Wiki - Appliance repair hazards

meow2222 · 2008-12-09T02:53:04+00:00

Feedback welcome...Appliance repair hazardsThe main hazards in appliance repairs are summarized. There are alwaysothers that have the potential to occur too.==Common risks==Some risks are common to all mains appliances:* shock if plugged in* basic wiring faults==Microwave==These are one of the highest risk domestic appliances to repair. TheEHT supply in particular tends to be fatal if touched, and has killedexperienced technicians.* EHT supply for magnetron* Parts connected to EHT supply: LT magnetron supply wires,transformer, capacitor, rectifier* Power supply capacitors sometimes store thousands of volts even whenunplugged* Misalignment or miswiring of interlock switches* Failed shorting resistor when replacing [[fuse]]* Microwave leakage after replacing a component* Microwave leakage from rust holing* Sharp edges===Old microwaves===Old machines from the beginning of the '80s and before can have:* unsafe interlock system.* carbon loaded rubber seals prone to coming adrift, permittingleakageSome 1970s and earlier machines have power controls that switch theEHT directly, making all internal parts of the power control andassociated wiring dangerous to touch until the EHT has been fullydischarged.Commercial machines from the 1960s and before are uncommon, but doexist, and in a minority of cases can continue cooking with the doorpart way open. These are hopelessly unsafe.===Damaged microwaves===The mains risks are:* missing or damaged door grille cooks the user* warped door* missing seals on old machines* damaged door hinges* door misalignment==TV=====CRT TV===* Power supply capacitors store hundreds of volts even when unplugged.This voltage is distributed around some parts of the circuit board.* EHT supply, stored by the picture tube when off* Focus voltage, also stored* Propped appliance can fall on child or pet* Picture tube may explode if the unprotected thin rear of the tube isbroken===LCD TV===* Power supply capacitors store hundreds of volts even when...

Dec 09, 2008 23 Replies

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Graham. 17 years ago

Degassing Mike, You are thinking about degaussing.

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Graham. 17 years ago

Strictly speaking that is called the "pinch"

I wonder if the OP meant the tube base, or the EHT cavity connector (which I have heard referred to as the nipple)

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meow2222 17 years ago

No - I've rephrased to clarify.

Picture tube may explode if the unprotected thin rear of the tube is broken. (Breaking the nipple on the end of the neck is the standard disposal method.)

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PM 17 years ago

But why have the warning about ill-fitting tools only for the washing machine? Ill fitting spanners (or screwdrivers or ...) can be dangerous used anywhere.

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