Republic of the Philippines

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY

Don Severino de las Alas Campus
Indang, Cavite

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY MAJOR IN ELECTRICAL

TECHNOLOGY

Electrical Principles 1 – ELEC50

LEARNING MODULE 5

TROUBLESHOOTING
AND REPAIR

Ronald E. Araño
Instructor

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

Course Code: ELEC50

Course Title: Electrical Principles 1

Course Description:

This course deals with the study of fundamentals, electrical principles,

theories, and circuit operation and the use of electrical measuring instruments,

tools, and equipment in AC/DC electrical works will be thoroughly discussed.

This subject will also focus on the knowledge of repairing small electrical

appliances.

Listed below are the following lessons.

Lesson 5 – Troubleshooting and Repair

a. Electrical Appliances with Heating Element

b. Electrical Appliances with Small Motors

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

 Pretest

Assessment 1

Answer the Pretest 5 at CVSU eLearning website

(https://elearning.cvsu.edu.ph)

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

 LESSON 5
Troubleshooting and Repair

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this module, you must be able to answer the

following:

1. Interpret the basic principles for troubleshooting electrical

appliances with heating element.
2. Create a diagram of the equivalent circuit for electrical
appliances with heating element.
3. Interpret the basic principles troubleshooting electrical
appliances with small motors.
4. Create a diagram of the equivalent circuit for electrical
appliances with small motors

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

 Information Sheet

How to repair a rice cooker?

The following are some general instructions for fixing rice cooker problems.

The instructions may not be the same for all appliances. Instructions differ

with the brand of rice cooker that you opt for. But if your rice cooker’s

problem is a general one, the following steps will surely help you.

Requirements

1. Screwdriver

2. Multi-meter

3. Electrical contact cleaner

4. Rags

Step 1: Unplug the power cord from the wall

Before you start working on the rice cooker, plugging it off is a must. Well,

this is common sense! Who will want to die out of shock! Life is precious,

darling! Please, please, please, do not connect it with any power source!

Step 2: Get the rice cooker away from extra pieces

Turn the rice cooker upside down. You will find screws attached at the

bottom.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

With the help of your screwdriver, remove those screws.

This will take off the covering dish. Along with that, remove the burner plate

and the bowl placed inside. This will give you access to the inside of your rice

cooker.

Step 3: Remove the base

Underneath the rice cooker, you will find some screws that hold the base of

the cooker. If the base is attached with screws, remove them. On the other

hand, if you notice tabs below, fold them back.

Step 4: Test heating elements

When you find that the heaters of the cooker are not working properly, heat

testing them comes first.

So, disconnect the heating wire. Now put it a test in the set the meter to get

the reading in ohms. On the other hand, touch the terminals to the wire. If

you get the reading as ‘0’, then the wire is absolutely fine to work.

If the reading results to something else, this section of your rice cooker must

be immediately replaced.

Step 5: Test resistor

Once you have checked that the heat reading is fine, move to the next step.

It is now time to test the resistor.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

For this, again you will need the multimeter. Set it like the above step and

touch its probes to the resistor.

Step 6: Check and clean contacts

This is a major problem associated with using older cookers. Regular usage

of the rice cooker makes the contacts dirty or corroded. Thereby, the current

cannot flow smoothly.

So, when you take off the base of the rice cooker, examine the contact areas.

If you notice them burnt, replace them immediately. Another option can be to

use a contact cleaner.

Step 7: Move contacts

Many times, even though you press the switch off the cooker, it does not

start.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

How is that possible? Is there some kind of supernatural factor involved in it?

Oh, what a fool! Take your screwdriver. Bring the contacts close to each

other. And that’s it!

Conclusion

With the necessary replacements made, you can definitely make your rice

cooker take a good leap.

After all, things are replaced and put back, do not forget to fix the base and

that is the proper process of how to repair a rice cooker. Okay, it’s time to

plug in the rice cooker, pour in rice and water (2:1) and turn on the appliance.

Is your rice ready to be served? Hope so!

How to repair common iron problems?

An iron is a small appliance used to straighten out wrinkled clothes and kill

any microbial activity occurring inside the clothing. Very little repairs are

usually needed for a well-made iron, but sometimes you will need to fix

broken handles, faulty cords, and clogged holes where steam is released.

You can easily repair problems by following the steps described below.

Requirements

1. Screwdriver

2. Multi-meter

3. Electrical contact cleaner

4. Rags

5. New power cord

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

 6. New thermostat

7. Salt

8. Nylon pad

9. Water

10. Soap

11. Toothpaste

12. White vinegar

13. Oven cleaner

Step 1: Identify the Problem

Repair it before starting. Read the manual provided with your iron first to be

sure It's important to know what sort of problem exists and what is required

to there is nothing wrong with your settings. Next, check the thermostat and

electric cord if the iron does not heat or heats up exceedingly high when the

power is switched on. If steam is not coming out properly or the water is

being spat out when the iron is on, check the bottom of the iron (sole plate)

and holes from where steam is released for debris or obstructions. Last but

not least, check the sole plate surface if the clothes are clinging to it to see

if there is any residue or debris burned onto it.

