How much copper is contained in a Samsung refrigerator: detailed analysis by model

When it comes to recycling or repairing refrigerators Samsung, one of the most common questions is how much copper can be extracted from old equipment. Copper has a high value on the scrap market, and in refrigerators it is used in key components: the compressor, heat exchanger, electrical wiring and even some electronic circuit boards. But the amount of this metal varies greatly depending on models, year of manufacture and type of cooling system.

In this article we will look at where exactly copper is hidden in refrigerators Samsung, how much of it can be extracted from popular series (for example, No Frost, Side-by-Side or RL), and how to properly dismantle parts so as not to damage valuable components. You will also find out which parts of the refrigerator contain the largest amount of copper, and which contain only traces of it, and how this affects the final cost of scrap.

It is important to understand that modern models Samsung (released after 2015) are often optimized for weight and may contain less copper than older Soviet or European counterparts. However, even in them there remain “golden” parts that bring profit when recycled. If you plan to disassemble the refrigerator yourself, our instructions will help you do it safely and with maximum efficiency.

Where is copper hidden in a Samsung refrigerator?

Copper in refrigerators Samsung is unevenly distributed. The main “deposits” of this metal are concentrated in three zones:

• 🔧 Compressor —the heart of the refrigerator, where copper is used in the electric motor windings and refrigerant tubes. In old models, the weight of the copper winding could reach 1.5–2 kg, in new ones - usually 0.8–1.2 kg.
• 🌀 Capacitor (heat exchanger) - a grate on the back wall through which the refrigerant circulates. Here, copper is often alloyed with aluminum, but its share remains significant.
• ⚡ Electrical wiring and boards - thin copper wires in cables, as well as tracks on electronic modules (for example, in a control unit Digital Inverter).

Additional sources of copper that are often overlooked:

• 🔌 Start relay —contains copper contacts and coil.
• 🧲 Temperature sensors —some models use copper wires.
• 🔄 Fans (in systems No Frost) - motor winding.

The most valuable component is the compressor. For example, in the model Samsung RL-58 GBCS (2018) the mass of the copper winding is about 1.1 kg, and in earlier RL-34 (2010) - up to 1.8 kg. At the same time, in a capacitor of the same model, copper can be from 300 to 600 grams, depending on its size.

How much copper is in popular Samsung models?

To estimate the potential "copper" profit, we analyzed several common series of refrigerators SamsungThe data is given for models in working condition (without corrosion and damage). Actual weight may vary by ±10% due to modifications or wear.

Please note: in models Side-by-Side and French Door there is more copper due to the increased volume and two compressors (in some modifications). For example, Samsung RF-23 can give up to 3.5 kg of copper when completely disassembled.

The cost of copper on the scrap market ranges from 600 to 900 rubles per kg (for 2026). Thus, even from a small refrigerator Samsung RB-30 you can extract metal for 1,000–1,500 rubles, and from a large model Side-by-Side - up to 2,500–3,000 rubles.

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

Disassembling a refrigerator for copper requires caution: refrigerant (freon) may remain in the system, and the compressor is under pressure. If you are not confident in your skills, entrust the dismantling to specialists. Below are basic instructions for experienced craftsmen.

Unplug the refrigerator for at least 24 hours

Wear protective gloves and goggles

Prepare tools: wire cutters, screwdrivers, wrenches

Check for ventilation in the room-->

Step 1. Removing the compressor

1. Unscrew the back cover of the refrigerator (usually secured with 4-6 bolts).
2. Find the compressor - a black cylindrical block with tubes.
3. Break the tubes with wire cutters at a distance of 10–15 cm from the compressor (do not inhale freon vapors!).
4. Disconnect the start relay and unscrew the compressor mounting bolts.

Step 2. Removing the copper windings

The compressor is disassembled by sawing off the top cover (use grinder or hacksaw. metal). Inside you will find:

• 🧵 Copper stator winding (the main source of copper).
• 🔗 Rotor with aluminum or copper rods.

Step 3. Removing the capacitor

The capacitor grid is attached to latches or bolts. Carefully cut it with a grinder or scissors. for metal, then separate the copper tubes from the aluminum fins. In some models, the capacitor is completely aluminum - check with a magnet (copper is not magnetic!).

Step 4. Collecting other copper parts

Walk through the refrigerator to find:

• 🔌 Power wires (usually 2-3 mm in diameter, with copper cores).
• 📱 Control boards (contain up to 50–100 g of copper per each).
• 🌀 Fans (in models No Frost).

What to do with freon?

The freon in the refrigerator is under pressure and can be dangerous if inhaled. If you are not a certified technician, do not try to drain it yourself! It’s better to call a specialist for recycling or take the refrigerator to a collection point where the freon will be professionally pumped out.

Which Samsung models contain the most copper?

If your goal is maximum profit from copper, pay attention to the following series Samsung:

• 🏆 Samsung Side-by-Side (RS, RF series) —two-door refrigerators with two compressors. For example, RS-62 R5001 gives up 3.5 kg of copper.
• 🕰️ Old models (2005–2012) — RL-34, RL-41, RL-58. In them, copper was used more generously than in modern analogues.
• ❄️ Models with No Frost - contain additional fans and heating elements with copper windings.

