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Home Appliances
From coffee grinders to walk-in refrigerators, home appliances are all around our homes. This category deals with any of the special tools around our homes that make life a little easier.
5,325 Questions
How do you connect a load and line wire to a neutral and hot?
A switch makes or breaks the hot wire, it does not bother the neutral or ground. To wire in a switch just put in between the line and load wires. There are two terminal points on the switch; put the line wire under one and the load wire under the other. For a low-voltage circuit without an obvious hot and neutral, just cut one of the two wires and splice the switch in there. Low voltage stuff should be double-insulated so it really doesn't matter which wire you choose. If you are using this for low-voltage DC be sure to check the ratings of the switch. Regular switches for household use are for AC only. They can handle 15A, but cannot break an arc that forms breaking a DC load as they are designed to have the voltage across them go to 0V 120 times a second. Most switches will be rated to 600 or so VAC, but only 30-50VDC. Make sure you take this into consideration, or else you will burn your switch's contacts. If you are on low-voltage AC you are fine. Carry on.
What does it mean if a wire has a raised stripe line or rib going all along it?
If you are asking about a wire used to feed power from a battery pack to a small battery-powered device or to connect an amplifier or other music device to a loudspeaker or headphones, the raised stripe, line or rib going all along the wire could signify either the positive or the negative wire. Measuring it with a suitable electrician's meter is a good way to tell for sure what it is. However you really need to know how to use an electrician's meter safely before you try to do this. On a 2 wire appliance cord the neutral is usually identified by a white stripe or a raised rib that runs the full length of the cord. This cord terminates at the wide blade on the plug. If the receptacle does not have a wide blade slot on it make sure that the identified side of the cord plugs into the left hand side of the receptacle. <><><> On the AC power cord if it has a white stripe it must be ground/neutral. I have a TV apart here and the "other" power wire is black and goes to a fuse inside the TV. They wouldn't put the fuse on the ground side. On the other hand if it's some other voltage they could put a stripe on any old wire. <><><> As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed. Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
How does refrigerator works in electromagnets?
Refrigerators use electromagnets in the form of a compressor motor that circulates refrigerant through coils, converting it from gas to liquid and back to gas to absorb and release heat. The electromagnets are crucial for the motor to function and move the refrigerant, which allows the refrigerator to maintain a cold temperature inside.
What can you power with a 3000 watt generator?
A few small things. Watts = Amps x Volts. Amps = 800/120 = 6.66 amps. Check the amperage on what you want to plug into the generator. If it is over 6 amps the generator will not handle the load.
Using a 40 watt bulb in a 60 watt outlet?
It is safe to use a 40 watt bulb in a 60 watt socket. The socket is designed to handle a maximum of 60 watts but can still safely operate with lower wattage bulbs. Just ensure the bulb is securely screwed in and not touching any flammable materials.
Can 120V cloth iron be used in 240V?
The answer is No for an iron that was sold only for use in US, Canada or other countries using similar household AC power supplies. Unless the iron has a switch on it, to allow it to be used safely in countries which use 220-240 volts as the standard household supply, a 120 Volt iron must only be used on the 120 Volt power supply that it was designed to use. If it does not have a switch to convert its voltage, it is highly dangerous to try to use a 120 Volt iron on 240 volts. If a fuse or breaker did not trip to break the power supply the iron and/or its flex would overheat so much that they would probably catch on fire - not only would that ruin the iron, it would be dangerous to you and your home! If you change the iron's US-type 120 Volt plug to a US-type 240 volt plug, the results would be much more dangerous because a 240 Volt circuit has breakers designed to allow a high current draw - such as for a kitchen range or a clothes drier - and those breakers may not trip to cut off the current if you could just plug in a 120 Volt iron without first changing its plug. That is why the iron has a 120 Volt plug and not a 240 volt plug!
Is there any washer and dryer combo that runs on 120V?
Some appliances need two power leads, 120V for the washer and a separate 240V for the dryer. Others need only a single 120/240V service. Check what is available at your local electrical goods stores or from online websites.
=== === A Black wire can be the "Hot" wire of a 120 Volt supply.
A White wire is normally the "Neutral" wire.
A Green wire (or bare wire with no insulation) is normally the local "Ground "wire.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO SOME ELECTRICAL WORK
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
=== === If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power
at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND
always use an electrician's test meter having metal-tipped probes
(not a simple proximity voltage indicator)
to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
How can I control power to a 220 volt 30 amp water heater?
