Step-by-step testing of the heating element in a washing machine with a multimeter. How to check the heating element yourself with a multimeter - the right steps How to check the heating element on a heater

The optimal source of energy for heating the evaporation tank is a residential electrical network with a voltage of 220 V. You can simply use a household electric stove for these purposes. But, when heating on an electric stove, a lot of energy is spent on useless heating of the stove itself, and is also radiated into the external environment from the heating element, without doing any useful work. This wasted energy can reach decent values ​​- up to 30-50% of the total power expended on heating the cube. Therefore, the use of conventional electric stoves is irrational from an economic point of view. After all, for every extra kilowatt of energy you have to pay. It is most effective to use elec- tronics embedded in the evaporation tank. Heating elements. With this design, all energy is spent only on heating the cube + radiation from its walls to the outside. The walls of the cube must be thermally insulated to reduce heat loss. After all, the cost of heat radiation from the walls of the cube itself can also amount to 20 percent or more of the total power expended, depending on its size. For use as heating elements embedded in a container, heating elements from household electric kettles or other suitable sizes are quite suitable. The power of such heating elements varies. The most commonly used heating elements with a power stamped on the body are 1.0 kW and 1.25 kW. But there are others.

Therefore, the power of the 1st heating element may not correspond to the parameters for heating the cube and may be more or less. In such cases, to obtain the required heating power, you can use several heating elements connected in series or series-parallel. By switching various combinations of connecting heating elements, a switch from a household electric. plates, you can get different power. For example, having eight embedded heating elements, 1.25 kW each, depending on the switching combination, you can get the following power.

1. 625 W
2. 933 W
3. 1.25 kW
4. 1.6 kW
5. 1.8 kW
6. 2.5 kW

This range is quite enough to adjust and maintain the required temperature during distillation and rectification. But you can get other power by adding the number of switching modes and using different switching combinations.

A series connection of 2 heating elements of 1.25 kW each and connecting them to a 220V network gives a total of 625 W. A parallel connection gives a total of 2.5 kW.

We know the current voltage in the network, it is 220V. Next, we also know the power of the heating element, knocked out on its surface, let’s say it’s 1.25 kW, which means we need to know the current flowing in this circuit. Knowing the voltage and power, we find out the current strength from the following formula.

Current = power divided by line voltage.

It is written like this: I=P/U.

Where I- current strength in amperes.

P- power in watts.

U- voltage in volts.

When calculating, you need to convert the power indicated on the heating element body in kW into watts.

1.25 kW = 1250W. We substitute the known values ​​into this formula and get the current strength.

I = 1250W / 220 = 5.681 A

R = U/I, Where

R- resistance in Ohms

U- voltage in volts

I- current in amperes

We substitute the known values ​​into the formula and find out the resistance of 1 heating element.

R = 220 / 5.681 = 38.725 Ohms.

Rtotal = R1+ R2 + R3 etc.

Thus, two series-connected heating elements have a resistance equal to 77,45 Ohm. Now it is easy to calculate the power released by these two heating elements.

P = U 2 / R Where,

P- power in watts

U 2- voltage squared, in volts

R- total resistance of all lines. conn. heating elements

P = 624.919 W, round to the value 625 W.

Table 1.1 shows the values ​​for series connection of heating elements.

Table 1.1

Table 1.2 shows the values ​​for parallel connection of heating elements.

Table 1.2

Another important advantage that the series connection of heating elements gives is that the current flowing through them is reduced several times, and, accordingly, the heating element housing is low, thereby preventing the mash from burning during distillation and does not introduce an unpleasant additional taste and smell into the final product. Also, the operating life of the heating elements, with this inclusion, will be almost eternal.

The heating element consists of one or more spirals with high ohmic resistance placed inside a metal tube. To check the heating element, the resistance of the device is measured.

Before performing the test, it is necessary to calculate the element resistance. To do this, the power of the device is determined; it is indicated on the heater body.

