How many grams of copper are contained in the refrigerator: detailed analysis by parts and brands

Copper is one of the most valuable metals in household appliances, and refrigerators are no exception. If you are engaged in the delivery of scrap or are simply interested in the design of equipment, the question "how many grams of copper are in the refrigerator" becomes key. In this article, we will figure out exactly where copper is hidden, how its amount depends on the model and year of manufacture, as well as how to remove it correctly without risk to health.

Many people mistakenly think that copper in the refrigerator is concentrated only in the compressor. In fact, it is present in cooling circuit pipes, radiator, start-protection relay and even in some electronic boards. Moreover, its weight can vary from 300 grams in compact models to 1.5 kg in large two-chamber units. Next is a detailed analysis of each element.

1. Where is copper hidden in the refrigerator: key components

Copper is used in the refrigerator primarily due to its high thermal conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The main places of its concentrations:

• 🔧 Compressor —the heart of the refrigerator, where copper is present in the motor windings and refrigerant tubes.
• 🌀 Capacitor (radiator) —a coil on the back wall, usually made of copper tubes with aluminum fins.
• ⚡ Start-protection relay —contains copper contacts and a coil (in electromechanical models).
• 📡 Capillary tube and evaporator —thin copper tubes through which circulation freon.
• 🔌 Electronic boards —in modern models, copper is found in the traces of control boards.

It is important to understand that not all copper is equally available. For example, the compressor winding requires disassembly and special equipment for removal, while the condenser tubes can be dismantled with a regular pipe cutter.

2. How much copper is in a refrigerator compressor: power calculation

The compressor is the “copper” component. The amount of copper here depends on its power type (linear, inverter). On average:

• 🔹 Low-power compressors (up to 100 W) - 150–250 g copper.
• 🔹 Medium power (100–200 W) — 300–500 g.
• 🔹 Powerful (from 200 W) — 500–800 g and more.

For an accurate calculation, you can use the formula:

Mass of copper (g) ≈ Compressor power (W) × 2.5

For example, a compressor Danfoss NL10 with a power of 140 W contains about 350 g of copper (140 × 2.5). However, this is an approximate estimate - the actual amount depends on the winding design.

⚠️ Attention: In inverter compressors (for example, in models LG or Samsung with technology Digital Inverter) copper can be partially replaced with aluminum to reduce weight. Check the composition in the product passport.

3. Copper in the condenser and tubes: how to calculate

The condenser (radiator on the rear wall) is the second largest source of copper by volume. Its mass depends on:

• 📏 The length of the tubes (on average 5–12 meters).
• 🔄 The diameter of the tubes (usually 4–6 mm).
• 🧲 Presence of aluminum ribs (they do not contain copper, but increase the total weight of the assembly).

Approximate calculation:

Mass of copper (g) ≈ Length of tubes (m) × Diameter (mm) × 22

For refrigerator Atlant XM-4626 with a condenser 8 m long and a tube diameter of 5 mm:

8 × 5 × 22 = 880 g (actually - 700–900 g, since some of the tubes may be thinner).

Additionally, copper is contained in:

• 🔗 Capillary tube (10–30 g).
• 🧊 Evaporator (50–150 g, depending on the type of No Frost system).

⚠️ Attention: In models with a system No Frost some of the tubes may be made of aluminum. Check it with a magnet - copper is not magnetic!

How to distinguish copper from brass in tubes?

Brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) is similar in appearance to copper, but has a duller yellowish tint. Carry out the test:

1. Scratch the tube with a knife - copper leaves a reddish mark, brass leaves a light mark.

2. Brass is harder: try bending the edge of the tube - copper bends easier.

3. Brass is heavier (density ~8.5 g/cm³ versus 8.9 g/cm³ for copper), but the difference is noticeable only when weighed.

4. The total mass of copper in the refrigerator by brand and model

The total amount of copper depends on refrigerator typeits age and brand. Modern models save on copper, replacing it with aluminum or steel, while Soviet refrigerators (ZIL, Minsk) contain it in excess.

As can be seen from the table, Soviet refrigerators is a real “copper vein”. They used copper without saving, while modern manufacturers strive to reduce its share to reduce the cost of production.

5. How to remove copper from a refrigerator: step-by-step instructions

Removing copper requires caution: freon may remain in the system (even in a non-working refrigerator), and the compressor is under pressure. Follow the algorithm:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for at least 24 hours|Wear protective gloves and goggles|Prepare tools: pipe cutter, pliers, screwdrivers|Ensure room ventilation (freon is toxic)-->

Step 1. Draining freon

Freon in modern refrigerators (R134a, R600a) is not as dangerous as in old ones (R12), but its vapors can cause dizziness. To bleed gas:

1. Find service port (metal nipple on the compressor tube).
2. Put a hose on it and take it outside or into a ventilated room.
3. Carefully pierce the port with an awl - the gas will come out in 10-15 minutes.