The power of some electric appliances cannot be changed by the user. For instance an electric kettle usually has just one fixed "power" setting. However the power of some other appliances can be changed by using a power control knob or a set of push buttons. For instance my 230 Volt 50 Hz AC electric "power shower" (which is a water heater) has "High", "Medium" and "Low" power settings.
"High" uses about 10 KiloWatts, "Medium" uses about 2.65 KiloWatts and "Low" does not heat the water at all: using that you will have a shower at whatever temperature the incoming water comes in at from the main supply pipe to the house. If the question is really asking about how to control the amount of energy used ( = the power used over a given period of time) - which is what we have to pay for when we use an electrical appliance - the energy used can be controlled in two ways:
1) by switching it on and off and 2) by adjusting its thermostat, if it has one. 1) The less time it is switched on, the less energy it will take over a given period of time. The more time it is switched on, the more energy it will take over a given period of time. 2) The lower the temperature of the water is set, the less energy the water heater will take over a given period of time. The higher the water temperature is set, the more energy it will take over a given period of time.
How do you fix a slow cold water flow in your Kenmore 80 series washer?
First, check for any clogs in the cold water inlet hose and ensure it is not kinked or twisted. If the hose is clear, the issue may be with a faulty water inlet valve or sediment build-up in the valve. You can try cleaning the valve or replacing it if necessary.
How do you load a washing machine so that it does not unbalance the drum?
Just put the heavier clothes (jeans, etc.) on each side equally. There's no way really to be 100% right as once the machine starts and fills with water, it agitates the clothes any way. If it does unbalance then just put some clothes on the opposite side to even it out.
Which wire is the ground on a lamp cord?
For a flexible lamp cord:
If it is in the US, Canada or other countries using the similar wiring codes, if the insulation on the wires is colored then White is intended for the "Neutral", Black for the "Hot" or "Live" and - if there is one in the cord - Green should be used only for the protective safety "Ground" wire.
On lamp cords which are fitted with only a 2-prong plug, it does actually matter which way round the hot and neutral are connected. Except for very old style appliances or lamps because the plug can be inserted into a socket outlet only one way on modern devices.
One kind of plug which has 3 prongs - for separate hot, neutral and ground wires - can be inserted in only one position to ensure that correct connections are made for each of those wires. Another kind is a polarized plug where one prong, the neutral prong, is wider than the hot prong.
If the lamp cord is clear or a solid color, and has only 2 wires, one side may have a raised ridge and the other side will be smooth. The ridged side is intended to be used for the Neutral and the smooth side for the Hot. The National Electrical Code requires the neutral wire be identified.
Only do this if the device you are testing is unplugged: take a multi-meter, set it on ohms and check for continuity between the ridged wire (or wider prong) and the outermost metal part inside of the light socket, to confirm the lamp is wired correctly if it is you will get a reading close to or zero ohms.
The reason for this is if one accidentally touches the metal shell of a light bulb while unscrewing it, he or she will not be in contact with a hot wire and not get a shock. The hot wire is the switched wire and always the center contact in screw in light socket.
Note re. lighting cords in the United States: most of UL-approved 2-prong power cords have a polarized plug. The bigger prong is for the Neutral and the other prong is for the Hot.
If it is in a country in Europe or other places around the world using similar wiring codes, the Neutral wire is colored Blue, the "Hot" or "Live" wire is Brown and the Ground wire, if there is one in the cord, is colored Yellow and green.
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Old style lamp cords do not have a ground wire in the two wire set. It just has a hot and neutral wire. The neutral conductor has a raised rib for identification.
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
When using a kiln at home is it better to be single or 3-phase for ease of use or cheapest to run?
Choose a kiln which uses a single phase household AC power supply because that is what your home already has. Workshops, factories and big public places like shopping malls, airports, etc. have 3-phase. Very few homes have it.
Is it ok to connect a single phase 6kw kiln to a home electric?
It may be just fine to connect a 6KW load. However, as the question is being asked, it suggests that the questioner is unsure of how to assess the power supply available. For that reason, it is vital that a qualified electrician is called to make the assessment. Every property is different, so there can be no general answer to this question.
Depends on the maximum current (Amps) needed by the new oven... Best to ask a licensed electrician for an expert opinion.
Such advice could save you a lot of money and anguish if you avoid having a house fire!
This could be the insulation on an electrical wire or fitting that is smoldering and may catch on fire! SO IT IS URGENT THAT YOU INVESTIGATE WHAT IS GOING-ON ABOVE THAT CEILING! It could be a light fitting - especially if you recently put in a higher-power light bulb - or maybe a ceiling pull switch as they do wear out with use over time, so the contacts can burn. This is can be a particular problem with ceiling switches for electrically heated shower units because they take such high currents. (Amps).
