If the washer is not spinning, the next check is of the washer control magnet. Washers use a control magnet, an electrical-mechanical component, to enable the gearcase to shift into the spin cycle. You can easily check the control magnet by using the volt/ohmmeter set on the RX-10 scale. With the volt/ohmmeter on RX-10 scale, connect the probes to both terminals of the control magnet. NOTE: When checking a suspected faulty control magnet, remove the wires from the washer wiring harness to avoid an inaccurate reading. Read the rest of this entry »
Next, check the dryer cycling thermostats as the possible cause for no heat in the dryer. The types of thermostats most commonly used in dryers (gas or electric), are the bimetal fixedand adjustable thermostats. Their primary function is to break the circuit to the gas main burner or the heating element when a certain temperature has been attained in the dryer drum. You can easily check these thermostats by removing one lead from the suspected thermostat. Set the volt/ohmmeter on the RX-1 scale. Place one probe of the volt/- ohmmeter on each terminal of the thermostat. You should see a continuity reading on the volt/- ohmmeter scale of approximately 0 ohms, or full- meter deflection. If the thermostat does not show continuity, replace the defective thermostat to restore the dryer to proper operating order. Read the rest of this entry »
If the heating element tests OK, you should next check all the electrical wiring from the dryer timer assembly, thermostats, and drive motor. Electrical wiring in a dryer becomes brittle and burned because of the excessive heat. To locate defects in the wiring, use a volt/ohmmeter to make continuity checks on wires that you suspect are faulty.
The problem of no heat in the gas dryer is much the same as the electric dryer, except that instead of checking for a possible defective heating element, you must check the gas ignition circuit. A sure and simple test is check voltage to the gas burner wiring harness. Read the rest of this entry »
Plain and twisted candle lamps are made in 25 W, 40 W and 60 W sizes and in pearl, plain, amber and silvered colours. They are made in be (bayonet cap) and sbc (small bayonet cap) versions.
These are used for wall lights and for period pendant fittings.
These are sometimes called ’strip lights‘ and are non-fluorescent, being tungsten filament lamps. There are two versions, one type is commonly used for applications in the home, and the second type is known as architectural lamps‘. Read the rest of this entry »
Unplug refrigerator power cord, open the refrigerator freezer door, locate the compact icemaker and place your hand on the ejector blade. Turn it slowly in a clockwise direction. If the icemaker ejector blade continues to turn unaided, the problem is a defective icemaker holding switch. The icemaker holding switch can be checked with the volt/ohmmeter. First, set the ohmmeter to the RX-1 scale. Next, place the probes of the volt/ohmmeter on the terminals of the holding switch. With the switch button depressed, you should see full-scale deflection (continuity), on the scale of the volt/ohmmeter. No reading on the ohmmeter means the holding switch is open and must be replaced. Read the rest of this entry »
Yes, you too can be the proud owner of a home-entertainment system and it doesn’t have to cost you a small fortune. If you have ever wondered how your mates get to have sound booming from seemingly every corner of the house when merely watching TV, we have the answer (naturally!). All you need to do is connect your TV to your video machine to your Hi-fi (these don’t have to be top of the range) after having acquired a couple of cables to make all the connecting possible.
You WILL NEED
(This will vary depending on what it is that you are connecting to what.) Read the rest of this entry »
There are some things you can do to prolong the life of your appliances and save endless hours of frustration, burning toast, getting marks on your favourite white shirt and taking melted ice-cream out of the freezer. As with many other things in life, appliances need looking after. Do this well and they will serve you faithfully.
There are too many brands of washing machines available to mention, old and new, but they all have two basic requirements to operate: they need water and they need power. This is one of those appliances where the manual comes in very handy. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) The dishwasher won’t complete the dishwasher cycle. 2) The dishwasher has a burning smell during the cycle.
Check the dishwasher wiring for a possible loose connection where it connects to the house wiring.
Check for a circuit breaker in the circuit breaker panel that is defective.
Check the dishwasher timer assembly for erratic operation. If the dishwasher suddenly started when the timer dial is pushed to the ON-OFF position, the timer assembly ON-OFF contacts are defective internally. You will have to replace the timer assembly in order for the dishwasher to program through the cycle properly. Read the rest of this entry »
Problems with electrical appliances may not always result from a failure of the equipment itself. They can be caused by the failure of electrical supply to the appliance via the socket. A three-pin socket must have a live supply, a neutral return and a sound earth path. When a plug from an appliance is inserted, firm contact must be made at all three points. If the live or neutral pins of the plug or connection point within the socket fail to make adequate contact or are free to move, localized heating will occur within the socket. Typical signs of this problem are listed below.
