How much copper is in the compressor from the refrigerator: exact calculation + extraction methods

Old A refrigerator that has served its purpose is often sent to a landfill or gathers dust in the garage, although its compressor can become a source of income. Copper is one of the most valuable metals in this device, and its quantity directly affects the amount you receive at the collection point. But how can you tell how much copper is in a refrigerator compressor without disassembling it? And is it even worth spending time on extraction?

In this article we will figure out what types of compressors are found in refrigerators, how much copper is contained in each of them, and how to remove it correctly so as not to damage the winding and not lose precious grams. You will also find out what tools you will need, how much you can earn from the change, and what ones await beginners. If you plan to hand over the entire compressor or disassemble it yourself, here you will find answers to all questions. pitfalls newcomers are welcome. If you plan to hand over the entire compressor or disassemble it yourself, you will find answers to all questions here.

What compressors are used in refrigerators and where is the copper in them

The compressor is the “heart” refrigerator, which circulates the refrigerant. Depending on the model and year of manufacture, different types of compressors are installed in refrigerators, but they all contain copper in two key elements:

• 🔹 Stator and rotor winding - copper wire wound into coils. The more powerful the compressor, the thicker and longer the winding.
• 🔹 Tubes and pipes —copper or brass parts connecting the compressor to the condenser and evaporator.
• 🔹 Terminals and contacts —small copper elements, but their weight is usually insignificant.

The most common types of compressors in household refrigerators:

• 🔧 Piston —the classic version, found in 80% of old models (Atlant, Biryusa, Stinol, Nord). They contain more copper than modern analogues.
• 🔧 Rotary —compact, used in refrigerators LG, Samsung, Indesit of the latest generations. There is less copper in them, but it is purer.
• 🔧 Linear are rare, found in premium models (Liebherr, Bosch). Copper is of high quality, but more difficult to extract.

It is important to understand that weight of copper depends not only on the type of compressor, but also on its power. For example, in a compressor from Soviet-style ZIL refrigerator may be up to 1.2–1.5 kg of copper, whereas in a modern Indesit it is only 0.3–0.5 kg.

How much copper is in the compressor: table by refrigerator models

The exact amount of copper in the compressor depends on its model, power and year of manufacture. Below is a table with approximate data for popular brands. Please note that the weight may vary by ±10–15% depending on the modification.

If your model is not in the table, focus on compressor power (indicated on the nameplate). The higher it is, the more copper:

• 🔌 Up to 120 W - 0.3–0.6 kg of copper.
• 🔌 120–180 W - 0.6–1.0 kg.
• 🔌 Over 180 W - 1.0–1.5 kg or more.

⚠️ Attention: In some modern models (No Frost, inverter compressors), copper can be replaced with aluminum or alloys. Before disassembling, check with a magnet - copper does not magnetize!

How to determine the weight of copper without disassembling the compressor

Disassembling a compressor is a troublesome and dangerous task (if not know how to handle refrigerant). Fortunately, there are several ways to estimate the amount of copper without opening:

1. By the brand and model of the refrigerator. Locate the label (usually on the back wall or inside the chamber) and check the table above. If there is no model, look for a similar one in power.
2. By the weight of the compressor. Weigh the compressor on the scales. Copper makes up approximately 10–20% of its mass. For example, if a compressor weighs 7 kg, there may be copper in it 0.7–1.4 kg.
3. In size and type. Soviet compressors (ZIL, Orsk, Minsk) are larger and heavier - they have more copper. Modern ones (LG, Samsung) are more compact, but the copper is thinner.
4. By sound. If you shake the compressor and a loud knock is heard inside, most likely the winding is intact, and copper has not oxidized. A dull sound can indicate corrosion.

Another way is compare with known samples. For example, a compressor from Atlant refrigerator weighs about 10–12 kg and contains ~1 kg of copper. If your compressor is the same size, but 2-3 kg lighter, it means there is less copper in it.

Step-by-step instructions: how to remove copper from a compressor

If you decide to disassemble the compressor yourself, follow these instructions. Be careful: refrigerant (freon) may remain inside under pressure, and the windings are under pressure high voltage (if the compressor is not disconnected from the network).

