What are the functions of a network filter in a washing machine?

Surge protector for the machine: what is it and why does it need

In order not to pay for expensive repairs, you can take care of the proper protection of the washing machine beforehand. Comes to the aid of a surge protector for a washing machine. Surge protector:

• perfectly smooths out any voltage drops;
• saves the technician from breakage due to power surges and its sharp fall;
• ensures the normal washing process, without any interference;
• protects household appliances adjacent to the washing machine from high-frequency currents that can get into the electrical grid during the operation of the washing machine.

But you should not take an extension cord that has several outlets for such a protective filter. The extender can be used for all household appliances in general, and the surge protector takes over the protective functions of the complex system of the washing machine and other household appliances surrounding it.

Power filters can be built into the machine even at the factory, or they can be purchased separately by the consumer to connect the washing machine through it to the power supply. Built-in power filter is a body of impact-resistant material that does not conduct current. All parts are protected by non-conductive liquid poured into the housing.

Modern washing machines are very complex systems that require reliable protection, an even and stable power supply. In case the component equipment receives high or, on the contrary, lowered pulses, it burns out and requires replacement. This is especially true for machines with touch controls, they are very sensitive to even the slightest voltage drops. Therefore, on such devices, the surge protectors are installed by the manufacturer. As a rule, it is located at the point where the electrical cord comes out.

The principle of operation of the protective device

There is an opinion that it is possible to use an automatic machine without such protective device. But this applies only to the old type devices. Connecting modern washing machines without a built-in or external protective device does not guarantee that the next time the wash cycle starts due to the instability of the electrical network, the control panel, asynchronous motor or PETN will remain intact. Due to damage to the touch control, programs can spontaneously change washing modes.

No matter what type of network filter is used, the main thing is the presence and operation of capacitors, they influence both the quality of the device and the price. The machine already has inductors and capacitors, but they have such a small capacity that they cannot withstand a strong voltage surge.

A surge protector built into the inside of the machine lets in vibrations that have a frequency of 50 GHz, while others — larger or smaller — are immediately blocked. This is an important factor, since if we take into account interruptions and power surges, they are different from a sinusoid with amplitude bursts, and very significant ones, which are capable of disrupting the automatic machine systems, even if they are completely out of order.

It is necessary to take into account that there is also instability in the device, and each time the relay is triggered and the induction motor turns on, peaks are generated or currents fail, this process should not go to the network, otherwise this instability will cause high-frequency harmonicsnetwork filter - level this process.

To prevent consumers from neglecting the protection of their washing machines, many modern models of automatic machines are programmed in such a way that if the built-in surge protector fails, all operation of the device is blocked until the protective device is replaced.

Surge protectors: views and their features

Surge protectors differ in how they connect to the automatic machine. There is an internal filter, and there is a filter extension.

Internal is already installed during production, it is not necessary to separately purchase and connect it. Failure of such a filter will result in its complete replacement. It will take exactly the same detail, which is very problematic: it is usually difficult to find original spare parts in stores. Leading manufacturers of washing machines are constantly improving the protection of their machines and produce a wide variety of filters, because in certain models they have differences in appearance, and most importantly, they differ in the level of protection. This means that the filters react differently to:

• rated current;
• allowable voltage threshold;
• time off the machine after a power surge;
• maximum load and maximum current.

As an additional protection, you can use a power strip extension. In the event of a short circuit or voltage surge, the fuse of such a device is activated and closes the flow of electrical current.

Features of external filters

Extender is reliable and advantageous in that you can choose the one that is most convenient for use. They are made with different types of protection:

• basic;
• professional;
• advanced. The

Extender can be selected with the desired number of sockets, from 3 to 8. Some models contain handy devices that include: buttons for turning on or off the network at each outlet, as well as special protection from young children.

An extension cord with a large number of sockets is needed for such rooms where several electrical appliances are located at once. This is a universal and powerful device, but the price of such a protective filter will be much higher.

Extender has a different length from 1 to 5 meters. Before going to the store to purchase a network filter, it is recommended to measure the distance from the outlet to the washing machine and calculate the required length of the wire.

Important and such characteristics as the maximum load. It indicates the range of energy jumps absorbed by the filter. If there is a professional protection, then the indicator will be 2500 J, compared to the usual - 960 J. The most expensive are those that withstand the discharge of lightning.

The speed at which a device can work is also important. It will depend on this whether the work of all devices connected to it and the level of protection of electrical appliances will be blocked in time.

There can be several fuses, the main one should be fusible, and the rest: thermal and fast-acting.

Extension, equipped with LED indicator is much more convenient. After all, it can be used to find out the state and operability of a protective device.

There are certain prohibitions when working with an external line filter:

1. It is forbidden to connect an extension cord to the mains of 380 V;
2. The socket into which the protective device is connected must be earthed;
3. power device operating through an extension cord, can not exceed 3.5 kW;
4. If there are several similar devices at home, it is not recommended to include them into each other.

If the filter fails

In case of doubts whether the power filter is working, you need to ring the terminals - at the input and output.

Sometimes it can bring in input resistance, for this you have to have a “crocodile” on the plug. If the terminals in the area of ​​the surge protector are detachable, they need to be undocked, and only then measured. The result should be 680 ohms.

If the standard test gave normal results, you can check the capacitors. It is required to turn them on in parallel, and to summarize the nominal values. If included in turn, the return values ​​are added. The discrepancy with the required indicators indicate a condensate burnout and the need to replace it.

The issue of protecting a washing machine from sudden voltage drops is quite serious. Every consumer needs to choose and install a surge protector on his washing machine.