Resistance is defined as R=U 2 /P.

Fig: multimeter reading “1” heating element in a break

Before starting the test, the supply ends must be folded away from the heating element.

1. The multimeter switch is switched to the range of the measured resistance.
2. Using the probes of the device, you need to touch the contacts of the heating element; if the heater is in good condition, the device display will show a resistance close in value to the calculated value.
3. If the display shows “0”, there is a short circuit inside the heating element.
4. If on the display “1” there is a break in the heating element spiral, if the heating element is measured with a dial tester, it will show “infinity”.
5. After checking the heating element for integrity, it is necessary to check it for a short circuit to Earth or, in other words, for an electrical breakdown to the housing.

The multimeter switch is set to the “buzzer” signal, with the probe of the device we touch the terminals of the heating element one by one, the “buzzer” should be silent, if the device beeps, the heating element shorts to the housing.

Fig: working heating element

• The current supply wires must be disconnected from the heating element of the water heater.
• The multimeter switch is placed in the resistance measurement range. The resistance measurement depends on the power and operating current consumption of the heater.
• The higher the power reading of the heating element, the higher the operating current consumed and the lower the resistance value. the power value of the heating element will be within 20...60 Ohms.
• The resistance value of the thermostat is measured similarly. In addition, the design of the thermostat provides for thermal protection; if the element overheats, the device is knocked out of the network.
• If the multimeter shows a “break”, then the instrument display on the left side will show “1”; there is no need to rush to the conclusion, you need to press the button (blinker) of the safety device, the thermostat will return to its operating state and only then you need to continue measurement.
• Measuring the resistance of a water heater heating element can be carried out in several ranges, alternately moving the switch of the device, you just need to remember that the higher the resistance value, for example, 2000k, the more sensitive the device reacts, you cannot touch the probes of the multimeter with your hands, it will show the resistance of the human body.
• Approximately, the multimeter should show, when the element is working, 0.37 or 0.71 Ohm, dual heating element on one flange.

Fig: rear location of the heating element in the washing machine

Checking the operating condition of the heating element of a washing machine is carried out in several ways.

1. Visual - when you really don’t want to disassemble the washing machine, when you turn on the machine to the maximum temperature setting, you need to look at the operating state of the electric meter, an increase in the speed of counting your kW means the integrity of the heating element.
2. But, it is quite possible that the heating element is intact, and the control for turning on the heater does not work; in this case, it is necessary to open the washing machine and check the heater for integrity.

Typically, the heating element is located below the tank of the machine, behind its rear cover; in some models, the heating element may be located behind the front panel; in order to get to it, you need to remove the rubber cuff from the car hatch. If the machine has a vertical drum installation, then the heating element can be installed behind one of the side walls of the housing.

The heater is an oval flange with three terminals; the outer terminals are the phase and the neutral terminal in the center - a grounding yellow wire with a green stripe extends from it.

The wires are disconnected from the contacts of the heating element, the heater is measured with a multimeter in resistance measurement mode, if the heating element is in working condition, the device will show approximately 25 - 60 Ohms.

If “1” is shown on the left side of the device display, the heating element is faulty and is in a “break”. If the heating element is intact, we check it for “leakage”, set the device switch to the mOhm range and replace the resistance between the heating element body and its terminals.

Sometimes there is a breakdown inside some household appliance that is simply impossible to notice and see. It happens that the water heater works as before, but diagnostics still won’t hurt. Therefore, in this situation, verification with various methods and instruments will be required. It is necessary to check the water heater, since the boiler is a complex system consisting not only of electrical functions, but also is aimed at working with water. Water and electric current are a complex combination, so any malfunctions can lead to disastrous results.

Water heater inside

Checking the heating element of a water heater using a tester

There are a large number of ways. The most commonly used method is in which the test is carried out using a special tester. Before checking, you need to calculate the resistance for the installed boiler.

