Connecting a washing machine without a surge protector
Large household appliances are sensitive to sudden changes in electrical networks, so even a small voltage surge can damage the control module of the washing machine or its electric motor. To prevent microelements from burning out as a result of a spontaneous change in voltage, it is better to use a surge protector.
It effectively suppresses pulsed and high-frequency interference from the electrical network, reliably protecting an expensive device. However, some users still try to connect a washing machine without a surge protector, which the manufacturer does not recommend doing. We will analyze in detail this useful element, the principle of its operation, as well as the possibility of using the SM without it.
Will it be possible to “bypass” the interference filter?
Unless you have a lot of experience working with electronics, you won't be able to bypass the noise filter. This is due to the fact that the control module of the washing machine controls the presence or absence of a filter. If it is in place and working properly, then the control board will not interfere with the operation of the system, but will launch all the necessary processes for washing. But if the filter is damaged or simply missing, then the working cycle will be impossible, because the machine will not even start.
It is the surge protector that protects the equipment by suppressing any frequencies other than 50 Hertz so that interference does not damage the fragile electronics of the system. If this kind of “defender” detects critical voltage, it will immediately turn off the household appliances, ending the current program.In a situation where the detected failure was short and mild, it will only waste the charge of the capacitors, but if the voltage drop was extreme, the surge protector will burn out.
That's why it's better not to even try to turn on the washing machine without a working filter. In this case, even a slight change in voltage can cause critical damage to the control module, electric motor and other key components of the SM. For example, if interference occurs, an asynchronous motor will stop rotating while current continues to flow to the winding, causing the motor to burn out. At the same time, replacing the engine will cost much more than replacing a surge protector.
The interference filter detects even the smallest voltage surges, preventing the machine from leaking current.
Connecting a surge protector is also necessary for external protection. Since any switching of modes, as well as activation and stopping of the engine provokes a change in the direct current in the network, this poses a threat to other electrical appliances connected to the line. But if a surge protector is installed, it controls changes in direct current in the network, redirecting all excess to grounding. This important part of the system can serve for many years, as it rarely fails. What can really damage the interference filter?
Reduced capacitor capacity.
Damage resulting from an extremely large power surge.
Burnout due to a spontaneous power outage, for example, if the owner of the equipment suddenly pulls out the power cord.
Repairing a surge protector is possible, but this is a job for an experienced electrician, so the average user can rarely cope with such a procedure.If you suspect that your interference filter has failed, it is better not to try to restore it. It is much easier to replace it yourself by first checking it with a regular multimeter.
Checking the noise filter
Since new washing machines have excellent protection, including from user intervention, often these devices will not even start if they detect the absence of a working surge protector. If there is no connection to it because the element has burned out, then the control module will immediately turn off the device, ceasing to respond to any actions of the housewife. Because of this, the Home Assistant will not work until a new interference filter is installed.
Most often, the equipment cannot be turned on precisely because the network filter is not working. That is why, immediately after testing the power cord and plug, you need to carefully examine the capacitor. The user can be notified of its failure by the following:
the body of the automatic SM began to beat with electric current;
an unpleasant smell of burning and melted wiring appeared;
The machine washes with constant interruptions, for example, it stops during operation, or it itself changes the washing programs.
At the first suspicion that the interference filter is faulty, you should immediately begin a detailed diagnosis of the element. To do this you will need a multimeter and an ordinary screwdriver. What to do next?
First, disconnect household appliances from the power and water supply.
Remove the top cover of the case by first loosening the bolts on the rear panel.
Locate the area where the power cord is connected to the case.
Find a surge protector on the cord, usually in the shape of a flask.
After this, all you have to do is check the part with a tester.Switch it to resistance measurement mode, attach the probes to the contacts and study the obtained values - the norm should be 680 kOhm. Afterwards, you need to measure the input resistance on the plug, the norm of which should be the same 680 kOhm. If there are significant deviations, when the indicators are extremely high or are close to zero, then the part has burned out and therefore needs emergency replacement.
In addition to the noise filter, you should also test the capacitors. This is much more difficult to do, because they contain a compound that interferes with accurate measurements, but you can still try to carry out diagnostics. Apply the tester probes to different inputs and evaluate the obtained values, the norm of which is fixed at approximately 0.47 μF. If the data differs, then you need to start replacing the element.
Be sure to take a few photos of the correct wiring connections to use as reference during reassembly.
Even a beginner can handle this repair, so there is no need to call a service center specialist. All you need to do is disconnect the damaged interference filter, and then install a working part in its place.
Large household appliances are sensitive to sudden changes in electrical networks, so even a small voltage surge can damage the control module of the washing machine or its electric motor. To prevent microelements from burning out as a result of a spontaneous change in voltage, it is better to use a surge protector.
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