How many kilograms of copper are in the refrigerator: the weight of the motor and compressor

The question of what how many kilograms of copper can be extracted from an old refrigerator often arises among those involved in the sale non-ferrous scrap. However, for a repairman or owner of household appliances, this information is important in terms of assessing the cost of restoring or disposing of the unit. Copper is one of the most valuable components in electric motors, and its quantity directly affects the price that will be offered at receiving points.

It is worth immediately noting that the exact weight of the precious metal depends on the compressor model, year of manufacture and manufacturer. Modern energy-efficient models use less copper compared to their Soviet counterparts, where material savings were not given due attention. Let's look in detail at what weight is made up of and where exactly to look for this valuable resource.

Average weight pure copper wire in a standard household compressor varies in the range from 0.5 to 1.2 kilograms. However, to obtain this data, many factors must be taken into account, including winding type and stator design. Below we will look at the technical nuances in detail.

Compressor design and location of copper

The compressor, or motor-compressor, is the heart of the refrigeration circuit. This is where the refrigerant is compressed and circulated through the system. The main consumer of copper inside this unit is electric motor, which drives the piston group. The stator and rotor windings are made of copper wire coated with varnish insulation to prevent short circuits.

In addition to the motor itself, copper is present in the connecting tubes and heat exchangers, although in the question “how much copper is in the motor” we are interested in the inner part of the sealed casing. In older models, the winding was made of thick wire with a high purity alloy. Modern engines can have a more complex geometry of turns, which allows reducing material consumption without loss of power.

⚠️ Attention: Opening the sealed compressor housing with an angle grinder or a hacksaw is strictly prohibited at home without special equipment. There may be residual pressure and oil vapor inside, and in the presence of a spark, the remaining freon may ignite, which will lead to an explosion.

To determine the potential release of metal, it is important to understand that stator occupies a central place in the design. It is on its core that the coils are wound. The weight of copper here depends on the number of turns and cross-section of the wire. In powerful two-compressor refrigerators, this figure will be higher than in compact single-chamber models.

Weight dependence copper on the type and age of the compressor

The era of refrigerator production plays a key role in determining the amount of non-ferrous metal. Soviet units, such as ZIL, Saratov or Biryusa early years of production, were equipped with compressors with a large margin of safety. They used windings with a high content of pure copper, and the weight of the motor itself often exceeded 10-12 kilograms.

Modern imported and domestic compressors (for example, Atlant, Embraco, Danfoss) are designed taking into account minimizing weight and dimensions. Engineers achieve the required power by improving the magnetic properties of steel and optimizing the shape of the winding, which reduces copper consumption. Therefore, a new refrigerator may contain 30-40% less copper than its analogue from the 80s.

The type of compressor also matters:

• 🔹 Piston —the classic version, where copper is in the windings of the electric motor that drives the piston. The metal yield is average.
• 🔹 Inverter are more complex electronically controlled devices. They are often more compact, but may contain higher quality, although less voluminous, windings.
• 🔹 Linear —used in the premium segment (for example, LG). The design is distinguished by the absence of a traditional crank mechanism, which changes the distribution of mass, but the amount of copper in the coils remains significant.

It is important to consider that sealed casing hides the real picture. You can evaluate the type of compressor by looking at the nameplate (sticker with technical data), where the model is indicated. Knowing the model, experienced scrap dealers can approximately determine the weight of non-ferrous metal.

Table: Approximate copper yield in popular models

For clarity, we present data based on practical analysis of various types of motor-compressors. Remember that the figures are averages, as manufacturers may change production technology without notice.

As can be seen from the table, maximum copper content is typical for heavy Soviet units. Modern motors are lighter, and the share of copper in the total mass of the product is decreasing. However, even 0.5 kg of copper when handing over a large amount of equipment amounts to a significant amount.

When assessing, it is also worth paying attention to starting relay capacitors that are mounted externally. They also contain a small amount of copper (in the windings of relay coils and capacitor plates), but their weight is insignificant compared to the main motor.

Extraction technology and safety measures

If you decide to extract copper yourself, you will need a set of tools and adherence to strict safety rules. The process of dismantling the compressor from the refrigerator begins with disconnecting the device from the network and removing the refrigerant.

The process of removing the windings requires physical effort and special equipment. Usually the thermal method (burning out) or mechanical destruction of the body is used. The mechanical method is more environmentally friendly, but labor-intensive.

Main stages of work:

• 🔸 Dismantling: Saw off the copper tubes suitable for the compressor using a pipe cutter or a hacksaw.
• 🔸 Draining the oil: Turn over compressor and allow the oil to drain into the prepared container. This will take several hours.
• 🔸 Opening: Carefully remove the top cover of the casing (if the design allows) or saw the housing along the equator.
• 🔸 Extraction: Take out the stator with windings. Heat is often used to separate copper from iron, since the varnish burns out at high temperatures.

⚠️ Attention: When the windings are burned, toxic substances and acrid smoke are released from the combustion of the varnish insulation. Work must be carried out only in the open air or in a room with powerful forced ventilation, using a respirator.

Do not forget that there may be freonremains inside the system. Although older refrigerators use relatively safe gases, newer models may use flammable refrigerants (isobutane). A puncture of the housing without preliminary evacuation can lead to a pop.

Economic feasibility and scrap market

Is the game worth the candle? This question arises for everyone who plans to recycle equipment. The price of scrap copper fluctuates (fluctuates) depending on stock exchange quotes, but usually it is significantly higher than the price of ferrous metal or aluminum.

However, if we consider disassembling one refrigerator, the labor costs may not be worth it. Sawing the body, burning off the varnish, cleaning the wire from slag - all this takes time. Receiving points often accept entire compressors at the price of "copper in the engine" or "electric motor", but their weighting coefficients are lower than for pure annealed copper.

Factors influencing the final profit:

• 💰 Rate metal: The cost of scrap copper changes weekly.
• 🏗️ Batch volume: It is more profitable to hand over 10 compressors than one, since it is easier for wholesalers to work with large volumes.
• 🧹 Cleanliness of scrap: Copper contaminated with oil and varnish is valued cheaper (category "mix" or "burnt").

For an ordinary user who has broken refrigerator, the most rational solution is often to hand over the entire device to a specialized organization for recycling household appliances or sell it as used for spare parts if the compressor is still working.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)