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for at least 24 hours|Wear protective gloves and glasses|Prepare tools: grinder, hacksaw, pliers, screwdrivers|Take the compressor outside or to a well-ventilated area|Put under the compressor wooden board (for stability)-->

Step 1: Removing the cover and disconnecting the tubes

• 🔧 Unscrew the bolts securing the top cover of the compressor (usually 3-4 pieces).
• 🔧 Carefully bite or saw off the copper tubes leading to the condenser. Do not pull them - you can damage the winding!
• 🔧 If the tubes are soldered, heat them with a soldering iron and remove.

Step 2: Removing the winding

• 🔧 Remove the stator (external part of the compressor). It is fastened with bolts or rivets.
• 🔧 Take out the rotor - there is a copper winding inside it.
• 🔧 Carefully cut the winding with a grinder or a hacksaw so as not to damage the wire.

Step 3: Cleaning copper

• 🔧 Remove the varnish insulation from the wire. To do this, you can use:
• 🔥 Burning —heat the copper over a fire (the varnish insulation will burn, but the copper may darken).
• 🧴 Thinner —soak the winding in acetone or a special nail polish remover.
• 🪛 Mechanical cleaning —scrape off the varnish with a knife (long, but safe).

Step 4: Collecting and sorting

• 🔧 Separate the copper by type:
• 🟤 Pure wire (the most valuable).
• 🟡 Tubes with solder residues (accepted cheaper).
• 🔴 Oxidized or varnished copper (needs additional cleaning).

⚠️ Attention: If the compressor ran on freon R-12 or R-22, its remains are poisonous! Do not inhale vapors or disassemble the compressor indoors. It is better to take it entirely to a recycling point.

What to do if the winding is stuck?

If the winding does not separate from the stator, try heating the compressor with a hair dryer (up to 200–250°C). The solder will melt and the parts will separate. Do not use open fire - it is dangerous!

How much you can earn on copper from a compressor

The price of copper at collection points depends on its purity, shape and current market quotes. In 2026, the estimated prices are as follows:

• 💰 Pure copper wire (without insulation) — 700–900 rub/kg.
• 💰 Copper tubes with solder — 500–700 rub/kg.
• 💰 Winding in varnish (uncleaned) — 300–500 rub/kg.
• 💰 Copper scrap (mixed) — 400–600 rub/kg.

Example of income calculation:

• 📌 Compressor from ZIL refrigerator — 1.5 kg of copper.
• 📌 Of which 1.2 kg — pure wire, 0.3 kg —tubes.
• 📌 Income: (1.2 × 800) + (0.3 × 600) = 960 + 180 = 1140 rubles.

If you hand over the entire compressor (without disassembly), the price will be lower - 150-300 rub/kg, since the collection points themselves bear the cost of disassembly. However, some companies offer on-site assessment -they come, weigh the compressor and pay immediately, but the amount will be 20-30% less than with self-disassembly.

⚠️ Attention: Copper prices fluctuate greatly. Before delivery, check the current prices at 3-4 reception points in your city. Some companies underestimate the weight on the scales - ask for re-weighing!

Where to donate copper from a compressor: collection points and alternative methods

There are several ways to donate copper from a compressor:

1. Points for receiving non-ferrous metals. The most reliable option. Look for companies with a license to accept scrap - they pay fairly and without deception. Examples of networks:
• 🏭 "VtorTsvetMet" —works throughout Russia, accepts copper in any form.
• 🏭 "LomTsvetMet" —high price for pure copper, but strict control quality.
• 🏭 "EkoMet" - accepts entire compressors, but at a reduced price.

2. Private buyers. They often give more than collection points, but the risk of running into scammers is higher. Check reviews and demand an advance payment.

3. Auctions and bulletin boards. On Avito, Yule, Facebook Marketplace you can sell copper directly to resellers or workshops. The price may be higher, but you will have to spend time negotiating.

4. Recycling companies. Some companies buy old refrigerators entirely (including the compressor). The price is lower, but you don’t need to waste time on disassembly.

5. Independent use. If you are repairing equipment, copper from the compressor can be used for:

• 🔧 Making homemade coils, transformers.
• 🔧 Soldering radio components (the wire melts well).
• 🔧 Creating decorative products (for example, candlesticks or frames).

