How much copper is in the compressor of an Atlant refrigerator: analysis of models, weight and methods extraction

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and copper plays a key role in its design. Owners of old models Atlant often wonder how much of this valuable metal can be extracted from the compressor, especially if the equipment is out of order and needs to be disposed of. In this article, we will look at exactly which parts contain copper, how its amount varies depending on the model and year of manufacture, and also give practical advice on safe removal.

It is important to understand that Atlant refrigerator compressors differ in power, dimensions and design. For example, in Soviet-style models (before the 1990s), copper could be up to 1.2–1.5 kg per unit, while in modern analogues this figure has dropped to 0.3–0.8 kg. Why did this happen? Manufacturers have optimized material consumption by replacing some of the copper tubes with aluminum or steel alloys. However, even in new compressors, copper remains in the electric motor windings and contact groups.

If you plan to scrap the compressor or disassemble it yourself, this article will help you avoid mistakes. We will also tell you how to distinguish copper from other metals, what tools will be needed for dismantling, and provide current prices for scrap non-ferrous metals (at the time of publication).

The design of the Atlant refrigerator compressor: where the copper is hidden

The refrigerator compressor is a sealed unit, inside which several key elements containing copper are hidden. The main “locations” of the metal:

• 🔧 Electric motor windings — here it is used enameled copper wire (up to 70% of all copper in the compressor). The thickness and length of the wire depend on the power of the model.
• 🔌 Contact groups and terminals —usually made of pure copper or its alloys for better conductivity.
• 🔄 Heat exchanger tubes — in older models Atlant (for example, MHM-1701 or MX-280) copper tubes with a diameter of 6–8 mm were used. In new ones, they are often replaced with aluminum.
• ⚙️ Spring relay contacts —small, but also contain copper in an alloy with others metals.

The most valuable part is the windings. In compressors Atlant with a power of 120–160 W (typical for household refrigerators), the mass of copper wire is 0.4–0.7 kg. However, it is not easy to remove: the wire is coated with a layer of varnish and tightly wound around the core. To do this, you will need to disassemble the compressor and burn the insulation (which we will discuss in more detail later).

Heat exchanger tubes, if they are copper, can add more 0.2–0.5 kg metal, but they are often used for melting together with aluminum or steel due to its low weight. Contact groups and terminals weigh grams, but they are easy to separate and pass as pure copper.

How much copper is in Atlant compressors: table by model

The amount of copper depends on compressor power, its year of manufacture and refrigerator series. Below is a table with approximate data for popular models Atlant. Please note that weight may vary ±10% due to modifications or wear.

Please note: in modern models (after 2015), manufacturers are actively replacing copper with aluminum in tubes to reduce costs. However, the motor windings are still copper - replacing them with aluminum would lead to a sharp drop in efficiency.

⚠️ Attention: The data in the table is indicative. The exact weight of copper can only be determined after completely disassembling the compressor and cleaning the parts from insulation and oil. In some models (for example, Atlant with the No Frost system), some of the tubes can be made of stainless steel.

How to remove copper from a compressor: step-by-step instructions

If you decide to disassemble the compressor yourself, follow this instructions. Remember: there is freon and oil inside the unit, so work must be carried out in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, using protective equipment (gloves, goggles).

Drain the oil from the compressor (turn it over, let it drain into a container)|

Disconnect the heat exchanger tubes (use a pipe cutter)|

Remove the start relay (unscrew the fasteners)|

Prepare tools: grinder, pliers, hacksaw|

Ensure fire safety (remove flammable items)-->

Step 1: Draining the oil and freon

Before disassembling, the compressor must be freed of refrigerant and oil. To do this:

1. Turn the compressor upside down and leave for 12-24 hours so that the oil flows to the bottom.
2. Carefully file or cut off the tubes leading to the heat exchanger with a grinder. Do not use open fire —freon is explosive!
3. Drain the oil into a metal container (it can be disposed of as waste).

