The principle of operation of the interference filter
In standard situations, the device is capable of transmitting vibrations with a frequency of 50 Hz. All deviations from this indicator in any direction lead to the part blocking the operation of the washing machine. It should be noted that the washing machine’s protective device does not always withstand excessive voltage drops in the electrical network. In such cases, it loses its ability to work and needs to be completely replaced. To create maximum security for household appliances, a stabilizer device is used in combination with a network interference filter.
Need for use
The constant use of a relay switch, starting and stopping the rotation of the machine motor creates changes in the electric current, which should not be allowed into the network so that other connected equipment does not fail. The filter element will “catch” any drop and redirect the excess current to the ground line.
A sharp drop in voltage can cause the motor to burn out. It stops rotating, but current continues to flow to the winding. The washing machine's surge filter, which is a kind of interference, will immediately turn off the unit. If the voltage surges are short-lived, the anti-interference protection will use the charges of its own capacitor elements so that the washing machine continues to function normally.
If the surge protector fails, it must be replaced completely, because each internal part is coated with a special moisture-proof mixture that does not conduct electrical current.
The interference filter is a reliable device, but reducing the capacitor capacitance causes its failure. Occasionally, he loses the ability to work due to strong changes in the network.
You can remove and change the device yourself, but you must first make sure that it is out of order.
Purpose of a surge protector
A surge protector for a washing machine will do the job perfectly . It will protect against surges and voltage drops in the network, muffling impulse and high-frequency interference.
A surge protector is not just an extension cord with a certain number of sockets and a fuse.
The filter can be built into the equipment at the production stage or purchased as an additional protection part and connected to the device via a power source.
Built-in surge protector
Modern washing equipment is a rather complex device, but nevertheless sensitive, for example, to current changes in the network.
Therefore, it requires reliable protection and stability in the first place, because otherwise a washing machine without a surge protector, receiving high or low impulses, may burn out.
Especially if it is an automatic machine with touch controls. We take into account the fact that such models are sensitive; the manufacturer himself supplies the machine with a surge protector during the production process. It is located where the electrical cord begins. If it breaks, the internal filter cannot be repaired but must be replaced. The part is replaced with an original spare part, which is not always easy to do.
Internal filters vary in degree of protection depending on the manufacturer and model of the connected equipment. The level of protection is related to:
- maximum load and maximum current;
- passable voltage threshold;
- rated current;
- response time after a power surge to shutdown.
External surge protector
Such a device can protect equipment from short circuits and current surges, thanks to a fuse, cutting off the flow of electricity.
Manufacturers offer extension cords with different numbers of sockets and types of protection :
Some models are improved with additional devices in the form of an on or off button on each outlet or have child protection .
A large number of sockets on an extension filter is important when there are several devices standing nearby. This filter is quite powerful, but also more expensive.
The difference may be in the length of the extension cord . You need to pay attention to this when purchasing and calculate the required length in advance.
Maximum load is an important indicator.
If we take professional protection, then the rate of energy surges absorbed by the filter is 2500 J, while for a simple one this figure is 960 J.
The filter may contain several fuses , but one of them must be fusible, and the rest are divided into high-speed and thermal.
Some manufacturers provide the protective mechanism with an LED indicator , which allows you to visually assess the performance of the device.
How to check the interference filter on a washing machine
Many washing units are designed in such a way that if the power filter fails, they automatically stop their operation and will not start until the failed element is replaced. The conclusion that follows is that the washing machine does not turn on, and the plug and cord are in good condition; it is necessary to check the device for interference. In cases where the washing machine receives an electric current or a burning smell is felt, the unit independently changes operating modes - the network interference filter is checked.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- We check all contacts in pairs with a multimeter, the resistance of which should be 680 kOhm;
- The input resistance of the plug is measured. The value should be as in the first case. Some upward deviation is allowed;
- It is difficult to check the serviceability of capacitors, but it is possible to measure the capacitance between different inputs. The indicator is within 0.47 µF.
When, during the test, the resistance tends to infinity, the capacitance is close to zero, the interference filter has failed and needs to be replaced.
Various drain malfunctions
Before starting diagnostics, the equipment must be disconnected from the network. First, you need to check the outlet into which the washing machine was plugged in. To do this, it includes any serviceable household electrical appliance with a power of about 2000–2500 Watts. If the RCD continues to trip when connected, you need to call an electrician to check the wiring in the house. The cause of this phenomenon may be loose contacts.
