The question of how much copper is in the compressor from an old refrigerator worries not only professional buyers of non-ferrous metals, but also owners of household appliances who decide to dispose of the unit themselves. Non-ferrous metals are highly valued in the recyclables market, and understanding the internal design of the motor allows you to really assess the potential profit from scrap delivery. Many people mistakenly believe that the entire heavy engine housing consists of pure metal, available for recycling, but the real picture is more complex and requires detailed analysis.
Weight copper in the compressor depends on its model, year of manufacture and manufacturer. Old Soviet units often contained more valuable material in the windings than modern energy-efficient models, where engineers strive to minimize weight and material consumption. For an accurate calculation, it is necessary to take into account not only the stator windings, but also the copper tubes that supply and discharge the refrigerant, as well as internal switching elements.
Before proceeding with disassembly or evaluation, it is important to understand that the yield of pure metal is only a part of the total mass of the device. The remaining weight is steel, iron, oil and insulating materials. In this material we will look in detail at what a compressor consists of, how to properly remove valuable components and what to expect when handing over scrap to a collection point.
Compressor design and distribution of metals
Sealed compressor is a complex electromechanical unit enclosed in a steel casing. Inside this casing there is an electric motor and the compressor part itself. The bulk of the device (about 85-90%) is ferrous metal the steel of the housing, rotor and stator plates. However, it is copper that is the target of disassembly, since its cost is an order of magnitude higher.
Copper is unevenly distributed in the structure. Its main part is concentrated in the stator windings of the electric motor. These are thin wires coated with varnish insulation, which, when burned or mechanically cleaned, give a high yield of non-ferrous metal. The second zone containing copper is pipelines. The inlet and outlet tubes, as well as internal channels, are often made of this material, although in some modern models manufacturers may use aluminum or steel.
⚠️ Attention: Technical oil always remains inside the compressor, which contaminates the copper during disassembly. Scrap with oil residues can be returned at a lower price in the “dirty copper” category.
The third source is electrical wiring elements. The contacts, start relay (on older models) and connection terminals may also contain copper or copper alloys (such as brass). However, their contribution to the total weight is negligible compared to the windings. Understanding this structure helps to avoid illusions: you cannot extract 5 kg of copper from a 10 kg motor, since most of the volume is occupied by heavy iron.
Factors influencing weight of copper in the engine
The amount of non-ferrous metal in the same type of equipment may vary. One of the main factors is power the compressor. Heavier units designed for larger walk-in refrigerators or freezers require thicker wire and more turns to create the required magnetic field. Consequently, the weight of copper in them will be higher.
Year of manufacture and country of origin also play a role. Soviet equipment, for example, brand ZIL or Saratov, was famous for its heaviness and high content of non-ferrous metals. Modern European or Chinese models are often designed taking into account resource savings, which leads to a reduction in wire cross-section and the use of composite materials where metal was previously used.
Technical condition also affects the final weight. If the compressor burned out, the insulation on the windings may have burned off, making removal easier, but the metal itself may have oxidized. In an intact (whole) state, the weight includes the mass of the insulating varnish, which amounts to 10-15% of the mass of the winding itself. When scrapping, this is important to take into account, since buyers can make a deduction for “non-metallic inclusions.”
The exact weight of copper in the compressor: table and calculations
For those who are accustomed to relying on specific numbers, we have prepared summary data. It is important to understand that the indicated values are averages. The actual yield depends on the specific series and year of production. Below is a table showing the dependence of copper weight on the type of compressor.
| Compressor type | Total weight (kg) | Weight of windings (kg) | Weight of tubes and other things (kg) | Total copper (approximately) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soviet (powerful) | 10-12 | 0.9 - 1.2 | 0.3 - 0.5 | 1.2 - 1.7 kg |
| Modern (standard) | 7-9 | 0.5 - 0.7 | 0.2 - 0.3 | 0.7 - 1.0 kg |
| Low-power (minibar) | 4-6 | 0.2 - 0.4 | 0.1 - 0.2 | 0.3 - 0.6 kg |
| Industrial | 15+ | 1.5+ | 0.5+ | 2.0+ kg |
The table shows that the average output is approximately 10% of the total mass of the compressor, if we consider only windings If you carefully remove the copper tubes, you can add about 200-400 grams more. Brass, which is also present in valves and some fittings, is valued lower than pure electrical copper, so it is often sorted separately.
The process of extracting copper from the stator
Obtaining copper from a compressor is a labor-intensive process that requires compliance with safety precautions. Simply breaking the housing with a sledgehammer will not give a clean result, since the windings are tightly pressed into the stator core. For effective work, you need a set of tools: a grinder, a chisel, a hammer and, possibly, a blowtorch.
