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 »
Most people have a healthy respect for electricity and understand that it can be dangerous — even lethal — if misused. Electricity at all voltages should be respected. Anyone who does not follow the basic rules of electricity is not only a danger to himself but to everyone around him. Electrical accidents are avoidable: most are due to plain carelessness and failing to follow the basic rules.
There are about sixteen million homes in Britain supplied with electricity and each one contains an average of about 25 electrical appliances. Given the sheer number of items, it is perhaps surprising that there are fewer than 80 fatalities from electrical accidents a year. Although this represents only a small percentage of the entire population and represents only one per cent of the 8,000 deaths each year that result from accidents in the home, the figure is still far too high. Read the rest of this entry »
A basic understanding of electricity is essential, even for those who do not intend to carry out any repairs or servicing of appliances. Ignorance is no protection against your own or someone else’s errors and oversights, whether with repairs, servicing or installation.
Power is supplied to an electricity substation at a very high voltage — 400,000 volts — in three-phase form. There it is converted, via a transformer, to 230 volt single-phase for distribution to our homes. In normal circumstances, current flows from the live supply of the substation’s transformer, through the electrical appliances used in the house and back via the neutral conductor (cable) to the substation transformer’s neutral pole (a closed loop). Read the rest of this entry »
Aschematic diagram of the internal workings of a pod-type thermostat. This type is used in appliances that have a variable temperature control. It consists of an oil-filled pod connected to the switch by a capillary tube. When the oil in the pod is heated or cooled, it expands or contracts in the tube and operates a diaphragm. The diaphragm acts on the switchgear thus breaking the circuit and in this instance, ‘making’ the other. The cooling oil contracts, pulling the switch the opposite way — back to its original position; the process repeats if temperatures change. Read the rest of this entry »
The humble kettle has been given a new image in recent years. Simple versions consisting of only a container with a heating element fixed inside are still available, but for many years the trend has been towards the automatic kettle that turns off once the water has boiled.
Some more recent models have been further improved with high-speed elements and spout filling. The latest jug version combines all the features of a modern kettle with the added feature of the handle’s being positioned on the side, so that the user avoids the steam when pouring.
As with irons, cable damage through wear and tear and misuse tends to be a common fault. Cordless kettles and jugs preempt this problem. They are similar to cordless irons in that they require a power base that has its own mains lead. When the cordless kettle is placed on its base, electrical contact is made to its heating element. The operation from then on is like any other automatic kettle. Read the rest of this entry »
There are several types of power saws; using any of them requires great care and vigilance. Two types in particular call for extreme caution because they are subject to an undesirable characteristic known as ‘kick-back‘. This occurs when an obstacle or poorly secured workpiece jams the saw — usually momentarily. The inertia can easily pull the equipment from the hands even when held firmly. The injuries that result from uncontrolled kick-back can be very dangerous.
Both circular and chain saws are prone to kick-back if used incorrectly. Read the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before using either and wear protective clothing. Read the rest of this entry »
This is closely related to the previous on D-I-Y power tools which, in some areas of operation, overlap. Some power tools have attachments for garden work. The use of electrically powered machinery requires the most scrupulous safety observance. In this and many other aspects, D-I-Y power tools and garden power tools are alike.
Like D-I-Y power tools, a brush gear motor is used to power garden equipment, whether mower, trimmer or weeder. Both mains and battery (rechargeable) versions are available. A similarity to vacuum cleaner motors has already been noted and this also applies to the garden equipment. This is evident from the illustrations of the hover mower. The motor has more than a passing resemblance to one of the cylinder cleaner motors featured on vacuum cleaners. As there are so many similarities, the operation of the motor is not described again here. However, information about common faults and maintenance is, of course, included. Read the rest of this entry »
Low insulation is best described as a slight leak to earth of electricity from the wiring of one or more of the components or wiring in an earthed appliance. If very slight, it will not harm the appliance but is an indication of faults to come and should be corrected immediately for safety reasons. The condition occurs during the progressive breakdown of the insulating properties of a normally electrically leak-proof system.
It may be caused by normal wear and tear over a long period, resulting in a breakdown of the insulating coating on wiring, motor windings, heater elements, etc. Such a breakdown of insulation may not result in a failure of this part at this stage and the appliance may still function as normal. This, however, is not an excuse to ignore low insulation; failure to trace and rectify it is foolhardy because it compromises safety. Also extra expense is likely to be incurred in the long run. Read the rest of this entry »