Step 2 - Take Appropriate Precautions

Switch off or disconnect the iron and leave it to cool off completely. If you

start repairing the iron while it is still plugged to the circuit, you might get an

electric shock.

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Step 3 - Replace the Power Cord and Thermostat

Before you get into replacing the power cord, make sure you can find a new

one for your particular appliance. Try local appliance repair shops, online

sellers, or take it into a hardware or appliance store to see if there is perhaps

a universal cord that will work.

Remove the cover panel first using an appropriate screwdriver. There will

often be another set of screws just inside, securing the cord in place, and

you'll need to remove these as well. Then, remove the wire nuts connecting

the power cord to the wiring inside the iron and set it aside. Connect the new

one in the exact same way as the old and screw it back into place. This is

also the best time to replace the thermostat if it too is having problems.

Finally, screw the cover panel back into place, and switch the iron back on to

check that it is heating properly.

Step 4 - Clean the Sole Plate

Anything that is stuck to the sole plate can cause problems with the function

of your iron, so it's important that this piece is cleaned whenever it's stained

or dirty. For stains, dampen a cloth, put salt on it, and rub the bottom of the

iron, or simply use a nylon pad with water and soap. If the blemish is

stubborn, some toothpaste can be rubbed on with a soft cloth. When the sole

plate gets buildup on it from ironing starched clothing, use white vinegar to

remove it. You can also mix an equal amount of vinegar and salt and use it

on the sole plate after heating the solution. Do not employ wire gauze pads,

abrasive pads, or even abrasive cleaners, as these may scratch the non-

stick coating on the iron and damage it permanently.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

Step 5 - Remove Burn Marks

Cover the whole iron with paper except the bottom. Then, take the iron out

into an open air space so the oven cleaner fumes do not spread inside

the house. Directly sprinkle oven cleaner on the sole plate. Leave it for three

minutes before you wash and rinse with cold water. Remove the paper when

you're finished.

Step 6 - Clean the Water Container and Steam Holes

Fill the reservoir about a quarter full with white vinegar, and then empty it by

steaming the iron. The vinegar fumes will open the holes that were earlier

clogged by mineral deposits. Continue repeating this process until the holes

are totally devoid of deposits.

To clean the container itself, fill it with distilled water and wash it thoroughly,

making sure no vinegar remains in the reservoir or the holes.

How to repair a toaster oven?

Toaster ovens operate much like toasters. However, a toaster oven is more

complex and is typically more expensive to purchase. The higher cost means

that repairs are easier to justify. You will probably think twice before tossing

a $75 toaster oven into the recycle bin. And because toaster ovens are less

compact, they are often easier to work on than pop-up toasters.

Some toaster ovens simply toast bread and related food products

horizontally rather than vertically as with pop-up toasters. Other toaster

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ovens are actually miniature ovens. The differences are identified by the

wattage used -- broilers require more watts of electrical power to operate

-- and by the controls. Some toaster ovens allow you to bake and broil foods,

offering precise temperature and function control.

Typical toaster oven repairs include servicing the main switch, the thermal

fuse, the heating element, and the solenoid.

Servicing the Main Switch: The toaster oven's main switch is an important

operating part, one that gets extensive use and is a frequent culprit when

things go wrong. In many cases, all that's required is cleaning the switch. In

others, the switch must be replaced. To access and replace the main switch:

Step 1: Remove the side panel and, if necessary, the power cord.

Step 2: Check the contact points for pitting or discoloration.

If they are not making good contact, carefully rub them with very fine

sandpaper, then clean them with an electrical contact cleaner spray or

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

isopropyl alcohol on the end of a cotton swab. Be careful not to bend the

contact leaves out of alignment.

Step 3: If the contacts are fused or the leaves are broken, remove and

replace the main switch. Main switches are fastened to the chassis with clips,

screws, or rivets.

Servicing the Thermal Fuse: A thermal fuse protects the toaster oven's main

switch from damage caused by an electrical overload. If the main switch

doesn't work, check the thermal fuse using a continuity tester or multi-tester.

The thermal fuse should show continuity rather than an open circuit. If

defective, remove and replace the thermal fuse with one of identical rating.

In most models, this means cutting the fuse leads or wires and replacing the

fuse unit.

Some toaster ovens use a bimetallic thermostat or thermal cutout to protect

the adjacent main switch from damage. Inspect the thermal cutout for debris,

distortion, or discoloration. Clean debris away with a can of compressed air.

As needed, clean the contact points with emery paper.

Servicing Heating Elements: A heating element is vital to your toaster oven.

It may only be on for a few minutes to toast bread, or, in the case of a

baking/broiling unit, it may be on for an hour or more at a time. A heating

element is simply a high-resistance wire that glows as electricity flows

through it. Heating elements, then, are easy to test. Here's how:

Step 1: Determine whether or not there is a clear path for electric current by

touching a continuity tester or multitester probe to each end of the element.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

Step 2: If there is no clear path, remove the heating element. Removing an

element may be as easy as unscrewing both ends and any support

brackets; however, it may also require that rivets be removed and replaced.