If the surge protector is working properly, the fault should be looked for in the power button or control panel. Over time, button contacts can wear out and oxidize, leading to burning and short circuits. Using a tester, you need to check the wires leading to the buttons. If the button closes when turned off, it means it is faulty and needs to be replaced.
The power button is used more often than others, so its contacts can become unusable faster than others. When checking the buttons on the control panel of the washing machine, you should start there.
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You can replace a damaged button yourself. To do this, you need to disconnect the control panel and the wires going to it. After this, the faulty button is carefully removed and a new one is installed in its place.
If checking all other parts of the washing machine showed them to be in full working order, the machines are probably knocked out due to a short circuit on the control module. The contacts on the control board may oxidize due to high humidity in the room. Without skills in working with electronics, it is quite difficult to check the serviceability of this part and make repairs. Repairing Samsung and Lg washing machines is especially difficult, since machines of this brand have a control board filled with compound.
Indesit washing machines are well-deservedly popular among customers, which is why service centers have long compiled a list of their most common faults. In approximately 80% of cases, the following parts fail.
- Heating element (heating element). The main reason for its frequent breakdowns is the low quality of water in the system. It can also be mentioned that Indesit equips its products with heaters without additional protection.
- Network filter. The task of this circuit is to provide stable voltage to all components of the washing machine. A burnt filter is a fairly common breakdown, typical even for new Indesit models. Symptoms - the machine does not turn on.
- Drum bearings. This problem is common to all washing machines without exception. The cost of the bearings themselves is low, but during repairs you will have to completely disassemble the device.
- In cars manufactured before 2012, the weak link is the control module. This is one of the few parts that it is not recommended to repair on your own, unless you replace the board completely.
- The engine of the Indesit washing machine is reliable and durable, which cannot be said about the sensor that controls the rotor speed. If the engine does not turn on, there is no need to rush to buy a new one; first, you should test the sensor and check the capacitors for breakdown.
Of course, the list of possible faults is much wider. There are often problems with water drainage caused by a dirty filter or a burnt-out pump, and mechanical damage occurs.
Malfunctions of the Indesit washing machine associated with a violation of the drain tract are most often caused by clogged pipelines or pump failure. The symptoms of such a malfunction are clear - instead of draining dirty water, the machine stops. The indicator of the washing machine wisl 103 or another similar one displays an error message (usually F11).
They correct the situation by proceeding from simple to complex, but first you need to get rid of the water; for this, the manufacturer has provided an emergency drain. Immediately after removing it, you should unscrew the drain filter and check its condition.
In addition to the filter, it is worth disconnecting and checking the drain hose. It is often bent, which impedes the flow of water. You also need to make sure that there is no blockage directly in the sewer.
If all the drainage parts are checked, but the error does not go away, you will have to change the pump. In washing machines produced by Indesit, this is done quite simply, but you should not immediately buy a new part, there is a possibility that the threads have wound around the impeller and it is jammed. In this case, it is enough to remove the pump, disassemble and clean its components.
DIY repair
Having determined the malfunction, you should remove it from the washing machine body and replace it. To do this, certain actions are performed:
- the washing machine is disconnected from the electrical network;
- the top panel is dismantled;
- We inspect the inside of the case in the place where the cable powering the machine comes out, to find the part we need.
You can find a working similar part in any store that sells washing machines. Just do not forget that for car models, Bosch, Atlant or Indesit, surge protectors may differ in design. If you cannot find the original part, you can use a spare part that is similar in electrical parameters. Just pay special attention to the permissible pulse overload and the maximum value of current consumption, which should be two to three times higher than that of your washing machine.
A temporarily faulty machine's surge protector can be replaced with an external device plugged into an outlet.
Error indication
A modern Indesit washing machine is a complex device equipped with an automatic testing system. At the slightest breakdown, it itself reports a malfunction and issues an error code, which can be used to judge the problem unit and the prospects for repair.
Depending on the model and year of manufacture of the Indesit washing machine, the indication is carried out using a segment indicator or via LEDs located on its front panel. In newer models, the code is displayed on the screen. In the case of older washing machines, the indicators flash, and a table is attached to the instructions for interpretation.
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