Thursday, February 4, 2010

Domestic Appliance Series – Electric Iron


This is one of the most common types of domestic appliance that is used to straighten garments.Have you ever wondered what goes inside there, well this what happens...


It consists of element tape made of nichrome wound on mica (insulating material).The element is placed between 2 steel plates. Asbestos pad is placed over the element to limit the amount of upward moving heat to the plastic handle. A thermostat is used to control heat/temperature using a control knob. The thermostat has two strips of bimetallic metal that tend to break the contact when heated. A click sound is heard when the contacts break. An indicating lamp shows when supply is ON as well as heating as it is connected with the element.












SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage: 220-240V
Power: 1000W (1kW)
Frequency: 50-60Hz









TROUBLESHOOTING-How to repair
Lamp goes off during ironing –This is an indication that the element has attained maximum heat and therefore the bimetallic strip has disconnected supply so the lamp goes off. This is not a malfunction rather an indication. Should this persist the bi-metallic strip has a problem and needs repair.
Too much heat on the plate – This is a very common problem that every owner has experienced. The bi-metallic strip is normally supposed to open upon maximum heat. However in this situation the distance between the contacts is so little that when the contact open, the supply is cut off but soon close the contacts again therefore heating resumes. This problem can be corrected by opening the unit, adjusting the distance between the plates and all is done.
No heat, No supply – Check using a multimeter the flow of current from the plug to the unit. Confirm continuity in the fuse. Replace cable or fuse.



It is advisable to always make sure you are wearing shoes when working with an electric iron. This is because it draws a lethal amount of current and though it is grounded at the plug it is never safe to operate any electrical equipment without shoes.

No comments:

Post a Comment