Formula for calculation: R=U*U/P, where:

• U - This is a constant value, equal to 220 volts.
• P - This is the power of the device, you can find it in the boiler’s instruction manual or on the factory sticker, which is located at the bottom of the boiler or on the back side.

Using a Multimeter

The multimeter has a flag that you can rotate 360 ​​degrees and select to test any function. It needs to be turned to measure a resistance of 200 ohms. The multimeter contacts should be connected to the heating element connection. If the water heater rings, that is, it is completely working, then the same value will appear on the screen as was previously calculated using the formula.

If the display shows zero, one or an infinity sign, then this indicates some kind of breakdown, for example, a short circuit or break. In this case, you will have to change the part; repair will not work.

Failure of the heating element

Next, you need to check the boiler itself for a breakdown of the casing, this is even easier to do. The flag must be turned until the buzzer rings. The first contact of the multimeter must be connected to the tubular electric heater, and the second - to the shell of the water heater or the ground terminal.

If the multimeter starts to beep, this indicates a breakdown of the housing, so in this case you should absolutely not touch the boiler itself, as an electric shock may occur, not fatal, but quite strong.

Application of a megohmmeter

Its flag must be turned towards 50 volts, one contact must be connected to the heating element contact, and the second to the body. If a value of more than 0.5 Mohm appears on the megohmmeter display, then the water heater is fully operational.

RCD for water heater

An RCD is a special device that helps protect a water heater from current leaks. The RCD looks like a small box with two lights and one button.

The operating principle is as follows:

• The RCD is installed directly in front of the water heater itself; all the electric current passes through the RCD, which powers the boiler mechanism.
• As soon as a current leak occurs inside the boiler, which can become life-threatening, the RCD will detect the leak and turn off the entire system. The RCD operates using special sensors and switches.

What does an RCD look like?

Reasons for disconnecting the RCD:

• Incorrect location of the RCD. If the RCD is connected in the wrong place, then the system will conduct through itself the wrong electric current that is needed, so in the event of a breakdown, the system will not be able to protect a person from current leakage.
• The insulation of the heating element is damaged. This function protects the entire system from the passage of current through water. In old or unknown cheap models, this element can be damaged, so even with normal hand washing a person can receive an electric shock.
• Leakage current. A common reason for tripping the RCD is a broken cable or any other wire inside the boiler. In frequent cases, the cable is damaged from the inside, so the current is transferred to the boiler body, and since it is metal, the shock can be very strong when touched. In this case, you will have to check it from the inside.

It is important to install the RCD correctly, because it is what saves you from fires, explosions and other various situations that can harm others.

Checking the water heater thermostat

You can check the thermostat using a multimeter.

The check is carried out as follows:

• The multimeter flag must be turned to resistance measurement mode.
• Next, you should connect the contacts of the multimeter to the contacts of the thermostat.

Correct connection of the multimeter

• If an infinite value appears on the multimeter display, the thermostat will have to be completely replaced; it cannot be repaired.
• If resistance appears on the display, then you should set the checkbox to a lower value, and then warm up the thermostat pipe with a lighter; if it works properly, the resistance will increase sharply and a protective reaction will occur.

Checking the water heater safety valve

The safety valve is an important part in the operation of the water heater.

Safety valve

You can check the operation of the safety valve as follows:

1. First, you need to make sure that the hot water supply tap is not opened until the water is heated to its maximum. If the valve is working properly, excess water should begin to drip through it.
2. If water does not drip from the valve, then most likely it is faulty and will have to be replaced.

Do not proceed with replacement without checking the hot water tap. It should not leak, since excess water can leak through it, and therefore the valve will not work.

The valve may not work if the thermostat is installed incorrectly, namely for incomplete heating of the water, and also if water is drawn from the water heater, which reduces the pressure in it.