Less profitable options:

• ⚠️ Compact refrigerators (volume up to 150 l) - copper is rare in them more than 1 kg.
• ⚠️ Models after 2020 —manufacturers save on metal by replacing copper with aluminum.

When choosing a refrigerator for disassembly, be guided by:

1. Year of manufacture (the older, the better).
2. Type of cooling system (No Frost preferably drip).
3. Volume (large models = more copper).

How much can you earn on copper from a Samsung refrigerator?

Income from delivery copper depends on three factors:

1. Weight of copper (see table above).
2. Metal purity (refined copper is more expensive).
3. The price of scrap in your region (in Moscow and St. Petersburg it is higher than in small towns).

Let's calculate the profit using the model example Samsung RL-34 (2.5 kg of copper) at a price 700 rub/kg:

• 💰 Unrefined copper: 2.5 kg × 600 rubles = 1,500 rubles.
• 💰 Purified copper: 2.5 kg × 750 rubles = 1 875 rubles.

Additional sources of income:

• 🔋 Aluminum from a capacitor (50–100 rubles/kg).
• ⚙️ Engines fans (up to 200 rubles per piece).
• 📱 Electronic boards (50–300 rubles per fee).

Total from one refrigerator Samsung can be obtained 2,000–3,500 rublesif you hand over all valuable components. However, do not forget to deduct the costs of disassembly (tools, time) and disposal of hazardous waste (freon, oil from the compressor).

Dangers when disassembling a refrigerator for copper

Disassembling a refrigerator is an unsafe activity. Main risks:

• ☠️ Freon is a colorless gas that, if inhaled, can cause dizziness or poisoning. Old models use R-12 (particularly dangerous), in new ones - R-134a or R-600a.
• ⚡ Residual voltage - even a switched-off refrigerator can have charged capacitors.
• 🔥 Fire hazard — when cutting the compressor with a grinder, the oil may ignite.

⚠️ Attention: If you do not have experience working with refrigeration equipment, do not try to drain the freon yourself or disassemble the compressor. Contact a specialized workshop - this will protect you from poisoning and burns.

How to minimize risks:

• 😷 Work with respirator gloves.
• 🪓 Use tools with insulated handles.
• 🚪 Disassemble the refrigerator on open air or in a well-ventilated area.

If you doubt your abilities, it is better to hand over the entire refrigerator to a scrap metal collection point - professionals will disassemble it there, and you will receive 20–30% of the cost of copper (but without risk to health).

Alternatives to disassembly: where else to return your old Samsung refrigerator?

If you don’t want to bother with disassembly, consider other ways to get rid of your old refrigerator at a profit:

• ♻️ Equipment collection points - many companies remove refrigerators for free and pay 500–1,500 rubles for a working unit.
• 🛒 Sale for spare parts - at Avito or Yule you can sell the compressor, doors or control boards separately.
• 🎁 Charity - some funds accept working refrigerators for those in need.
• 🔄 Recycling with a bonus - for example, when purchasing a new refrigerator Samsung some stores give a discount for returning the old one.

Advantages of these methods:

If the refrigerator is still working, but is obsolete, the best option is to sell it through message boards. For example, a model Samsung RL-41 (2012) in working condition can be sold for 3,000–5,000 rubles, which is more profitable than disassembling it for copper.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copper in refrigerators Samsung

❓ How much copper is in the compressor of the Samsung RB-30 refrigerator?

The compressor of the model Samsung RB-30 J3000 (2015–2017) contains approximately 0.9–1.1 kg of copper (stator winding). If you disassemble the compressor completely, you can additionally remove 100–150 g from the rotor and contacts.

❓ Is it possible to sell a Samsung refrigerator without disassembling, but get money for copper?

Yes, some scrap metal collection points accept entire refrigerators, but they pay less than for pure copper. For example, for a model 2–3 times lessthan pure copper. For example, for a model Samsung RL-34 they can give 500–800 rubles (instead of 1,500–2,000 rubles for self-disassembly).

❓ How to distinguish a copper tube from an aluminum one in a condenser?

Copper tubes are reddish-golden hue, and aluminum ones are silver. Also, copper is not magnetic (check with a magnet), and when scraped with a knife it will leave a reddish scratch. In new models Samsung capacitors are often completely aluminum.

❓ Is it dangerous to cut a compressor with a grinder?

Yes, it is dangerous for three reasons:

1. There remains oil under pressurein the compressor, which can ignite from sparks.
2. Possible explosion fragments when cutting the housing.
3. Emission toxic fumes when heating copper.

It is recommended to cut off the compressor cover in a protected placeusing a hacksaw for metal and pouring plenty of water.

❓ Which Samsung models contain the minimum amount of copper?

The least copper in:

• Compact refrigerators (volume up to 100 l) - up to 0.5 kg.
• Models after 2020 with Digital Inverter - copper is replaced with aluminum in the condenser.
• Refrigerators of the BESPOKE series (designer) - emphasis on appearance, not on maintainability.

In such models, it is more profitable to sell the entire refrigerator than to disassemble it.