Step 2. Dismantling the compressor

The compressor is mounted on spring hangers. Disconnect:

• 🔌 Power wires (remember their location!).
• 🔧 Tubes going to the condenser and evaporator (use a pipe cutter).
• 🔩 Mounting bolts (usually 3-4 pieces).

Step 3. Disassembling the capacitor

The capacitor can be cut off with a grinder or soldered with a soldering iron. Be careful:

• 🔥 Do not overheat the tubes - copper may oxidize.
• 🧲 Separate the copper tubes from the aluminum fins (they are not needed).

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator was running on freon R12 (Soviet models), its residues in the compressor oil are toxic. Such compressors cannot be disassembled at home - contact a scrap metal collection point with a disposal license.

6. Where to sell copper from the refrigerator: prices and nuances

The price of scrap copper depends on its purity and form:

• 🟤 Pure copper tubes — 600–800 rub/kg (2026).
• 🟡 Tubes with solder residues — 400–600 rub/kg.
• 🔴 Compressor winding — 300–500 rub/kg (requires cleaning).

Where is it more profitable to donate:

• 🏭 Large collection points (for example, Chermet, Vtortsvetmet>) - they give the maximum price, but can reduce it for contamination.
• 📦 Private buyers - sometimes they offer more, but the risk of deception is higher.
• ♻️ Eco-recycling points - they can accept it for free if you hand over the entire refrigerator.

Tips for maximum benefit:

• 🧹 Clean copper from solder, paint and ribs (aluminum is not paid for).
• ⚖️ Weigh the metal yourself on a scale with an accuracy of 10
• 📑 Save the receipt - some items give a bonus when you re-deposit.

⚠️ Attention: Copper delivery without documents (passport) is only possible for an amount of up to 15,000 rubles. Above - a purchase and sale agreement is required (according to the anti-money laundering law).

7. Alternative ways to use copper from the refrigerator

Do not rush to scrap copper. It will be useful in the household:

• 🔌 Homemade radiators —tubes from the condenser are suitable for cooling electronics.
• ⚡ Electrical wiring —thick copper wires from the compressor can be used for grounding.
• 🎨 Decoration and hand-made —copper is easily soldered and polished to a shine.
• 🌱 Gardening —copper wire repels slugs and snails.

If you have soldering skills, you can make from copper tubes:

• 🔥 A burner for a blowtorch.
• 💧 A coil for moonshine device (only for food-grade copper!).
• 📡 Antenna for a radio receiver.

Before using copper for food purposes (for example, for a moonshine still), be sure to:

1. Ignite it over a fire to remove residual oil.
2. Treat with acetic acid to remove oxides.
3. Check for the absence of solder (it contains lead!).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in the refrigerator

Is it possible to remove copper from the refrigerator without draining the freon?

No. Even if the refrigerator is not working, freon remains under pressure in the system. When the tubes are cut, gas will escape, which is hazardous to health. In addition, residual oil in the tubes can ignite when heated.

How much copper is in the refrigerator Stinol 107?

The model Stinol-107 (2000–2010 edition) contains about 800–1000 g of copper: compressor (~400 g), condenser (~500 g), evaporator tubes (~100 g). The exact amount depends on the modification of the compressor (Embraco EG80 or Secop DN88).

How to separate copper from aluminum in a condenser?

The aluminum fins of the condenser are attached to the copper tubes mechanically (due to expansion). To separate them:

1. Heat the tube with a hair dryer to 150–200°C.
2. Carefully remove the fins with pliers (they will come off without effort).
3. Remove remaining aluminum on the tubes with sandpaper.

Do not use a hammer - you can damage the tube itself.

Is it dangerous to breathe vapors when disassembling the compressor?

Yes, it remains in the compressor. mineral oil. data-i="260">respirator with freon vapors. When heated (for example, when cutting with a grinder), it releases toxic substances. Work in respirator with a carbon filter and in a well-ventilated area. If you feel dizzy, immediately go out into fresh air.

Is it possible to sell an entire refrigerator for more than the copper in it?

Depends on the model. A working refrigerator Atlant or Indesit in good condition can be sold for 5-15 thousand rubles, while copper from it costs 1–3 thousand rubles. However, if the equipment is faulty and repairs will cost more than 5 thousand rubles, then selling it for scrap will be more profitable. Check prices on Avito or Yule for your region.