Efficient Power Tools (sharing similar Motor to the Vacuum Cleaner, Mower)

These have a similar motor to the vacuum cleaner; the most common fault being brush wear. Burning out of the windings is also fairly frequent and is usually caused by overloading due to misuse.

Electric mower faults

The popular low-priced rotary mowers are usually powered by a brush motor similar to that of an electric drill (power tool). Carbon brushes need replacing when they wear but the component which is likely to give the greatest concern is the thermal cutout usually situated in the handle. The function of this is to cut off the current to the motor when there is a risk of overload when cutting very long grass.

The cut-out trips and stops the motor, but will not start again until the motor cools which may be a few minutes. If the cut-out fails then either the cut-out or motor (or both) will burn out and the machine should be taken to the dealer for repair.

If the switch fails you can usually buy a replacement. Dismantle the handle, disconnect and remove the faulty switch. If you sever the flex, either fit a new flex or join it using a proper connector designed for outdoor use.

Large electrical appliances

When major electrical appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, freezers and cookers break down or fail it is advisable to contact the manufacturers or dealer. It is not advisable to attempt to repair these other than fitting a new flex or replacing a plug fuse.

To replace components, other than those mentioned above, usually means partly dismantling the machine. This requires special tools and the makers’ servicing manual which is not made available by the majority of manufacturers.

Know your flexible cords

Flexible cords are made in a variety of types for the various appliances and situations and for lighting fittings. When rewiring a pendant or replacing a worn flex on an appliance you should choose the correct type and size.

Parallel twin flexible cord

PVC insulated cores of the same colour, usually of opaque white but with distinguishing ribbing or a colour stripe for one core when used with an appliance having a single-pole switch or thermostat which must be connected to the live pole. Applications include small all-insulated and double- insulated appliances such as electric clocks, and also lighting fittings.

Flat twin PVC sheathed flex

PVC insulated cores, one brown, one blue, enclosed in PVC sheathing of flat cross section. Is fitted to some double-insulated appliances in place of circular sheathed flex.

Circular braided flex

Vulcanised rubber-insulated cores plus cotton fillers to provide circular cross section enclosed in two-colour cotton braiding. Is fitted to many domestic appliances including, heaters, irons and kettles.

Unkinkable circular sheathed flex

Rubber-insulated cores and cotton fillers enclosed in a light covering of vulcanized rubber and an overall two-colour braiding. Available in 3-core only and is fitted to electric kettles, percolators, irons and similar appliances.

Circular rubber sheathed flex

Rubber-insulated cores together with fillers enclosed in black or grey vulcanised rubber sheathing. Is fitted to a wide range of appliances especially in situations subjected to fairly wide temperature variations.

Sheath colours are grey, black, whⁱte, orange and safety yellow; these last two used with mowers and hedge trimmers.

PVC insulated cores (2- and 3-core) enclosed in moulded PVC in circular cross-section but, being moulded, requires no fillers. It is very robust for indoor and outdoor use and will withstand fairly rough treatment and much flexing without kinking. Is fitted to a large range of indoor appliances in place of circular braided and circular rubber flexes, and also in lighting pendants.

Heat-resisting flex

A 3-core flex having butyl or EP rub compound heat-resisting insulation. Is fitted to immersion heaters, water heat space heaters and to some lighting pendants.

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