Checking the heating element of a water heater without a tester

To check the heating element without a tester, you will need another device, namely an electrician’s test lamp, which you can make yourself by finding instructions or video tutorials on the Internet.

DIY control lamp

One of the contacts of the heating element must be supplied with zero from the network, and the second contact with phase through the same lamp. If the light comes on, then the heating element is working properly and there is nothing to worry about.

Checking the water heater thermostat

A water heater thermostat is a device that regulates the heating of the boiler and controls the water temperature. In simpler terms, a thermostat is needed to heat running water to a certain temperature, and then automatically turns off and also automatically turns on when the water has cooled to a certain temperature and needs to be heated again.

You can check the thermostat as follows:

• First you need to remove the thermostat and find out if it is working. It needs to be switched to resistance measurement mode.

Water heater thermostat

• Then you need to set the maximum temperature and measure the resistance at the thermostat output and input contacts. The thermostat is broken and malfunctioning if the system does not respond at all.
• If the thermostat is working and the system has responded, then the regulator flag must be set to the lowest value and the tester contacts must be connected to the boiler contacts.
• Finally, you need to heat the tubular element of the thermostat using a lighter. If the system turns out to be working, the resistance indicator will increase greatly.

To check the thermostat you will need a multimeter, which was used in the first case; it is very functional.

Multimeter

Conclusion

Routine water heater inspections are essential to avoid disastrous results such as electric shock, water heater bursting, neighborhood flooding, and more. In everyday life, every person needs to have a multimeter, since all tests are carried out with its help. If, during the inspection, any malfunctions were noticed, then you should not do the repairs yourself; you should call a specialist who will help solve the problem.

To connect plumbing fixtures to the water supply network, a flexible water supply is used. It is in demand when connecting faucets, showers, toilets and other water intake points, and significantly simplifies the installation process. Flexible connections are also used when installing gas equipment. It differs from similar water devices in its manufacturing technology and special safety requirements.

Characteristics and types

The flexible hose for connecting plumbing is a hose of different lengths made of non-toxic synthetic rubber. Thanks to the elasticity and softness of the material, it easily takes the desired position and allows installation in hard-to-reach places. To protect the flexible hose, there is an upper reinforcing layer in the form of a braid, which is made from the following materials:

• Aluminum. Such models can withstand no more than +80 °C and retain functionality for 3 years. At high humidity, aluminum braiding is prone to rust.
• Stainless steel. Thanks to this reinforcing layer, the service life of the flexible water line is at least 10 years, and the maximum temperature of the transported medium is +95 °C.
• Nylon. This braid is used for the manufacture of reinforced models that can withstand temperatures up to +110 °C and are designed for intensive use for 15 years.

The fasteners used are nut-nut and nut-fitting pairs, which are made of brass or stainless steel. Devices with different permissible temperatures differ in the color of the braid. Blue ones are used for connecting to a pipeline with cold water, and red ones for connecting to hot water.

When choosing a water line, you need to pay attention to its elasticity, reliability of fasteners and purpose. It is also mandatory to have a certificate that prevents the rubber from releasing toxic components during operation.

Features of gas connections

When connecting gas stoves, water heaters and other types of equipment, flexible hoses are also used. Unlike water models, they are yellow and are not tested for environmental safety. For fixation, end steel or aluminum reinforcement is used. There are the following types of devices for connecting gas appliances:

• PVC hoses reinforced with polyester thread;
• made of synthetic rubber with stainless steel braid;
• bellows, made in the form of a corrugated stainless steel tube.

The Santekhkomplekt holding offers engineering equipment, fittings, plumbing fixtures and devices for connecting them to communications. The range is represented by products and materials from well-known foreign and domestic manufacturers. Discounts apply for bulk purchases, and product quality is confirmed by standard certificates. For information support and assistance, each client is assigned a personal manager. The ability to arrange delivery within Moscow and to other regions of the Russian Federation allows you to quickly receive the purchased goods without unnecessary hassle.

