to quickly assess the contents without opening them, which often leads to errors during pre-weighing. To accurately determine the amount of metal, complete dismantling and cutting is required.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any work on disassembling the compressor, make sure that it is disconnected from the electrical network and is completely free of refrigerant. Opening the housing under pressure is strictly prohibited due to the risk of explosive scattering of fragments.
The distribution of mass in the compressor is uneven. If we look at the device in detail, we can identify several key areas where materials are concentrated. Stator occupies a central position and contains the bulk of the winding. Rotor rotates inside the stator and can also contain copper elements in a short-circuit type design, although aluminum or copper busbars are more often used there.
Why do manufacturers change materials?
Reducing weight and production costs are the main drivers of change. Switching to aluminum allows you to reduce the size of the motor, but requires more precise engineering to maintain reliability.
Factors influencing the amount of copper in the engine
The amount of copper in a refrigerator motor is not a constant value. It depends on many factors, among which the key role is played by the (year) of production of the equipment. In Soviet times, when resources were not considered a limited commodity, no material was spared for motor winding. Engines of the time were heavy-duty, heavy, and had a high copper content, making them attractive for recycling even today.
As technology improved over time, engineers learned to create more efficient engines with less material. The use of higher quality wire insulation made it possible to reduce its cross-section without loss of power. In addition, the implementation inverter technologies changed the very design of the motor. In such systems, the motor is often located outside or has a different design, where the amount of copper may be less, but the efficiency is higher.
It is also worth considering the manufacturer's brand. European and Japanese brands, such as Electrolux, Bosch or Panasonictraditionally adhere to higher quality standards, using pure copper even in modern models. Chinese budget brands are more often experimenting with bimetallic wires or completely switching to aluminum in order to offer a low price.
- 🔍 Year of manufacture: The older the refrigerator, the more likely it is to find pure copper in the windings.
- 🏭 Manufacturer: Famous brands are more likely to use quality materials compared to no-name analogs.
- ⚡ Compressor type: Piston models usually contain more metal than linear or inverter ones.
- 📉 Power: Motors for large two-chamber refrigerators require more powerful windings than compact single-chamber ones model.
The exact weight of copper: data and tables
For those who plan to scrap compressors, specific numbers are most interesting. How many kilograms of copper can be obtained from one motor? The answer depends on the type of engine. A typical mid-size piston compressor contains on average 100 to 250 grams of copper. This is significantly less than many newcomers to the scrap metal business imagine.
Old Soviet motors, such as series FK or CX, could contain up to 300-400 grams of valuable metal thanks to massive windings. However, the weight of the unit itself was impressive. Modern lightweight models, especially if there is aluminum in the winding, can “give up” only 70–90 grams of copper when melted, if you count only the leads and the part of the winding that can actually be separated.
Below is a table showing the approximate copper content in compressors various power and type. The data is averaged, since the exact weight depends on the specific modification and year of manufacture.
| Compressor type | Total weight (kg) | Copper weight (g) | Percentage of output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soviet (piston) | 10–12 | 250–350 | ~2.5% |
| Imported 90s (piston) | 9–11 | 200–300 | ~2.0% |
| Modern (standard) | 8–10 | 120–180 | ~1.5% |
| Budget (with aluminum) | 7–9 | 50–100* | ~0.8% |
*In budget models, part of the winding can be made of aluminum, which is not taken into account as copper upon delivery, or requires complex separation.
⚠️ Attention: Prices for non-ferrous metals are constantly fluctuating. Please check the current cost of copper and the terms of acceptance directly at the procurement point in your region before your trip.
As can be seen from the table, the percentage of copper in the compressor is small. The bulk is steel. Therefore, assembling a batch of 10–20 compressors makes economic sense, while disassembling one for the sake of 150 grams of metal may be unprofitable taking into account the time and energy costs.
Technology for extracting copper from compressor
If you decide to extract the copper yourself, you will need to prepare a work area and tools. The process does not require complex equipment, but is labor intensive. The first step is always to remove the refrigerant and oil. To do this, a hole is drilled in the body through which the waste is drained. Oil must not be poured down the drain or onto the ground - this is an environmental crime that requires disposal through special services.
After draining the liquids, it is necessary to open the steel casing. This is done using a grinder (angle grinder). It is necessary to make a circular cut along the equator of the housing, being careful not to damage the internal winding of the stator. Bulgarian is the main tool in this process, so the presence of safety glasses and gloves is mandatory. Sparks and metal shavings can cause injury.