There are various reasons for such problems. They may be caused by one or a combination of any of those listed here. Read the rest of this entry »
When an appliance is in use small sparks are generated at mechanical contacts, such as those found in switches and the junction between motor brushes and commutator. This results in the emission of spurious radio waves that can be heard as crackles on radio or television receivers or that are passed down the mains circuit to audio equipment. The suppressor is designed to eliminate the formation and transmission of these spurious radio waves. They are also known as mains filters. Read the rest of this entry »
These are among the most frequently used items in the home. Generally, they are very reliable, but when a problem does occur, it is usually at the most inconvenient time. Over the years, ovens and hobs have become increasingly complex with the addition of digital timers, touch controls and other refinements.
It is essential to remember that these appliances are connected directly to the mains supply and, as with any repair, cleaning or service, must be completely isolated. In this instance, the main double-pole isolation switch for the appliance must be switched off and also the fuse for the cooker/hob circuit removed from the main distribution board. If an MCB is fitted in place of a fuse, ensure it is in the off position. Do not proceed with any repair or service if both these requirements are not met and also make sure you advise others who may use the switch of your intentions. Read the rest of this entry »
Throughout this post, references are made to meters and their use in continuity testing of individual parts of the appliances and their connecting wires. All testing and checking for ‘open’ (not allowing for current flow) or `closed’ circuit (allowing current to flow) must be carried out using a battery-powered multimeter or test meter. Testing should never be carried out on live items under any circumstances. Appliances must be disconnected from the mains supply. 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 »
In recent years, the microwave oven has become a very popular kitchen appliance. However, many misunderstandings about the safety aspects of cooking with microwaves have arisen. Perhaps an understanding of how this appliance works will dispel these fears and misconceptions.
Repair should always be carried out by a professional microwave engineer. The reasons for this are the danger of high voltages present within the appliance, the requirements of the intricate fail-safe doorinterlock system and the possibility of microwave leakage if parts are not correctly fitted or aligned according to manufacturer’s instructions. Read the rest of this entry »
The electric food mixer is truly a labour-saving appliance. Many variations can be found from the simple hand-held type to the large table-top version with additional attachments, such as juice extractor, liquidizer, vegetable peeler, can opener and grinder.
At the heart of all mains powered mixers is a series-wound brush-gear motor. This type of motor is used because of its good power output (up to 3hp on large table-top models) combined with the capacity for variable-speed control. These two advantages make this aversatile appliance. Read the rest of this entry »
Whether cheap and simple or astronomically expensive, all decks are averse to dirt and debris which is statically attracted to the vinyl record. It then damages the stylus resulting in the all-too-familiar click, pop and jumping of the track.
Sound is stored on a vinyl record on a continuous groove starting at the outer edge and finishing at the centre of the disc. The groove has microscopic ridges proportional in size to the sound wave that created them. When the record rotates, the stylus is deflected by these ridges as it runs in the groove. These minute deflections are then amplified. Two requirements must be met for the stylus to track correctly. The first is that the groove of the record is free from all blemishes and foreign matter to which the stylus would react. The other is that the arm holding the stylus must apply just enough weight to hold the point within the groove (usually 1-2 grams) but not so much as to create excessive wearing of the groove. Read the rest of this entry »
There are no faults with CD players that are within the capabilities of the D-I-Y repairer. Do not attempt adjustment or servicing to any internal components; leave it to a trained service engineer. However, looking after your equipment properly minimizes the possibility of faults occurring.
The first consideration is the positioning and environment of the player. Do not place a CD unit in strong sunlight, near heat or in damp or humid conditions. The CD system requires very close tolerances to be maintained for accurate disc reading and sound reproduction. Read the rest of this entry »
Store tapes vertically to help prevent their stretching or loops forming and always put them in their cases tape face in. Do not store them near magnetic sources, such as loudspeakers or motors. As the signal is recorded on the tape in a magnetic format by the video, other sources of magnetism can distort or blank it. Do not store tapes in direct sunlight or where temperatures may be too high or too low. When hiring tapes from video clubs, check thatthe tape and cassette are in good condition. Do not touch the tape because grease from fingers will damage both tape and video head, but inspect the entry points for dust or flaking of the oxide (fine brownish powder or flakes). Read the rest of this entry »
Most households have at least one item of video and audio equipment: television, video, sound system, CD player and so on. As a rule, it is not wise for the amateur to attempt to repair such high tech equipment, as this requires expert knowledge, expensive equipment and detailed service manuals. The intricate nature of internal mechanical and electronic components and the high voltages make it inadvisable to remove panels or outer covers. It is more sensible to leave this to the skills of the trained specialist. Read the rest of this entry »
The brush roll is supported on bearings at each end so the barrel rotates freely. Types of bearings, barrels and brushes differ from model to model as well as between manufacturers. Some manufacturers supply individual parts for the brush roll, such as brush strips, bearings and barrel; others supply only complete assemblies. The brush roll on some models may have removable brush strips, whereas others may be a solid brush roll of wood or plastic with fixed brushes. A small selection is shown here to highlight the differences. Read the rest of this entry »
