How a washing machine door interlock with time delay works. (not a wax motor)
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Published 2019-06-07
This particular lock is used in many European machines including Hotpoint and Indesit.
On the basis that these assemblies are mass produced I suppose it makes it viable to use them in other applications where you need the same interlock and time delay feature. The use of a PTC heater probably means that the mechanism can accommodate a wide voltage range.
Failure of these door locks is fairly common, especially if an attempt has been made to force a door open prematurely. They're fairly straightforward to change if you're technically inclined. Some may just require removal of the top of the machine, but some may require removal of the front too, sometimes including the sealing ring which is often held in place by a spring tensioned wire.
If attempting to replace a lock then make sure you get the exact replacement for your machine's brand and model number. Also make VERY sure the machine is unplugged before attempting a repair. Traditionally washing machines were a significant cause of electrical accidents because they are an essential item in the home and can cost quite a lot to have repaired, which encouraged DIY attempts. The older machines had a lot of exposed live metal components in them due to greater mechanical complexity than modern units and cost-optimised nature of the design. Add the fact that you are reaching into a cramped metal case with wet hands and repairs posed a major electrocution risk to the unwary. Especially when the power was repeatedly turned on and off during testing and then accidentally left on.
Modern machines are much more sparse inside, but still pose a significant shock hazard due to the fact that you're reaching in amongst grounded metalwork in a wet environment.
Modern machines are very modular, so if you are technically inclined and use common sense then you can often repair them yourself with components easily sourced online.
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All Comments (21)
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You're the only man on the internet that can make me watch a 20 min videos about a washing machine door lock timer out of choice.
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Civilization: 1. Fire 2. The Pyramids 3. Washing machine door interlock with time delay
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I've been fascinated by how everyday things work since I was a little boy, so I love your videos. There's so much hard work, expertise, and just plain cleverness squirreled away in the devices all around us we take for granted. Thanks for posting this... and all your other videos.
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"There's only so far a digital zoom can go"... haven't you watched CSI? Enhance... enhance...
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I have been a subscriber of yours for a number of years now. Thank you Clive for videoing this. My Hotpoint 520 uses a similar interlock which seemed to have gone faulty after about 14 years use. I had no clue how the interlock system could be removed from the machine until I watched this video. Also I managed to repair it after understanding how it all actually works. Repairing it was just a case of carefully opening up the solenoid module attached to the interlock and spaying the moving parts and springs with silicone spray. On a side note: I looked after my mum & dad throughout 2022. My dad suffering from Alzheimer's and my mum bed bound, your video of you telling the story of you and your brother Ralph looking after your mum helped me so much mentally. Thank you again.
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The dark metal piece that sits on the adjusting screw is the bi-metal strip. It arches its back when it heats up.
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This was great. I always wondered what sensors would prevent me opening the door of my washing machine when its display said "-0-". It indeed takes about a minute, and is acompanied by a loud CLUNGG sound. Fascinating! No moisture sensors, movement sensors, just a bit of bi-metalic and a piece of plastic.
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YouTube: We highly recommend this video. Me: I don't think so... Also Me: Clicks anyway. ... Me again: Well played YouTube....
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That realy is a genius design. I always though the delay was created by some sort of slow discharge capacitor. Thanks for the explanation Clive
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I love efficient design. Channels like this one go a long way towards sowing the public how things work and the effort that goes into designing even the smallest disposable components. The world would be a better place if more people were curious about the things they touch every day.
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I love the fact that you said that no one would take this apart to fix it, but of course you did, as would I. Thanks Big Clive ! Love your videos.
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So glad i found your video!!! I've tried everything to open my washing machine door, the nylon string trick, the credit card trick, the tapping on the door trick , the green tab (which i didn't have ) but all i needed was to push the wee tab back in thank you π now to replace the lock π π You need to do a short version for people this would save a lot of money and stress
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WOW... i work on washer all day and wonder how these and why they work. and i see now why i have to wait a min or two for the lock to cool down to unlock. safety first on the spinning to stop all the way... and yes renters of homes break off the handle of door or damage the door lock because the think it is stuck shut... and they just pull until something breaks... i repair these doors every month someone gives me a job... Haha... another great video... thank you...
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Amazing design! A great example of how spending more per unit on design can drop your materials bill and lower your per-unit cost.
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Fisher and Paykel use solenoid locks but if the mains power is cut while spinning they generate their own power through the direct drive stepper motor. It's a fascinating design when you look at how they do it on the main board which dates back to the 1990's.
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You have about 70% of all my household electronics questions covered here on YT. Good job sir.
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Make the ultimate HOPI meter, with no visible multiplexing, and all the read outs you're most interested in. Pink deathdaptor interface optional!
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Thank you Big Clive. I had an issue with the door interlock on my machine and after listening to this video, I cleaned the PTC and associated contacts. Job done, all sorted. Many thanks.
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How can you turn a boring washing machine door lock into a fascinating dissection? You are an amazing man in a lot of ways!
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Absolutely amazed Clive is the best Clive to see. Great engineering, no matter how simple the item is still marvelous to see.
