The question of the content of non-ferrous metals in household appliances is becoming increasingly relevant, especially for those involved in recycling or scrap sales. Old refrigerators that have reached the end of their useful life are not just bulky trash, but a potential source of valuable resources. However, many are mistaken in believing that the entire engine consists of pure copper. In fact, the design of the unit is more complex, and removal non-ferrous metal will require effort.
On average, one standard compressor from a household refrigerator contains from 0.9 to 1.5 kilograms of copper wire. The exact figure directly depends on the power of the engine, its year of manufacture and manufacturer. For example, old Soviet models were often equipped with more massive windings, while modern units strive to minimize weight and use alternative alloys. It is important to understand that the weight of the the compressor compressor itself can reach 10-12 kg, but the lion's share of this weight falls on steel and cast iron.
Before you begin disassembling, you need to be aware of the risks. The refrigerant may be under pressure inside the system, and the process of opening the housing itself requires special tools. Incorrect actions can lead not only to damage to the metal, but also to injury. Therefore, study the design of the unit in detail in order to extract the most efficiently and safely valuable raw materials.
The design of the compressor and the arrangement of the windings
To understand exactly where to look for copper, you need to look inside the “heart” of the refrigerator. The compressor is a sealed casing, inside of which there is an electric motor and a piston group. The stator windings, made of copper wire, are located at the bottom of the unit, hidden under a massive core. It is this part that is of the greatest interest to those who sell scrap.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get to them just like that. The case is sealed and must be opened to remove the contents. In modern models, manufacturers sometimes use aluminum winding copper instead, which significantly reduces the value of the unit during processing. You can determine the material by the color of the cut or weight: aluminum is noticeably lighter.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to open the housing of a compressor that is connected to the electrical network or has not undergone a safe depressurization procedure. Residual pressure and possible refrigerant vapors require work in a well-ventilated area.
It is worth noting that in addition to the windings, copper can be found in the heat exchanger tubes if we are talking about a condenser, but in the motor itself the main volume of non-ferrous metal is concentrated in the coils. The weight stator without iron is only a small part of the total weight, but its cost on the scrap market is high.
For those who plan to do this regularly, it is important to know the markings. Series models SK or FG usually have a predictable amount of copper, while imported analogues can vary greatly in content. Do not expect that each motor will give the same result.
Factors influencing the amount of copper
There is no universal formula that would accurately indicate the weight of copper in your particular case. There are a number of variables that determine the final weighing figure. First of all, this is the era of technology production. Soviet refrigerators were famous for their maintainability and the use of a large amount of non-ferrous metals, in contrast to modern “disposable” models.
The second important factor is engine power. Compressors of two-chamber refrigerators or units with the No Frost function are usually more powerful, which means they contain more winding wire. Low-power motors from minibars or single-chamber models will give a significantly lower yield useful raw materials.
The state of the technology should also be taken into account. If the compressor burns out, there is a chance that the wire insulation has partially burned off, which will make stripping easier, but the metal itself may have oxidized. In motors that are intact but not mechanically functional, copper retains its original properties.
- 🔹 Year of manufacture: Equipment from the 80s and 90s contains more copper than models after 2010.
- 🔹 Refrigerant type: Models running on R134a freon often have design differences in winding sizes compared to R12.
- 🔹 Country of origin: European and Japanese motors may differ in winding technology from their Chinese counterparts.
Do not forget about the human factor. During makeshift disassembly, part of the wire may remain on the core or be damaged, which will reduce the final weight of the metal being delivered. Accuracy of extraction plays an important role in the economics of the process.
Table: Approximate yield of copper from different models
For clarity, we present the average data obtained as a result of analyzing popular models of compressors. These numbers will help you set realistic expectations before starting work. Please remember that these are reference data and actual weight may vary by 10-15%.
| Compressor model | Total weight (kg) | Copper weight (kg) | Percentage yield (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKN-100 (USSR) | 14.5 | 1.45 | ~10.0% |
| FG-100 (USSR) | 13.8 | 1.25 | ~9.0% |
| Atlant CT-120 | 11.2 | 0.95 | ~8.5% |
| Secop (Danfoss) NL10F | 10.5 | 0.85 | ~8.1% |
| Chinese analogues (1/6 HP) | 9.8 | 0.65 | ~6.6% |
As can be seen from the table, old Soviet models SK i FY are leaders in non-ferrous metal content. Modern units, despite similar power, are becoming lighter and more economical in material consumption. This is a trend throughout the household appliances industry.
