The question of the amount of copper in a refrigerator motor is of interest to both scrap metal dealers and household appliance repair specialists. Compressor —a key component containing copper in the stator and rotor windings, as well as in tubes cooling circuit. However, the exact weight depends on the model, power and year of manufacture of the device.
Many people mistakenly believe that several kilograms of pure copper are “hidden” in every refrigerator, but the real numbers are more modest. For example, in Soviet units there could be up to copper, while in modern units there could be hardly more. Why is there such a difference? The point is to optimize production: modern engines are more compact and use aluminum to reduce weight. ZIL or Minsk copper could be up to 1.5–2 kg, whereas in modern LG or Bosch - hardly more 300–500 grams. Why is there such a difference? It's a matter of optimizing production: modern engines are more compact and use aluminum to reduce weight.
Before run to take the compressor to a collection point, it is important to figure out: which parts contain copperhow to remove it without risk to health, and whether the gamble is worth the candle at current scrap prices. Next is a detailed analysis with numbers, diagrams and warnings.
1. Where is copper hidden in the refrigerator: analysis of the compressor and other components
The main source of copper is compressor electric motor. It consists of:
- 🔄 Stator —a stationary part with a copper winding (up to 80% of all copper in the motor).
- 🌀 Rotor —a rotating element, also with a winding (in asynchronous engines).
- 🔌 Terminal box - here copper contacts connect the windings to the power supply.
Secondary sources:
- ❄️ Capillary tube and capacitor (thin copper tubes, but the weight is minimal - 50–150 g).
- 🔗 Connection wires inside the refrigerator (often with copper wires).
Important: in modern models, copper is partially replaced aluminum (for example, in the rotor windings or capacitor tubes). This reduces weight and cost, but reduces scrap value. To accurately determine the composition, you need a visual inspection or a magnet: copper does not magnet, aluminum too, but it is easy to distinguish by color (silver vs reddish tint of copper).
2. How much copper is in compressors of popular refrigerators: table by model
The weight of copper varies depending on compressor power i year of manufacture. Below are average data for common brands. Please note: the figures are given for pure copper (excluding insulation, oil and other impurities).
| Refrigerator brand/model | Year of manufacture | Compressor power (W) | Weight of copper in the engine (g) | Weight of copper in tubes (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlant MHM-1705 | 1995–2005 | 120–140 | 800–1000 | 200–300 |
| Indesit B16FNF | 2010–2018 | 90–110 | 400–500 | 100–150 |
| Samsung RL-34ECMS | 2015–2022 | 85–100 | 300–400 | 80–120 |
| LG GA-B409SLQZ | 2018–2023 | 75–90 | 250–350 | 50–100 |
| Stinol STN-167 | 2000–2010 | 100–120 | 600–800 | 150–200 |
Approximate data: actual weight may vary by ±15% due to modifications of compressors. For example, in refrigerators NoFrost they often install less powerful motors than in models with a drip system.
⚠️ Attention: In compressors inverter type (for example, in Samsung Digital Invertercopper is used more sparingly - its weight rarely exceeds 200–300 g. Such engines are lighter and more efficient, but less profitable for scrapping.
3. How to remove copper from a compressor: step-by-step instructions
Dismantling the compressor requires caution: inside there is freon and freon, which are toxic when heated. It is better to carry out work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. refrigerant (freon) and compressor oil, which are toxic when heated. It is better to carry out work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Unplug the refrigerator at least 12 hours in advance|Wear protective gloves and goggles|Prepare a container for draining the oil|Have screwdrivers and grinder (if necessary)|Check for ventilation in the room-->
Step 1: Removing the compressor
- 🔧 Unscrew the back cover of the refrigerator (usually secured with 4-6 screws).
- 🔌 Disconnect the power wires (remember or take a photo of the connection diagram).
- 🔩 Unscrew the compressor fastenings (usually 3-4 bolts).
- ⚠️ Do not turn the compressor over —oil may leak out and contaminate the floor.
Step 2: Disassembly engine
- 🔨 Cut or saw off the upper part of the compressor housing (steel cap).
- 🧲 Remove the stator with windings - up to 90% of copper is concentrated here.
- 🔥 To remove insulation from the windings, use blowtorch (in the open air!) or mechanical cleaning with a knife.
Step 3: Cleaning copper
- 🧼 Wash the parts in kerosene or solvent to remove oil.
- 🧴 To remove varnish from the windings, use phosphoric acid (sold in radio stores).
⚠️ Attention: When heating the windings, toxic fumes are released! Work in respirator and only on the street. An alternative is mechanical cleaning (longer, but safer).
What to do with freon?
Freon in household refrigerators (usually R-134a or R-600a) is non-flammable, but may cause suffocation if leaked. If the compressor is sealed, it is enough to carefully dismantle it. If the case is damaged, leave the refrigerator outside for 2-3 days for ventilation.
4. How much can you earn on copper from the refrigerator: current prices for scrap
The price of copper for scrap depends on:
- 📉 Purity of the metal (windings with insulation are accepted cheaper).
- 🏦 Region (in Moscow and St. Petersburg prices are higher than in small cities).
- 📦 Volume of delivery (wholesale shipments are more profitable).
