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 »
The earth path of an appliance can be checked easily using a simple test meter. Remember, path of low resistance is required from all items within a appliance that are linked into the earth path via the yellow and green cable.
The earth path of an appliance from its exposed metal parts to the earth pin of the plug should be a maximum of 1 ohm (BS3456).
Checking the earth path of a socket requires an earth loop test meter which needs to be operated correctly. This is an expensive item and, moreover, problems may be encountered with distribution boards fitted with an RCD. It is, therefore, advisable to have these tests done by a qualified electrical contractor. 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 »
Isolate the appliance before removing covers or panels for any reason. All tests for continuity should be carried out with a battery operated test meter only.
The most likely cause of overheating will be a failure of the thermostat contact points or sealed pressure system. In such a case you will need to fit a new compatible replacement unit.
Slow initial heating-up times or uneven heat distribution within the oven is usually caused by the failure of one element. Simple testing of the element will highlight the faulty item.
Failure to heat up at all may be either the thermostat or elements. As elements are the easier of the two to check for continuity, a simple process of elimination will indicate where the fault lies. 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 »
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 »