Step 2: Opening the compressor housing

The compressor housing is welded from steel, so it will have to be cut. It is best to use a grinder with a metal disc:

• 🔹 File the body along the weld seam (usually it is visible as a thin line).
• 🔹 Carefully separate the halves, prying them with a pry bar.
• 🔹 Remove the internal block with windings and piston system.

Step 3: Removing the copper wire

The motor windings are covered with a layer of varnish that needs to be removed. To do this:

1. Place the windings in a metal container and heat over an open fire (for example, on a fire or gas burner). The varnish will burn off, but the copper will not melt (its melting point is 1083°C).
2. After calcination, the wire will become brittle - it can be crushed with a hammer and separated from the core.
3. Clean the copper from insulation residues mechanically (with a metal brush) or chemically (acetic acid).

⚠️ Attention: When the windings are heated, toxic gases (products of burning varnish) are released. Carry out the procedure outdoors or in a room with forced ventilation. Do not inhale smoke!

How to distinguish copper from other metals in a compressor

In a refrigerator compressor Atlant in addition to copper, there are aluminum, steel and brass. In order not to confuse them when sorting, use the following methods:

• 🔍 Color: Pure copper has a reddish-golden hue, aluminum is silvery-white, brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) is yellow.
• 🧲 Magnet: Copper and aluminum are not magnetic, steel is attracted.
• 🔨 Hardness: Copper is soft - it can be scratched with a knife. Aluminum is also soft, but more brittle.
• 🔥 Heating: When heated, copper becomes covered with a black coating (copper oxide), aluminum - white.

If in doubt, you can conduct a test with acetic acid:

1. Apply a few drops of vinegar to the metal.
2. Copper will be covered with a greenish coating (copper acetate) in 5-10 minutes.
3. Aluminum and steel will not change color.

Often found in compressors Atlant (for example, in valves or fittings). It can be distinguished by its yellow color and higher hardness compared to copper. Brass is also accepted for scrap, but at a different price (usually lower than for pure copper). brass (eg in valves or fittings). It can be distinguished by its yellow color and higher hardness compared to copper. Brass is also accepted for scrap, but at a different price (usually lower than for pure copper).

How much you can earn on copper from an Atlant compressor

The price of copper scrap depends on several factors:

• 📊 Metal purity: They pay more for pure copper (wire without insulation) than for mixed scrap.
• 🏦 Region: In Moscow and St. Petersburg, prices are higher than in small cities.
• 📅 Current rate: Prices for non-ferrous metals fluctuate depending on stock exchange quotes.

As of 2026, estimated prices for copper at receiving points in Russia:

Calculation example: if you removed 1 kg of pure copper i 0.3 kg of brass from the compressor Atlant XM-4026, your income will be:

(1 × 700) + (0.3 × 350) = 700 + 105 = 805 rubles.

You shouldn’t expect a lot of money - disassembling the compressor takes time and effort. However, if you have several old refrigerators accumulated, the amount may be noticeable. In addition, you get rid of bulky scrap metal, for the disposal of which you sometimes have to pay.

⚠️ Attention: Some scrap metal collection points refuse to accept assembled compressors due to freon and oil residues. Check in advance whether you need to disassemble the unit first.

Alternative ways to dispose of the compressor

If disassembling the compressor seems too labor-intensive, consider alternative options:

• ♻️ Take it to a collection point for refrigerators: Some companies pay a symbolic amount (100-300 rubles) for an old refrigerator, including the compressor. They themselves deal with its disposal.
• 🔧 Sell the entire compressor: On bulletin boards (Avito, Yula) you can find buyers who dismantle equipment. Price - 300–800 rubles per unit.
• 🌱 Recycle through eco-programs: In some regions there are programs for the collection of household appliances with a premium for delivery (for example, “Ecotechnics” in Moscow).
• 🔨 Use on the farm: From the compressor you can make a homemade compressor for aerating an aquarium or pump for inflating wheels (requires modification).

