The question of how much copper is contained in a refrigerator compressor Stinoloften arises among owners of household appliances planning to dispose of old units, or among craftsmen involved in the repair and restoration of equipment. Interest in this aspect is dictated by the desire to estimate the cost of non-ferrous scrap or understand the design features of the device. However, it is important to immediately note that the exact amount of copper depends on the specific model of the compressor, the year of manufacture and the type of refrigerant for which it was designed.
Compressors installed in refrigerators Stinol (most often produced Aspera or LG) are sealed units, where copper is used as the main material for electric motor windings and in heat exchangers. On average, one standard single or dual chamber compressor can contain between 200 and 400 grams of pure copper. This figure is approximate, since manufacturers are constantly optimizing designs, reducing the weight and dimensions of components.
It is worth understanding that it is impossible to remove copper from a sealed housing without specialized equipment and compromising the integrity of the unit. Moreover, opening the compressor yourself carries health risks due to possible residual pressure or oil vapors. In this article, we will look in detail at where the copper in the compressor comes from, how it affects the operation of the refrigerator, and why the exact weight of the metal is hidden inside the steel casing.
⚠️ Attention: Opening the sealed compressor housing using a homemade method (grinder, hacksaw) is strictly prohibited unless you plan to completely replace it. This violates the tightness of the system, requires professional evacuation and refilling with freon, which is not economically feasible when trying to obtain scrap.
Design features of Stinol compressors
Refrigerators Stinol, which were extremely popular in 90s and early 2000s, equipped with reliable piston compressors. The main supplier was an Italian company Aspera (now part of Embraco), as well as a Korean concern LG. These units are of the sealed type, which means there is complete lack of access to the internal components without destroying the weld seam of the housing. Inside such a “black box” there is an electric motor and compressor mechanics.
Copper in the design is used in two main places: in the stator windings of the electric motor and in the tubes of the heat exchanger (condenser), if it is taken outside, although in older models Stinol the capacitor was often steel and located at the back. The main “copper wealth” is concentrated in the engine. The stator is made of electrical steel plates on which coils of copper wire are wound. It is this wire that creates the magnetic field that rotates the rotor.
The weight of the compressor assembly usually ranges from 9 to 11 kilograms. Of this weight, the lion's share falls on steel (body, shaft, piston, cylinders) and cast iron. The share of non-ferrous metals, including copper and aluminum, is relatively small. The exact ratio of metals depends on the motor series: more powerful models for large refrigerators contain more copper in the windings than compact options for minibars.
- 🔹 Winding material: In 90% of cases, pure electrical copper is used, coated with varnish for insulation.
- 🔹 Motor type: Asynchronous, with starting and operating windings, which doubles the amount of wire used.
- 🔹 Location: The windings are inside a sealed casing, hidden by oil and freon.
How much copper is in the motor windings
The main volume of copper that is of interest for recycling is concentrated in the stator windings. In a standard compressor installed on two-chamber refrigerators Stinol 101, Stinol 103 or Stinol 104, the mass of copper wire varies in the range of 250–350 grams. This value was obtained empirically when disassembling similar units at scrap metal collection points.
It is important to consider that the copper wire in the windings has a varnish coating, which makes up part of the weight. When scrapped, “dirty” copper (with varnish, solder) is valued cheaper than “burnt” or cleaned copper. In addition, in some budget models of later years of production, manufacturers could use aluminum instead of copper for part of the windings, although for compressors Stinol this is less typical than for modern Chinese technology.
The amount of copper directly affects the engine power and its energy efficiency. Copper winding has better conductivity and lower resistance than aluminum, which ensures less heating and longer service life. This is why old compressors Aspera are valued higher than modern lightweight analogues.
The exact weight of copper depends on the cross-section of the wire and the number of turns. In powerful models, the wire is thicker and there may be fewer turns, but the total mass of metal remains comparable. For comparison, in industrial refrigeration compressors, copper can amount to up to 1-1.5 kg, but in household appliances Stinol we are talking about several hundred grams.
Table: Characteristics and composition of compressors
Below is a table with approximate data on the most common models of compressors that were found in refrigerators Stinol. The data is based on technical documentation and the results of weighing the components after cutting.
| Compressor model | Manufacturer | Total weight (kg) | Approximate weight of copper (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspera T 60 HB | Italy/Brazil | 9.5 - 10.0 | 280 - 320 |
| Aspera NE 1217 | Italy | 10.5 - 11.0 | 300 - 350 |
| LG MA 90 NA | South Korea | 9.8 - 10.2 | 250 - 300 |
| Aspera K 55 HB | Italy | 8.5 - 9.0 | 200 - 250 |
The table shows that even the most powerful models contain less than 400 grams of copper. This explains why, from an economic point of view, dismantling one compressor for the sake of non-ferrous metal does not make sense - the costs of tools, time and electricity will cover the revenue from the sale of copper. However, when disposing of a batch of 50–100 refrigerators, this volume already becomes noticeable.
