Other specific symptoms include: 1) Food not remaining at desired temperature. 2) Compressor does not cycle ON.
Because the interior light is ON, the Fridge has the required electric power to operate.
Something is causing the compressor not to cycle ON. Check the components in the order that they are listed below. The most likely component at fault is the defrost timer, which could be stuck in the defrost cycle. The Fridge is then in a permanent state of defrost and does not cycle ON. However, if the compressor tries to start and the interior light dims, the problem is probably not the defrost timer or the thermostat; therefore, check the components of the compressor assembly starting with the starting relay. Read the rest of this entry »
If an appliance needs inspection, unplug it from the socket. No, don’t just turn off the switch — there may still be some current flowing.
When working on switches, sockets or, simply said, things that cannot be removed from the energy source, switch off the power at the main switch on the electrical switch board. To be on the even safer side, always wear rubber-soled shoes (only during the repair); it will reduce the shock should all your safety precautions fail (turning you into a fruitcake as opposed to a full-blown vegetable). Read the rest of this entry »
Capacitors used for motor starting may have metal or plastic outer casings with an insulated top with two terminals. Internally the two terminals are connected to two sheets of metal foil with an insulator between. This package of large surface area is rolled into a cylinder which fits into the shell of the capacitor. As the voltage supplied to one terminal is alternating (at 50 times per second), so does the polarity of its connected foil. An opposite movement of electrons is induced in the other foil, even though they are insulated electrically. This causes a delay in the electrical path, and this, in the case of an asynchronous induction motor, gives the outof-phase feed to the start winding. Read the rest of this entry »
Refrigerators and freezers are now commonplace items in the home. Faults are inconvenient at the very least and, at worst, can prove expensive if the contents thaw out. In addition, most, if not all refrigerators and freezers contain environmentally unfriendly CFC gases for the cooling system and within the insulation materials. Although efforts are being made to eliminate the use of these gases in new appliances, it will be some time before non-CFC use becomes the norm. While CFCs are still in widespread use there are a number of things that you can do to minimize their associated environmental problems. Read the rest of this entry »
Coffee filters have become extremely popular in the United Kingdom in recent years, largely replacing percolators. Although they vary in design, they are fairly straightforward in the way they work.
When water is added to the cold-water compartment, it flows through a hole in the base into a silicone tube containing a non-return valve. The tube feeds water to a metal boiler tube in the metal base plate. This is similar to an iron sole plate and contains a heating element which, when switched on, quickly heats the water in the tube causing it to rise towards the outlet end of the system. The outlet is positioned over a holder containing a filter filled with ground coffee. Hot water is ejected from the tube and filters through the coffee to the jug. This continues as long as there is water in the cold-water compartment and power is supplied to the heater. Read the rest of this entry »
Cooker hoods are becoming a standard fitting in many new and refurbished kitchens and are certainly a boon in alleviating cooking smells and the reduction of steam from boiling pans.
Extraction is achieved by means of a motor, usually a shaded-pole type, which drives a normal or barrel fan. Variable speeds are often included for coping with different conditions, and a light to illuminate the hob, independently switched, is another helpful addition.
When the hood is switched on, the fan sucks air through a filter system to remove grease particles and cooking smells. Read the rest of this entry »