Current prices for 2026 (according to reception points):
- 🟤 Pure copper (without impurities): 600–800 rub/kg.
- 🟡 Copper insulation (windings): 300–500 rub/kg.
- 🔘 Copper tubes with aluminum inserts: 200–400 rub/kg.
Calculation example for a refrigerator Atlant MKhM-1705:
- Copper in the engine: 900 g × 600 rub = 540 rubles.
- Copper in tubes: 250 g × 400 rubles = 100 rubles.
- Total: 640 rubles (excluding costs for dismantling).
Conclusion: donating copper from one refrigerator rarely pays off the effort. The exception is if you are parsing several compressors or do it professionally.
5. Alternative ways to use an old compressor
If copper is not worth the effort, consider other options:
- ♻️ Sale of a whole compressor on Avito or Yule (masters buy it to repair other refrigerators). Price: 500–2000 rubles depending on the model.
- ⚡ Conversion into an air compressor for painting or inflating wheels. The valves and receiver will need modification.
- 🔧 Use in homemade: stoves, smokehouses or even mini-steam locomotives are made from the compressor body (in the environment DIY projects with compressors from ZIL).
Example: a compressor from Stinol 104 can be converted into airbrush compressor for artists. For this you will need:
- Remove freon and oil.
- Install a pressure regulator (up to 4 atm).
- Connect the moisture separator.
⚠️ Attention: When When converting a compressor into a pneumatic tool, be sure to install safety valve (maximum pressure for household models is 6–8 atm). Without it, there is a risk of housing rupture!
6. Legal nuances: is it possible to legally sell compressors for scrap?
Release of compressors for scrap allowed, but with reservations:
- 📄 Passport products: collection points may require a document confirming the legal ownership of the refrigerator (especially if you are handing over several pieces).
- ♻️ Freon disposal: by law, the refrigerant must be disposed of by a certified organization. In practice, few people check, but theoretically a fine for environmental pollution is possible.
- 🚛 Transportation: if you are carrying more than 10 compressors, a scrap transportation agreement may be required.
In most cases, problems arise only when wholesale. delivery (from 50 kg of copper). For one-time visits, a citizen's passport is sufficient. However, in some regions (for example, in Moscow), local rules apply - check them on the website Rosprirodnadzor.
Alternative: hand over the entire refrigerator to household appliances recycling point. Some companies (for example, "EcoSystem") pay symbolic compensation (100-300 rubles) for old appliances.
7. Common mistakes when extracting copper and how to avoid them
Beginners often lose up to 30% of copper due to incorrect actions:
- 🔥 Overheating of the windings: When using a blowtorch, copper may oxidize (darken), which will reduce its price. The optimal heating temperature is up to 300°C.
- 🔨 Breaking the body with a hammer: this leads to deformation of copper parts and loss of fragments.
- 🧴 Using aggressive acids (for example, salt) for cleaning. They corrode the copper, reducing its weight.
- ⚡ Ignoring residual voltage: even a disconnected compressor can store charge in the capacitors. Before disassembling, short-circuit the terminals. a screwdriver with an insulated handle.
Critical error: trying to melt copper at home. The melting temperature of copper is 1083°C, which is unattainable for household furnaces!
FAQ: Answers to popular questions
Is it possible to remove copper from a compressor without a grinder?
Yes, but it will take more time. Alternative methods:
- 🔧 Disassemble the compressor by carefully sawing off the housing with a hacksaw.
- 🔨 Use a chisel and hammer (be careful not to damage the windings!).
- 🔥 Heat the body with a gas burner - sometimes it can be disassembled after thermal expansion.
A grinder speeds up the process, but requires skills (risk of damage to the windings).
How much copper is in a Samsung refrigerator with the NoFrost system?
In models NoFrost (for example, Samsung RB-30 J3200EF) the compressors are less powerful, so there is little copper:
- Engine: 200–300 g.
- Tubes: 50–80 g.
Total: no more 350 g. Such refrigerators are unprofitable for scrapping.
How to distinguish copper from aluminum in the windings?
Visual signs:
- 🟤 Copper: reddish tint, shiny when cut.
- ⚪ Aluminium: silver, matte, lighter in weight.
Practical test: bend the wire - copper bends without cracks, aluminum breaks when bent strongly.
Is it profitable to sell compressors from Soviet refrigerators?
Yes, but with nuances. models ZIL, Minsk, Orsk there is more copper (up to 1.5–2 kg), but:
- 🕰️ Compressors are often rusty - cleaning is required.
- 🔧 Windings can be damaged by time (less pure metal).
- 💰 The price of scrap does not always cover the cost of disassembly.
Conclusion: it is profitable if you have free source old refrigerators (for example, from repair shops).
Is it possible to sell a compressor without extracting copper?
Yes, but the price will be lower. Reception points buy whole compressors by weight black. metal (10–30 rubles/kg) For example:
- The compressor weighs 10 kg → you will receive 100–300 rubles.
- After extracting 500 g of copper → 300–400 rubles (2–4 times more profitable).
Exception: if the compressor is working and in demand (for example, for Atlant or Stinol), it can be sold to a master for 500–2000 rubles.