⚠️ Attention: When delivering compressors to scrap metal collection points, they are often accepted at the price of “ferrous scrap” or mixed scrap, since it is difficult to extract copper without industrial equipment. Check the conditions for receiving electric motors in a sealed casing.
The influence of the year of manufacture on the metal content
Refrigerators Stinol were produced in the period from 1993 to 2002 (production in Lipetsk). During this time, compressor production technologies have changed. Early models, assembled in the early 90s, often had heavier and more resource-intensive designs. They used more copper and steel, which made them durable, but energy-intensive.
By the end of the 90s, with the introduction of new energy efficiency standards and the rise in prices of non-ferrous metals on the world market, manufacturers began to optimize designs. Wire cross-section could be reduced by using higher-quality grades of copper with better conductivity, or the geometry of the core changed. However, a radical transition to aluminum in compressors for Stinol has not happened, which is their advantage for recycling.
It is also worth considering that in older models copper could be used in external elements of the system, for example, in filter driers or connecting tubes, if repairs were carried out. But as standard, the tubes were often made of steel, and copper was used only in critical heat exchange and electrical components.
Why is copper becoming more expensive?
The price of copper depends on stock exchange quotations (LME), demand in the construction sector and electric transport. Since copper is one of the main indicators of the state of the world economy, its price is volatile.
Is it possible to determine the amount of copper without opening
Determine the exact amount of copper in a sealed compressor Stinol it is impossible without opening it or having a factory specification detailing the materials. However, experienced craftsmen can draw indirect conclusions based on the engine model. The marking is applied to a nameplate attached to the case.
Knowing the model (for example, Aspera T60HB), you can find the technical datasheet (technical description) of the manufacturer. They often indicate the motor power, current consumption and sometimes the weight of copper in the windings (Copper weight). If such information is not available, you can weigh a similar compressor that has already been cut, and extrapolate (predict) the result.
There is a myth that you can determine whether the windings are copper or aluminum by the sound of operation or the temperature of the housing. This is not so. Aluminum windings compressors of this power are rare, since they require a significantly larger cross-section of wire to ensure the same conductivity, which is physically difficult to fit into a standard stator. Therefore, with a high degree of probability, yours Stinol is copper.
- 🔹 Search for markings: Find the nameplate on the side or top of the compressor.
- 🔹 Weight comparison: Compressors with a high copper content are often (but not always) heavier than aluminum analogues of the same power.
- 🔹 Consultation: Refer to spare parts catalogs for refrigerators, where the composition of components is sometimes indicated.
Economic aspect and disposal
When considering the issue of recycling a refrigerator Stinol, it is important to understand the big picture. The compressor itself is only part of the metal structure. The bulk of the refrigerator consists of steel (body, shelves, doors) and plastic. Copper can also be found in wiring, relays and, in some models, in the evaporator (although in "Stols" the evaporator is often aluminum or steel with an aluminum coating).
If you have assembled a fleet of old equipment, then extracting copper from compressors becomes cost-effective only by using hydraulic presses to destroy the housing and then burn or chemically separate the windings. For a private individual, it is more profitable to hand over the entire refrigerator to a specialized organization that deals with the disposal of household appliances, where environmental standards are observed.
Remember that inside the compressor there is compressor oil, which is a hazardous waste. When sawing at home, it flows out, polluting the soil. Therefore, “hunting for copper” at home is not only an economically dubious activity, but also environmentally irresponsible.
☑️ What to do before handing over the refrigerator
Often asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace the copper wire in the Stinol compressor with aluminum during repairs?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. Aluminum has poorer electrical conductivity and is prone to oxidation at contact points. To replace, you will need to recalculate the cross-section of the wire, increasing the number of turns or their thickness, which may not physically fit into the stator slots. In addition, soldering aluminum requires special fluxes. It’s easier to find a used compressor with intact copper windings.
Why does the Stinol compressor hum but does not start if everything is in order with the copper?
The problem may not be in the windings, but in the starting relay or capacitor. It is also possible that the mechanical part (piston group) may jam due to production or lack of oil. The integrity of the copper winding does not guarantee the serviceability of the motor if the insulation burns out or an interturn short circuit occurs that changes the magnetic field.
How much does copper from the compressor cost at the receiving point?
The price depends on the exchange rate and region, but usually 2nd grade copper (with varnish, in the winding) costs less than pure annealed copper. Considering the yield is only 200–300 grams, the proceeds will be an amount equivalent to the cost of a couple of loaves of bread, which does not cover the labor costs of extraction.
Are there other non-ferrous metals in Stinol refrigerators?
Yes. The system may contain aluminum (evaporator, tubes), brass (bushings, connectors) and small amounts of solder (tin-lead). However, the bulk is black steel. Aluminum evaporator ("crying" type) is common and must also be recycled.