Unplug the Fridge power cord before servicing the Fridge. Move the Fridge out from the wall. Use care when moving the Fridge, because the metal feet can tear or damage the floor.
Open the freezer door and remove the plastic breaker strips at the front of freezer section. NOTE: When removing plastic breaker strips, heat them with a low- wattage (40-60) light bulb for 5 to 7 minutes. Heat will make the plastic more pliable and less susceptible to breakage. Read the rest of this entry »
Unplug refrigerator power cord. Using hand tools, remove the icemaker from the freezer section of the refrigerator. Remove the front cover from the icemaker. Remove the front component plate that is secured to the ice maker support housing. Remove the screws that secure the cycling thermostat to the icemaker support.
Remove electrical wires from the terminals on the support housing, and carefully remove the thermostat. 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 »
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 »
The electric iron used to be a simple appliance consisting of an electrical heating element pressed on to the sole plate of the iron and controlled by a simple variable bi-metal thermostat. Its rugged construction and lack of gadgetry made it a long-lasting appliance. Irons have changed greatly in recent years, with attention to styling and reduction in weight making them much more attractive and easier to use. In addition, many irons now have a variable steam facility, a steam release valve and a plain cold water spray. 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 »
The speed control on this type of mixer results from the interaction of mechanical action and electronic control. Two variations of electrical control can be found but each uses the same mechanical action.
Two small spring steel plates are fixed to the cooling fan on the lower end of the armature shaft. They are slightly bowed and joined at either end by a small weight. Only the top plate is secured to the fan and shaft. When the motor rotates, the weights on each end of the joined plates are forced outwards by centrifugal force. As they are formed in a bowed configuration and joined at either end, the outward movement of the weights causes the lower plate to be forced downwards. The degree of movement is proportional to the rotational speed of the armature. This movement is used to actuate a switch on the speed control panel. Read the rest of this entry »