Your decision to replace a defective element will then depend on how easy

it is to remove as well as the value of the toaster oven.

Step 3: Once the heating element has been removed, replace it with one of

identical rating and structure. Be very careful not to distort the shape of the

new element as it is installed. Element wires are fragile and can be damaged

easily. Higher-wattage elements are of thicker wire, much like the element in

your conventional oven.

Servicing a Solenoid: The solenoid turns the electric current to the heating

elements on and off. If the heating elements stay on longer than they should

and burn your food, or if opening the appliance door turns them off, the

solenoid may be defective. To test and replace a solenoid:

Step 1: Look at the unit for visible damage and smell the area around the

solenoid for obvious damage to components.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

Step 2: Use a continuity tester or multi-tester to verify your findings.

Step 3: Replace the solenoid. In some units, this is easy. Simply unscrew the

brackets and remove the unit. If replacing the unit requires cutting or

desoldering, take the unit to an appliance-repair shop for service.

Mmm...what would go great with that hot buttered slice of toast? A hot cup of

coffee, of course. So what do you do when your coffee maker is no longer

cooperating with your morning routine? See the next page for suggestions.

How to repair a food blender?

A food blender is a popular and useful kitchen appliance. Foods and liquids

placed in it are blended or chopped based on the speed set by the operator.

Today's food blender can chop ice, make peanut butter, grate cheese, and

perform many other useful functions.

Food blender repairs include servicing a multi-speed switch, replacing a

fuse, servicing a motor, tightening a drive stud, and servicing a blade

assembly.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

Servicing the Multi-speed Switch: It's easy to see why the multi-speed switch

is a critical component to the operation of your food blender. Because of

its high use and complexity, it is a frequent culprit when things go wrong. To

service the multi-speed switch:

Step 1: Remove the blender base.

Step 2: The multi-speed switch will be attached to the base with clips or

screws accessed from underneath the base's faceplate or from inside the

base. Visually inspect the switch before removing it; in many cases, the

problem is a loose terminal. Otherwise, a blackened terminal or wire may

identify where the problem has occurred.

Step 3: Check the multi-speed switch with a continuity tester or multi- tester.

Step 4: Because of its exposed location on the front of the blender, the

switch is susceptible to damage from liquids. Use a can of compressed air or

an electrical contact cleaner to clean the switch. If necessary, replace it.

Replacing the Fuse: Fortunately, most blenders include an in-line fuse that

protects the motor from overload. If excessive current is sent to the motor,

the fuse will blow. To determine if the fuse is working:

Step 1: Remove the blender base and locate the fuse in the wire from the

multi-speed switch to the motor.

Step 2: Disconnect the wire and use a continuity tester or multi-tester to

check the fuse. If the circuit is open, the fuse is blown.

Step 3: Replace the faulty in-line fuse with one of identical rating.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

Servicing the Motor: The motor will typically withstand many years of use

(though not much abuse). Unfortunately, if the motor needs to be replaced,

it may be less expensive to buy a new blender. Motor operation is easy to

test. Because there is a circuit running from the appliance cord, through the

multi-speed controls, to the motor, and back to the cord, an ohmmeter (part

of your multi-tester) can test the circuit. To test a blender's motor:

Step 1: Place a probe on each cord prong.

Step 2: Select a speed-control button or turn the speed controller slightly,

then read the resistance on the meter.

Step 3: Next, rotate the drive stud clockwise one turn. If the resistance

reading (in ohms) changes, the motor needs service. Take it to an appliance-

repair service or replace the appliance, depending on cost.

Tightening the Drive Stud: If the motor operates well, but the blade in the

blender jar doesn't turn as it should, the problem may be the drive stud. The

most frequent cause is a loose drive stud. To tighten the drive stud:

Step 1: Remove the base and turn the blender over. The other end of the

drive shaft will protrude from the bottom side of the motor.

Step 2: Grip the drive shaft with a wrench or pliers, then turn the blender on

its side to attach a wrench to the drive stud.

Step 3: Hold the drive shaft steady as you turn the drive stud clockwise. The

other cause of drive stud problems is the rounding of its corners, requiring

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

a new drive stud. To replace a worn drive stud, reverse the instructions

for tightening a drive stud, install the new part, and tighten it.

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

 Posttest

Assessment 2

Answer the Posttest 5 at CVSU eLearning website

(https://elearning.cvsu.edu.ph)

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1

 References

A. Reference Books
 Hayt, W. (1993). Engineering Circuit Analysis. New York
McGraw Hills
 Tan, J.C. (1988). Electrical Circuit Analysis
 Fajardo, Max B. (2000). Electrical Layout and Estimate.
Manila: Miriam Webster Bookstore Publishing
 IIEE (1996). Philippine Electrical Code 2000
 Rosenburg R. (1987). Electric Motor Repair. 3rd edition
New York

ELEC50 Electrical Principles 1