Drainage is a drainage and drainage measure to remove excess groundwater.

If water does not leave the site for a long time, the soil becomes gleyed, if shrubs and trees quickly disappear (get wet), you need to urgently take action and drain the site.

Causes of soil waterlogging

There are several reasons for soil waterlogging:

• clay heavy soil structure with poor water permeability;
• aquifer in the form of gray-green and red-brown clays is located close to the surface;
• high groundwater table;
• technogenic factors (construction of roads, pipelines, various objects) that interfere with natural drainage;
• disruption of the water balance by the construction of irrigation systems;
• The landscape area is located in a lowland, ravine, or hollow. In this case, precipitation and the influx of water from higher places play a big role.

What are the consequences of excess moisture in the soil?

You can see the results of this phenomenon yourself - trees and shrubs die. Why is this happening?

• the oxygen content in the soil decreases and the carbon dioxide content increases, which leads to disruption of air exchange processes, water regime and nutritional regime in the soil;
• oxygen starvation of the root-forming layer occurs, which leads to the death of plant roots;
• the supply of macro and microelements by plants (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.) is disrupted, because excess water washes out mobile forms of elements from the soil, and they become inaccessible for absorption;
• intensive breakdown of proteins occurs and, accordingly, decay processes are activated.

Plants can tell you at what level groundwater lies

Take a close look at the flora of your area. The species inhabiting it will tell you at what depth the groundwater layers are located:

• perched water - it is best to dig a reservoir in this place;
• at a depth of up to 0.5 m - marigold, horsetails, varieties of sedges grow - bladderwrack, holly, foxtail, Langsdorff's reed;
• at a depth of 0.5 m to 1 m - meadowsweet, canary grass, ;
• from 1 m to 1.5 m – favorable conditions for meadow fescue, bluegrass, mouse peas, rank;
• from 1.5 m - wheatgrass, clover, wormwood, plantain.

What is important to know when planning site drainage

Each group of plants has its own moisture needs:

• with a groundwater depth of 0.5 to 1 m, vegetables and annual flowers can grow in high beds;
• depth of water layer up to 1.5 m is well tolerated by vegetable crops, grains, annuals and perennials (flowers), ornamental and fruit shrubs, trees on a dwarf rootstock;
• if the groundwater is more than 2 m deep, fruit trees can be grown;
• The optimal depth of groundwater for agriculture is from 3.5 m.

Is site drainage necessary?

Record your observations for at least some time. You yourself can understand how much drainage is needed.

Maybe it makes sense to simply redirect melt and sediment water along the bypass channel, rather than allowing it to flow through your site?

Perhaps it is necessary to design and equip a storm drain and improve the composition of the soil and this will be enough?

Or is it worth making a drainage system only for fruit and ornamental trees?

A specialist will give you the exact answer, and we strongly recommend calling him. But after reading this article, you will gain some awareness on this issue.

Upon completion of the technological and production tasks associated with the arrangement of a sewer system in an apartment building, industrial building, as well as in a private household, it is necessary to test the involved system using the forced flow method. This task is used to identify possible defects or improper installation of the entire involved sewerage part, and the test report for internal sewerage and drainage systems will be material evidence of the work on acceptance of the facility.

A visual inspection should be accompanied by inclusion in the test report of internal sewerage and drainage systems according to SNIP, which is currently represented by the current regulations of the “D” series appendix, which corresponds to SP 73.13330.2012 “Internal sanitary systems of a building”, recently a new one has been applied updated working edition according to SNiP 3.05.01-85.

Many household and industrial appliances are based on a tubular electric heater, abbreviated as TEN. This is a ceramic, glass or metal tube with a spiral heated by electric current. Inside the tube is filled with electrically insulating and thermally conductive material. The cause of failure of the heating device is often a breakdown of the heater. How to quickly check the heating element for serviceability with a multimeter is described in this article.

