Washing machine mains filter

Surge filters (noise filters) are designed to suppress pulsed and high-frequency interference, periodically occurring in the electrical network. The mains filter for the washing machine is designed to dampen any frequency except 50 Hertz. A large surge or voltage drop in the electrical network can interrupt work or damage the electrical equipment of the machine.

What role does it play

Frequent switching of the relay, starting and stopping an asynchronous motor inside the machine itself, in turn, cause constant changes in the currents that cannot be passed to the external electrical network in order not to damage other electrical equipment connected to it (televisions, computers, microwaves, etc.). the device picks up these drops and “dumps” excess currents to ground. The mains filter of the washing machine protects from the voltage drops not so much the machine itself as the external electrical network from it.

A strong voltage drop in the network may cause to the combustion of an induction motor, because it ceases to rotate, and the current continues to flow on its winding. In this case, this protective device immediately turns off the washing machine. If the voltage drop is short-lived, the filter uses the charge of its capacitors to maintain the normal operation of the machine. That is why it is not recommended to operate the washing machine without it.

In the event of a breakdown, the surge protector can be replaced only as a whole, as its parts are filled with a special waterproof compound that does not transmit current.

These are pretty reliable devices and they rarely break, but sometimes it happens. Most often this occurs due to a decrease in the capacitance of the capacitors inside the filter over time. Less often - due to a strong voltage surge, which can cause a breakdown.

In no case can not be turned off working washing machine by pulling its plug from the outlet - it can also damage the filter!

You can get and replace the noise filter by yourself or with the help of a specialist, but how to understand that it has broken?

Fault Diagnosis

Most modern washing machines are designed in such a way that when a noise filter fails, they automatically stop working and do not start until the broken part is replaced. Therefore, the very first evidence of a breakdown is precisely the impossibility of switching on the machine. Of course, other problems may also be the cause of this, the simplest of which is damage. power cord or his forks. But if everything is all right with them, then the next in line is the noise filter.

Also, if the machine suddenly started to beat, a smell of burning insulation appeared, or the machine spontaneously began to change operating modes during washing, (regardless of the program you chose), all this also indicates a malfunctioning of the mains filter.

if you have multimeter (a device for measuring resistance, voltage and current), then in this situation it is worth using it so as not to call the master:

1. First of all, you need to call all contacts in pairs. Resistance should be around 680 kΩ.
2. Next, measure the input impedance on the plug.Resistance should also be around 680 kΩ, although it may be slightly different.
3. It is rather difficult to check the condition of capacitors due to the fact that they are filled with compound. But you can try to measure the capacity between different inputs. Its value should be about 0.47 uF.

If, calling the contacts, you notice that the resistance is equal to infinity or the capacity tends to zero, then the device is damaged and needs to be changed. 

Criterias of choice 

You can find a new power filter of the required brand anywhere: in the home appliance store, in the online store or at the official supplier. If you can not find the "native", it can be replaced by similar electrical characteristics.

In this case, first of all, you need to pay attention to the maximum surge current overload and maximum consumption current, the value of which should be 2-3 times higher than the same indicator of a washing machine (calculated from power). 

Temporarily replace the broken filter can also auxiliary externalwhich itself is connected to the mains through a socket, and all electrical appliances are connected to it. 

Conclusion 

Now you know a little about what can cause a broken washing machine. And you will not panic if this happens. Remember that surge protectors rarely fail just. This requires a serious external overload of the electrical network, exceeding the protection possibilities (lightning strike, welding machine on the same line, etc.).

But if the washing machine serves you faithfully for a long time, then over time, the surge protector can break down on its own - from old age.