Most heating elements like those in dryers and ovens utilize a wire made of nichrome, which is an alloy composed of nickel and chromium. It has a very high resistance per foot, a high mechanical strength when hot, and a very high melting point. It also has an extremely low temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR). […]
What does the term “Thermal Inertia” have to do with oven pre-heating? Quite a bit actually. You might have noticed that in many electric ranges, both the bake and broil elements work to preheat the oven, but not simultaneously. The Preheating Process For many electric ranges the preheating process involves both the bake and broil […]
This blog will describe step by step, how the standard Whirlpool gas dryer ignition circuit works, along with its common failures and associated diagnostic approaches. Disclaimer: THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR APPLIANCE TECHNICIANS AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. ALWAYS FOLLOW PROPER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING WITH GAS AND ELECTRICITY. USE THE CONCEPTS DISCUSSED AT […]
What is a Voltage Source? Not all voltage sources are created equal. For example, a 12V car battery doesn’t provide enough voltage to electrocute, but sufficient current to crank a 400A car starter. This would be called a relatively strong voltage source. On the other side of the spectrum, a taser, for example outputs 50,000 […]
Why do I need Ohm’s Law? Why would Appliance or HVAC Technicians need to use Ohm’s Law in the field? I mean, are they really going to break out the calculator while diagnosing an electrical problem? Probably not. But Ohm’s Law is about a lot more than just finding voltage, current, or resistance. It rather […]
Introduction One question I’ve been asked many times in this business is whether a 240v electric appliance can be used on a 208v electrical system. Some apartment buildings use what’s known as 3-phase power, as opposed to the more commonly used single split-phase configuration that comprises the vast majority of residential electric power. This blog […]
Introduction This blog will introduce the many ways that an NCV voltage pen can be used to diagnose electrical circuits. In fact, you might be surprised as to how versatile and useful the voltage pen can actually be. I’ll show you how this simple device can be used to detect Ghost Voltages, detect Compromised Voltage […]
What do floating neutrals, gas dryer valve circuits, Whirlpool electric dryer cool-down circuits, loose terminal block connections, shorted elements, and failing relay contacts all have in common? As the title of this articles suggests – the ever-present voltage divider. They’re everywhere and reside in multiples in every appliance you encounter. They’re not only present in […]
Introduction This quiz is designed to help Appliance technicians learn, test their knowledge, or just provide a review of their existing knowledge of electrical theory as it applies to appliance repair. Each question will have an associated answer – helping solidify your knowledge of electricity. So let’s test your knowledge. How Many Questions can you […]
The title says it all. A voltage pen can be much handier than some Technicians realize. Yes, they can be easily used to locate an open or loose (compromised) neutral in in a voltage source. THIS BLOG IS INTENDED FOR APPLIANCE TECHNICIANS ONLY. ALWAYS USE APPROPRIATE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING WITH ELECTRICITY. About Neutral Neutral, […]