The first stage is opening the case. This is done by carefully cutting with a grinder in a circle or by drilling out the weld. After removing the cover, access to the insides opens. Next, you should disconnect the copper tubes by cutting them at the base. This will give the primary output pure copper without having to disassemble the entire motor.
The most difficult stage is removing the windings. There are two main methods:
- 🔨 Mechanical: On one side of the stator, the “beard” of the winding is cut off with a chisel and hammer. Then, on the other side, the wires are pulled out with pliers. The method is labor-intensive, but allows you to keep the metal as clean as possible.
- 🔥 Thermal: The stator is heated with a blowtorch or placed in a fire. The insulation burns off and the copper becomes soft, after which it is easy to knock out. The disadvantage of the method is weight loss (up to 10%) and the formation of harmful smoke.
⚠️ Attention: When heat treating the windings, toxic vapors of burnt varnish and possible freon residues are released. Carry out work only in the open air using a respirator!
After removal, the wires often take the form of a “pancake” or a coil. To scrap them, it is advisable to clean them of any remaining insulation and core. The stator iron plates remaining after knocking out copper are also valuable scrap (ferrous metal), but they are sold separately and much cheaper.
☑️ Safe disassembly of the compressor
Economic feasibility of disassembly
Is the game worth the candle? To answer this question, it is necessary to carry out simple mathematical calculations, comparing the cost of non-ferrous scrap and the time spent. At the moment, the price of copper at collection points fluctuates (fluctuates), but remains high compared to ferrous metal.
Let's look at an example. Let the price of copper be 600 rubles per kg, and ferrous scrap - 20 rubles per kg. From one compressor weighing 9 kg we will get:
- 📉 Option "Laziness": Hand over entirely as black scrap (9 kg * 20 rubles) = 180 rubles.
- 📈 Option "Labor": Get 1 kg of copper (600 rubles) + 8 kg of ferrous metal (160 rubles) = 760 rubles.
The difference is obvious - more than four times. However, it is worth considering the depreciation of the tool (discs for an angle grinder), the cost of electricity or fuel, as well as the most valuable thing - your time. Disassembling one unit takes from 30 to 60 minutes. If you plan to recycle one refrigerator, the profit may not be obvious. If you have a dozen of them or you do it professionally, then disassembly becomes a mandatory step.
Hidden costs during disassembly
Do not forget that when disassembling yourself, you take responsibility for the disposal of oil and freon. Incorrect release of these substances may result in environmental fines, which will completely cut off profits from the sale of copper.
The influence of the compressor brand on copper content
Different manufacturers use different technologies. For example, compressors Danfoss (now Secop) often have a compact design and optimized material consumption. They may contain less copper, but are more efficient. Units Atlant or Indesit mass production often have a standard design, where the weight of copper is predictable and is in the average range.
Rotary compressors, which are often found in modern No Frost systems, stand out. Their design is different from piston ones, and the amount of copper in them may be less due to the use of different principles of refrigerant compression. Therefore, when assessing “by eye,” always make allowances for the type of device: a classic “pot” with two tubes is usually richer in nonferrous metals than modern vertical cylinders.
It is also worth paying attention to the weight of the unit itself before opening. A heavy compressor is likely to contain a larger stator and, accordingly, more winding wire. Lightweight models often have a reduced amount of iron and copper, which is a consequence of modern trends towards miniaturization.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics and internal design of compressors are subject to change by manufacturers without notice. It is better to check the current data on a specific model in the technical documentation or on specialized forums.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to hand over an entire compressor without disassembling it?
Yes, many collection points accept entire compressors, but classify them as “electric motors in collection" or "heavy scrap". The price per kilogram in this case will be significantly lower than for pure cut copper, since the buyer will have to deal with labor-intensive disassembly himself.
Does the refrigerator compressor contain aluminum?
In classic piston compressors, aluminum is rarely used, mainly for the housing of some modern models or individual valve elements. The bulk is steel and copper. However, there can be a lot of aluminum in the heat exchangers (radiators) of the refrigerator itself.
What to do with the oil from the compressor during disassembly?
Technical oil from the compressor is a waste of hazard class 3-4. It should absolutely not be poured into the sewer or onto the ground. Collect the oil in a separate plastic bottle and hand it over to special collection points for used oils or hazardous waste collection points.
How to distinguish a copper tube from a steel one in a compressor?
Copper has a characteristic reddish-golden hue on the cut and is not magnetic. The steel is silver (if not rusty) and reacts actively to magnets. Also, copper is softer and easier to scratch with a knife.
How much does 1 kg of copper from a compressor cost in 2026-2026?
Scrap prices are constantly changing depending on the exchange value of non-ferrous metals. Currently, the price can vary from 550 to 700 rubles per kilogram, depending on the region, the purity of the metal and the volume of the lot being delivered. Always check the exact price at the nearest collection point.