After removing the top cover, the “inner world” of the compressor will open before you. The stator with winding is attached to the housing or internal frame. To extract copper, the winding must be cut. This is done with a hacksaw or the same grinder on one side of the stator. Then the wire is knocked out from the opposite side. This process is called "rolling out".
☑️ Tools for disassembly
There is also a burning method, when the stator is heated in a fire or oven to burn the varnish insulation. However, this method not recommended is for home use: when varnish and freon residues burn, toxic substances are released, and copper can oxidize under strong heating, losing weight and quality. In addition, open burning of rubber seals creates strong black smoke.
Economic feasibility and scrap prices
Is the game worth the candle? To answer this question, you need to carry out simple mathematical calculations. Let's assume that the price of copper scrap is approximately 600 rubles per kilogram (the figure may change). From one modern compressor you will get an average of 150 grams. A simple calculation shows: 0.15 kg * 600 rub. = 90 rubles.
Now let's take into account the costs. Even if you work on your own, you waste time, electricity for the grinder, and wear out the discs and tools. If you hire a master, his services will cost much more than the 90 rubles you will receive at the end. Therefore, disassembling one a refrigerator for the sake of copper is a loss-making undertaking.
The situation changes if you have access to a large amount of equipment. Storing compressors in a garage over the course of a year can allow you to accumulate 50–100 units. In this case, the output can be 10–15 kg of copper, which is already a significant amount. It also makes sense to hand over entire compressors if the collection point accepts them as an “electric motor” or “mixomet”, although the price for such scrap will be lower than for pure copper.
- 💰 Wholesale: Beneficial if you have a batch of 20 pieces or more.
- 🛠️ Tool: Reduces wear of disks and angle grinders net profit.
- ⏳ Time: Disassembling one motor takes from 30 to 60 minutes.
- ♻️ Ecology: Proper disposal of oil and plastic also requires cost or effort.
Safety and environmental aspects of disposal
When working with refrigeration compressors, we must not forget about the dangers they pose. Refrigerant circulates inside the system. In older models, this is freon, which, when released into the atmosphere, destroys the ozone layer. Modern devices may use other gases that become explosive or toxic when heated.
The oil inside the compressor is a waste petroleum product. It contains breakdown products of freon, acids and metal shavings. Discharge of such oil into soil or sewerage is prohibited by law in most countries. One liter of such oil can contaminate thousands of liters of water, making them uninhabitable.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to cut into a compressor without making sure that it is completely depressurized and the pressure inside is equal to atmospheric pressure. Residual pressure can lead to oil splashing during the first cut.
It is also worth mentioning noise pollution and dust. Working with an angle grinder generates a lot of metal dust, which settles in the lungs. Using a respirator is not just a recommendation, but a necessity. Steel shavings are a fire hazard, so it is better to carry out work on a concrete site away from flammable materials.
What to do with the remains after disassembly?
The steel body, plastic and remaining internal parts should be taken to a collection point for ferrous scrap metal. Do not throw them in a regular trash container.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How much exactly does the copper in a compressor from an Atlant refrigerator weigh?
In brand compressors Atlant, especially those produced in the 90s and early 2000s, the copper content is approximately 200–240 grams. More modern models may have less winding weight due to design optimization.
Is it possible to hand over an entire compressor without disassembling it?
Yes, many scrap metal collection points accept assembled compressors. However, they are paid for as an “electric motor” or “mix”, the price for which is significantly lower than for pure electrical copper. Disassembly increases profits, but requires labor.
Is there copper in the refrigerator tubes?
Yes, copper is used in the refrigeration system (evaporator, condenser, connecting tubes). Depending on the refrigerator model, the tubes may contain from 0.5 to 1.5 kg of copper. This is often a more valuable part of the refrigerator for delivery than the motor itself.
How to distinguish copper windings from aluminum?
Visually, copper has a reddish-golden hue when freshly cut, while aluminum is silvery-white. Copper is also heavier and more ductile. The most reliable way is to make a notch on the wire: if the color inside is silver, it is bimetal or aluminum.
Is it dangerous to store disassembled compressors at home?
It is safe to store disassembled steel cases. However, leftover oil and innards can smell bad and get dirty. It is better to immediately pack the mined copper and hand over the scrap without cluttering the living space.