⚠️ Attention: In some regions there are restrictions on the acceptance of compressors from refrigerators due to the contents they contain Freon. Check the rules with your local branch of Rosprirodnadzor.

Common mistakes when extracting copper and how to avoid them

Beginners often lose part of the copper or damage it during disassembly. Here are the most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🚫 Cutting the winding with metal scissors. This leads to the loss of up to 30% of copper due to debris. Use a grinder with a thin disk or a hacksaw.
• 🚫 Heating the compressor with an open fire. Copper can oxidize, and the varnish will release toxic fumes. It is better to use a construction hair dryer.
• 🚫 Deliver copper with remaining steel or aluminum. Reception points reduce the price for contaminated scrap. Carefully sort metals!
• 🚫 Ignoring safety precautions. The compressor may explode from freon residues! Always work in gloves, glasses and outdoors.
• 🚫 An attempt to sell copper “by acquaintance” without weighing. Fraudsters often underweight. Always weigh the copper yourself before delivery.

Another typical mistake is improper cleaning of copper from varnish. Many spend hours on mechanical scraping, although it is possible:

• 🔥 Burn the varnish on a fire (quickly, but the copper will darken).
• 🧪 Use electrolyte (copper is immersed in a solution of salt and vinegar for 12–24 hours).
• 🛠 Use a drill with a brush attachment (effective, but dusty).

How to distinguish copper from brass?

Brass (an alloy of copper and zinc) is similar in appearance to copper, but has a duller yellowish tint. Copper is reddish, soft (bends with a fingernail), and conducts current well. Brass is harder and does not bend. For an accurate check, use a tester: copper will show resistance close to zero, brass - higher.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

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

Yes, but it will take longer. Alternative methods:

• 🔧 Hacksaw —slower, but safer.
• 🔧 Chisel and hammer —suitable for removing the cover, but there is a risk of damaging the winding.
• 🔧 Drill with cutting wheel —less dangerous than an angle grinder.

If the compressor is small (for example, from mini refrigerator), you can try to disassemble it manually, splitting the housing.

How many compressors do you need to disassemble to earn 5,000 rubles?

Depends on the compressor model and the price of copper. Approximate calculation:

• 📌 Soviet compressors (1.5 kg of copper × 800 rub/kg = 1200 rub) → needed 4–5 pieces.
• 📌 Modern compressors (0.5 kg × 800 rubles = 400 rubles) → you need 12–13 pieces.
• 📌 If you hand over the entire compressors (300 rub/piece), you will need 16–17 pieces.

It is more profitable to focus on old refrigerators (ZIL, Orsk, Minsk) - they have more copper.

What to do if there is freon left in the compressor?

Freon in old compressors (R-12, R-22) is dangerous to health. To safely disassemble the compressor:

1. Take it outside and leave it in the sun for 1-2 days (the freon will partially evaporate).
2. Drill a small hole in the tube (away from your face!) - this will release the remaining gas.
3. Use a respirator and gloves when disassembly.

If you are not sure, take the compressor to a recycling center. They have equipment for safe extraction of freon.

Is it possible to sell a compressor without disassembling?

Yes, but the price will be lower. Options:

• 🏭 Scrap metal collection points —they will pay 150–300 rub/kg for the entire compressor.
• 📦 Buyers of used equipment —they can take for 500–1000 rubles/pieceif the compressor is working.
• ♻️ Recycling company - sometimes they buy batches of 10 pieces for 200–400 rub/piece.

If the compressor is in good condition, try selling it on Avito as a spare part - you can help out 1000–2000 rubles.

Which copper is more expensive: from a compressor or from a cable?

Copper from cable usually cleaner and more expensive (800–1000 rub/kg), since it does not contain solder and varnish. Copper from a compressor often requires cleaning, so its price is lower (500–800 rub/kg).

However, in a copper compressor more in weightthan in a cable of the same length. For example:

• 📌 1 m power cable (section 10 mm²) contains ~0.1 kg of copper.
• 📌 1 compressor from "Atlanta" gives ~1 kg of copper.

B total income compressors are more profitable if you have them a lot.