If you choose to sell the entire compressor, indicate in the ad:

• Refrigerator model (Atlant XM-4026, MHM-1701 etc.).
• Condition (working/non-working, presence of oil).
• Photo indicating dimensions.

Buyers often look for compressors for:

• 🔧 Repair of other equipment (for example, for homemade refrigerators).
• 🎨 Art projects (metal sculptures, decor).
• 🔋 Removing parts (springs, valves) for radio amateurs.

Is it possible to use a compressor from Atlanta for homemade air conditioner?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is difficult. Refrigerator compressors are designed to operate with R-12 or R-134a freon, while air conditioners use R-22 or R-410A. In addition, the power of a household compressor Atlant (120–160 W) is only enough to cool a very small room (up to 5 m²). A homemade air conditioner will also require a radiator, a fan and a control system, which makes the project economically unfeasible.

Common mistakes when extracting copper and how to avoid them

Beginners often make mistakes that lead to injury or loss of part of the metal. Here are the most common of them:

• 🔥 Heating the compressor without draining the oil: Oil can ignite, and freon vapors can explode. Always drain fluids before cutting!
• ⚡ Work without protection: Metal fragments and varnish fumes are dangerous to the eyes and lungs. Use goggles, a respirator and gloves.
• 🔨 Wrong tool: Trying to cut a body with a hacksaw will take hours. A grinder or autogen will save time.
• 🧲 Metal mix-up: Selling aluminum at the price of copper is common error. Always check the scrap with a magnet and visually.
• 🗑️ Throwing out valuable parts: Many people throw away the starting relay, not knowing that its contacts contain copper and silver.

Another typical problem — incomplete extraction of copper. For example, there may be pieces of wire left in the engine core or copper fittings in the tubes. To avoid this:

1. Carefully inspect all parts after disassembly.
2. Use a magnet to separate the steel parts.
3. Rinse the parts in kerosene - this will help remove oil and better see the metal.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to remove copper from a compressor without sawing it?

No, the compressor housing is hermetically welded, and it is impossible to disassemble it without cutting. The only alternative way is to hand over the entire compressor to a collection point, but in this case you will receive money only for the weight of scrap metal (about 20–30 rubles per kg), and not for pure copper.

How much copper is in the compressor from an Atlant two-chamber refrigerator?

In two-chamber refrigerators Atlant (for example, XM-6021 or NRM-6228) usually one compressor with a power of 130–160 W is installed. The amount of copper in it is 0.5–0.8 kg (including windings and tubes). Two-compressor models (for example, Atlant MHM-2832) contain up to 1.2–1.5 kg of copper for both units.

Is it dangerous to disassemble the compressor yourself?

Yes, there are several risks:

• 💥 Explosion of freon when heated (if the gas has not been completely vented).
• 🔥 Fire of oil or winding insulation.
• 🩹 Cuts from sharp edges of the housing or metal fragments.

To minimize dangers, work on street, use protective equipment and do not use open fire near the compressor.

Where to sell copper from the compressor at the highest price?

Prices for scrap copper are higher in:

• Large collection points (not small stalls).
• Regions with developed metallurgy (for example, Chelyabinsk, Yekaterinburg, Lipetsk).
• Companies specializing in non-ferrous metals (and not ferrous scrap).

Before delivery, call 3-4 points and compare prices. Also check if they accept copper with insulation residue - some reduce the price for “dirty” scrap.

Can copper from the compressor be used for homemade projects?

Yes, if it is cleaned of insulation and oxides. For example:

• 🔌 For making homemade cables or terminals.
• 🎨 For artistic forging (copper lends itself well to processing).
• 🔋 For creating decorative elements (for example, copper tubes can be flattened and used as cladding).

However, please note that the copper from the windings is a thin wire (diameter 0.5–1 mm), which is not suitable for loaded structures.