If you are not expert in electrical wiring, call in a licensed electrician to check all the electrics around where the smell seems to be coming from. <><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Will a wall switch kill power?
Not necessarily, it depends how it was wired, and IT IS VERY DANGEROUS to assume that any particular wall switch was wired to kill the power to whatever it controls. (Such as a light fixture or a socket outlet.)
The only safe way to kill the power supply in your home before you do any work on anything like a light fixture, a socket outlet, a kitchen range - or anything else! - is to switch off the big "main switch" on your home's breaker panel.
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
How do you change the shower thermostat on a Mira Sport electric shower unit?
The Mira Sport electric shower is not a thermostatically-controlled type of shower unit so there is no thermostat in it for temperature control. There IS a large round control knob on the front of the shower unit which controls the water flow rate. This allows the temperature to be varied by increasing or decreasing the flow of water. If the shower unit does not work there could be several reasons: either an element in the heater tank has failed (burnt out), the overheat protection thermostat has "tripped" or the printed circuit board that has all the control buttons and lights on it has failed. If you look in the Mira Sport's User Manual it gives a list of spare parts and a phone number at Kohler Myra in Cheltenham, but in general it is not worth trying to replace any of these parts as a DIY job unless you are a licensed electrician. All the spare parts in total cost twice as much as a new shower unit and a new unit has two year's warranty so it's a no brainer really. A licensed electrician who regularly repairs such units will have all the different spare parts in stock so it may be easier to find out which part has failed and replace it, but even so it is still cheaper to buy a new unit and have it fitted. Because they are installed in dangerous water-spray conditions you must also be a licensed electrician for it to be legal to fit or replace one of these units.<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Is a 115 Volt circuit the same as a household plug-point for an air conditioner?
As you needed to ask this question here the best advice anyone can give you is to call a licensed electrician for advice.
If the air conditioner was not supplied with a standard mains power plug then it is likely that it was not designed to be used on a standard 120 volt socket outlet.
Household electricity in the US is nominally 120 volts, not 115 volts. (See the Related Question shown below for more information.)
If you are asking if it is possible to plug an air conditioner unit into a normal household socket outlet, it may or may not be possible, depending on the voltage of the supply that it needs and the power taken. This information is usually given on a rating plate on the back or the side of the by the air conditioner unit.
If an air conditioner requires more power than can be supplied by a normal 120 volt household socket outlet, or if it requires a 240 volt supply, then it can only be used on a dedicated branch circuit having:
- the right size circuit breakers installed on the main incoming power breaker panel
- wiring of the right size and
- the correct type of socket outlet.
A licensed electrician will be able to give further advice about this matter.
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
My AC fan don't work could this be the capacitor?
Yes. Or the motor has just burnt out! If there is no burnt smell from the motor's windings and you know the power supply to the fan is good, it is worth replacing the capacitor with an identical one. NOTE: It must not be a polarised electrolytic type, it must be non-polarised and rated at the peak mains supply voltage or higher. Such capacitors are usually sold as "AC Motor Start" or "AC Motor Run" capacitors. For a 120 Volts motor use a capacitor rated to operate at 170 Volts peak. Usually these are manufactured to handle at least 200 Volts Peak AC . For a 240 Volts motor use a capacitor rated to operate at 340 Volts peak. Usually these are manufactured to handle at least 400 Volts Peak AC. <><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
How does heat get away from the back of a fridgE?
Heat is removed from the back of a fridge through a component called a condenser which helps to release the heat that has been absorbed from inside the fridge during the cooling process. This heat is then dissipated into the surrounding air, allowing the fridge to maintain a cool internal temperature.
Would 120 volts appliances work on 230 volts in Europe?
No, 120-volt appliances are designed to work on a 120-volt system and may get damaged if plugged into a 230-volt outlet in Europe. You would need a voltage converter or transformer to safely use a 120-volt appliance with a 230-volt system. It's best to check the appliance specifications or consult with a professional before attempting to use it.
Because of directional inertia of matter.
When the dryer rotates water particles in the clothes are experiencing centrifugal force and they are moving away from the centre more distant than the clothe itself. So water is removed and clothes get dried easily.
Do you put the green wire on the green screw?
Maybe, but we could probably give you a much better answer if you could also say what it is that you are trying to hook up...
<><><>
As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
How do spin dryer dry clothes?
Basically the clothing is rotated in a ventilated bucket into which hot air is blown.... NO not true- a spin drier works by using a centrifugal action - that is as clothes spin at high speed the water in them is forced outward into the drum.
