Renewable energy is energy produced by a source that continually renews itself. Well-known sources are the sun, moving water, wind and plant materials. This energy can be used for space heating and hot water heating, and to produce electricity for your home. Read the rest of this entry »
There are no specific British Standards for control panels (or alarm devices themselves), although elements of BS 4737 relate to features found in alarm equipment. This is likely to change with the introduction of European Standards which will, for the first time, require individual components to meet levels of performance and construction.
It is very important to understand how an alarm system is operated if false alarms are to be avoided. To reduce this risk, manufacturers have been making instructions easier to follow and many panels now incorporate a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) giving plain English step- by-step instructions to guide users through the arming, resetting and disarming procedures. Read the rest of this entry »
When the solenoid is energized, the plunger is pulled upward by magnetic force of the solenoid coil, and the pin travels back and forth in the upper slot of the spin cam bar. This action pulls the spin cam bar backward from the basket clutch shaft, which allows the bar to slide downward toward the clutch lining. Read the rest of this entry »
As with any other kind of solar heating, solar water heaters are at an advantage when planned for a new home, because the design can incorporate them efficiently.
In the passive house at lower right, for example, the water heater’s design benefited from the house’s design flexibility, and vice versa, to their mutual advantage. The dormer on which the collectors are mounted lifts the roofline of the house, allowing extra headroom in the second-floor family room behind it. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Washer has burning smell when running or labors excessively when running. 2) Wash water does not drain from the machine either at the end of the cycle or when the washer enters pump out phase of the cycle. To find the cause of the problem, remove the washer drain hose from the drain standpipe and check for a kinked hose and start the washer. If water now pumps out of the washer, the problem is a kinked drain hose. If little or no water is being pumped out of the washer, the problem is either the washer self -cleaning filter, timer assembly, a filter trap restriction, or a non- operating water pump. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Washer begins to agitate or spin and water spills or leaks onto the floor. 2) After the washer has completed its cycle, water appears on the laundry room floor. To locate the cause of the problem, first look behind the washer at the wash station stand pipe. Check the washer water inlet valve, which has two hoses (hot-cold) attached, for deterioration of the hoses. If a hose has a leak, replace it.
To avoid any incorrect readings when using the volt/ohmmeter, always “zero” the ohmmeter scale of the volt/ohmmeter before making any continuity checks on components. See operating instructions. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Washer advances through the cycle but leaves water in the tub, or 2) The washer pumps all of the water out of the tub but clothes are wet at end of the cycle.
Check to be sure the washer lid is securely closed. Most automatic washers are designed to shut OFF if the washer lid is in the “up” position. This is a safety feature designed to prevent injury if the lid is opened while the washer is running and spinning.
Check to make sure that the washer power cord has not worked loose in the wall receptacle. A faulty connection could be the cause of washer failure. Read the rest of this entry »
This failure is normally attributed to a loss of electrical power or an electrical overload.
To find the cause of the problem, move the dryer out from the wall and unplug the dryer power cord from dryer wall receptacle. Make a voltage check with the volt/ohmmeter to determine if there is electrical power available to the dryer receptacle or to the dryer power cord.
To avoid incorrect readings when using the volt/ohmmeter, always “zero” the ohmmeter before making continuity checks. See operating instructions that came with your volt/ohmmeter. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) The clothes dryer is running longer than normal. 2) The clothes are extremely damp at the end of the drying cycle.
Although the problem could be that the automatic washer is not spinning your clothes properly, in most cases the problem is inadequate air movement in the dryer.
Before blaming the dryer, you should check the automatic washer. At the end of the spin cycle, open the washer lid and check to see if there is excess water left in the washer basket. Read the rest of this entry »
The components of a typical household refrigerator are described below:
The heart of the refrigerator system is the compressor. It is made up of a pump and an electric motor and is contained in a sealed dome through which the refrigerant travels.
The starting relayis an electromechanical switch used to start the compressor motor. As electricity flows, the starting relay energizes the start winding of the refrigerator compressor motor until the motor is almost up to speed. At this point, the relay breaks the electrical circuit to the start winding and the compressor motor continues to run on its run (or motor) winding. 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 »
Turn OFF the electricity at the circuit breaker panelbefore servicing the dishwasher. Exercise care when moving the dishwasher from its space. The leveling legs can easily damage the floor.
Turn OFF the electricity at the circuit breaker panel. Remove the screws that secure the lower panel to the dishwasher cabinet. Disconnect the drive motor connector from the harness wiring. Remove the hose clamp from drain hose that is secured to drive motor base coupling. Remove drain hose from coupling. NOTE: When removing drain hose, place a small pan or towel under the motor base coupling. It is possible that when hose is removed water could spill onto the floor. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Dishwasher has a full tub of water at the end of the cycle. 2) Dishwasher only partially drains and leaves water in tub at end of cycle.
Remove the lower panel. Locate the pump drain hose and see if a kink in the hose is evident. If so, remove the kink and check the dishwasher for proper operation. If the dishwasher now pumps the water out, you found the problem — a kinked drain hose. If little or no water is being pumped out, the problem is in the dishwasher pump assembly. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Water on floor near dishwasher. 2) During dishwasher cycle, water accumulates on left or right side of dishwasher lower panel.
To locate the cause of the problem, remove lower panel and check for broken plumbing drain connections, water inlet valve, broken or cracked hoses (drain and inlet), or drive motor and pump assembly motor seal. If a hose or a faulty part is found, replace it. Check that door is closing properly. Read the rest of this entry »
The heater elementis located in the tub cavity. It serves two functions during the dishwasher cycle: 1) The heat generated by the high-wattage element heats the water to a temperature of 140 degrees F. The water in the dishwasher tub has to be kept at this temperature or higher, so the hot water can dissolve the detergent. The dishes are thereby assured of being clean when they are removed from the dishwasher. 2) The element generates heat after the water is removed from the dishwasher. This heat helps dry the excess water that has accumulated on the dishes during the wash cycle. Read the rest of this entry »
The automatic dishwasher starts the cycle once the homeowner has placed the dishes in the dishwasher and the timer is pushed in or pulled out to ON. With the unit ON, electricity flows through the timer contacts to the water inlet valve solenoid. As the solenoid opens, hot water flows through the inlet valve, the inlet hose, and then into the dishwasher tub cavity. 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 »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) When the dishwasher is turned ON, nothing happens. 2) When the dishwasher is turned ON a “buzzing” sound is heard.
To find the cause of this problem, first check to be sure the electricity is turned ON at the circuit breaker panel. Next, check to see that the dishwasher timer knob is pushed in or pulled out to the ON position when selecting a cycle. Read the rest of this entry »
Specific failure symptoms include: 1) Dishwasher stops before the drying cycle. 2) The dishes are not dry when removed from the dishwasher.
When this problem is noticed, it is often not the fault of the dishwasher. The homeowner simply did not close the dishwasher door. A partially closed door will prevent the dishwasher from making electrical contact. When closing the door, make sure that the door shuts properly before starting the dishwasher. 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 »