If you plan to sell scrap, it makes sense to sort copper into categories. The mix (mixture with solder) is cheaper than burnt copper or lump copper. Therefore, high-quality cleaning of the wire from varnish and solder can increase the final revenue.
Technology for extracting copper from the stator
The copper mining process requires physical effort and certain tools. Just “shake it out” won’t work. First you need to get rid of the case. To do this, they usually use a grinder with a metal disc. The cut is made along the circumference, at the place of the weld that separates the upper and lower parts of the casing.
After removing the cover, the internal structure will open in front of you. There is oil and possibly gas residues here. Drain the technical oil into a prepared container - it can also be used as waste. Next, you need to disconnect the stator from the housing and mechanical part of the compressor. It is usually held on by three bolts or rivets.
⚠️ Attention: When working with an angle grinder, use safety glasses and gloves. Metal shavings and sparks can cause serious injury. Work away from flammable materials.
The most labor-intensive step is removing the winding from the core. There are two main methods: chemical (burning) and mechanical. Burning allows you to quickly remove varnish, but pollutes the atmosphere and can damage the structure of the metal, making it brittle. The mechanical method (cutting with a chisel or using a special puller) is more labor-intensive, but preserves the quality of scrap metal.
For mechanical cleaning, a chisel and a hammer are often used, cutting off one side of the coils, after which the wire can be pulled out. There are also hydraulic presses that squeeze copper out of the grooves, but this equipment is only available in industrial settings.
☑️ Tools for disassembly
Economic feasibility and prices
Is it worth it candle game? To answer this question, you need to carry out simple mathematical calculations. Let's take the average price for copper scrap, which fluctuates depending on the region and exchange rates. Let's say the price is 600 rubles per kilogram. From one compressor you will get approximately 1 kg of copper, that is, 600 rubles.
However, costs must be subtracted from this amount. If you use your own grinder, consider the consumption of discs and electricity. If you take the refrigerator to the collection point yourself, you will have to pay for gasoline. If you hand over the entire refrigerator, they can give you 300-500 rubles for it, but you will spend time transporting a 60-kilogram carcass.
Disassembly makes sense if you have access to free raw materials (old refrigerators that neighbors give away for pickup) and you can assemble a batch of 10-20 pieces. In this case, the labor costs pay off, and at the end you get a clean, liquid product. Single disassembly of one motor for the sake of 1 kg of copper is rarely profitable considering the time spent.
In addition, it is worth taking into account seasonality and price fluctuations on the non-ferrous metals exchange. Copper is a strategic resource and its value may rise, making recycling more attractive in the long term. Steel, which makes up the bulk of the refrigerator, costs pennies.
What to do with aluminum windings?
If you find that the wire inside is not copper, but aluminum (it is lighter and does not magnetize as much), do not despair. Aluminum is also accepted, but its price is much lower. Sort it separately so as not to mix it with copper, otherwise the receiver will lower the price for the entire volume.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to determine the amount of copper by the weight of the compressor?
It is impossible to determine exactly, but an approximate correlation can be traced. Heavy compressors (12-14 kg) of Soviet production contain more copper. Lightweight modern models (up to 10 kg) often have a lower yield of non-ferrous metal or aluminum windings.
Is the gas inside the compressor dangerous when sawing?
Yes, there is a risk. Although old freons (R12) are not flammable, they are heavier than air and can displace oxygen. Modern freons (R134a, R600a) can be flammable. Before cutting, it is recommended to drill a hole in the upper part of the case (where there is no oil) in a well-ventilated place to relieve any remaining pressure.
Will they accept copper with residues of varnish and solder?
They will accept it, but they will evaluate it in the “mix” or “contaminated copper” category, which is cheaper than pure “burnt” or “piece”. For maximum profit, it is better to clean the wire, but this requires additional time and equipment.
Is there copper in the refrigerator, except for the compressor?
Yes, a significant amount of copper (sometimes even more than in the motor) is in the condenser (grid on the back) and the evaporator (inside the chamber), if they are not aluminum. The tubes are often copper, but in modern models they are often replaced with steel with anti-corrosion coating or aluminum.
To summarize, we can say that an old refrigerator is a storehouse of resources, but access to them is not always simple. Knowing the exact amount of copper in the motor helps you plan disposal wisely. Be careful, use protective equipment and approach things wisely, and then the old equipment will turn into real income.