The range of application of heating elements is very wide. The life of a modern person requires the use of a variety of technology that helps save time and makes life convenient and comfortable. Washing machine and dishwasher, electric stoves and ovens, electric boilers. Irons, kettles and boilers. Warm floors. This is not a complete list of household appliances that use electric heaters. This is not counting the unimaginably large number of devices that are used by industry.

Regardless of the appearance and model, all heating elements have the same structure and operating principle and design.

When an electric current passes through the spiral of a tubular electric heater, it becomes very hot. The filler of the tube, which is the body, protects against electric shock and effectively transfers the resulting heat to the environment, ensuring it is sufficiently heated. To ensure safety and increase comfort of use, many electric heaters are protected from overheating using a temperature sensor that turns them off when the set temperature is reached and is connected to the device's power circuit in series with the heating element.

Knowing how to properly use a multimeter when testing and repairing will help in identifying the problem.

How to check a heating element with a multimeter

It is imperative that all work to identify a malfunction must be carried out with the device disconnected from the power supply. Failure to do so may result in electric shock and personal injury. In order to test the heating element for operability, you need to know the nominal value of the electrical resistance (R) of a particular heater. It is easy to calculate using the elementary formula from Ohm's law. Knowing the value of the supply voltage (U) and the power consumed by the device from the network (P), using the formula R=U squared/P. For example, the device is powered from a 220 V network, its power is 1.5 kW (1500 W). Then the resistance of the heating element is equal to 220 squared divided by 1500 and is 32.27 Ohms. For practical use, we take the value of the electrical resistance of the heating coil to be about 30-35 Ohms.

To check the heating element for integrity, we proceed in the following sequence. After making sure that the device is disconnected from the power supply, we disassemble it to gain free access to the heating element terminals, and disconnect them from the rest of the device, having previously marked the wires.

Marking will ensure correct connection during reassembly.

Having set the required resistance measurement range on the multimeter, we connect the probes to the heater contacts.

Tester readings in the area of ​​the calculated figure (30-35 Ohms for the example given) clearly indicate the absence of a break or short circuit in the spiral. If the heating element is multi-contact, you need to check the integrity of each part of the spiral one by one, touching all the terminals in pairs.

Next, you need to make sure that the insulation of the tube filler has not been damaged during operation and measure it for breakdown. To do this, select the resistance measurement mode at the highest limit. Having installed one probe on the metal body, we touch all the heater terminals in turn with the second one.

If the device shows any resistance to the heating element, then there is a serious malfunction that requires replacing the heater. Further use may be hazardous to health.

How to check a water heater temperature sensor

The boiler is designed to have a thermal relay, a device that turns off the water heater when the water has heated to the desired temperature. After the water has cooled a little, the boiler switches on again for heating. You must first check the heating element to ensure that it is in good working order. Remove the thermostat from the boiler body and disconnect the wires. Having turned on the dialing mode or measuring the minimum resistance, we stand with one multimeter probe on any terminal, and with the second we touch the remaining one.

The device should indicate the presence of contact between the terminals.

To check the functionality of the regulator, you need to connect a multimeter to its contacts. After making sure that the device has a working circuit, lower the regulator rod into a container with very hot water. A click of the contacts and an open circuit on the multimeter will indicate the operation of the temperature sensor. When removed from hot water and cooled, the sensor should click again and the circuit will be restored, which will clearly indicate serviceability.

The water heater is powered from a 220 V network, therefore, as when checking the heating element tube, it is necessary to check the sensor for breakdown. To do this, check that there is no contact between any terminals and the metal elements securing the sensor to the body.

How to check the heating element of a washing machine

You can check the heating element and temperature sensor of the washing machine using the already described electrical testing methods, not forgetting about the mandatory disconnection of the 220 V voltage.

Having removed the wall of the machine behind which the heater is located, disconnect the wires and, if necessary, remove it from the body. To avoid mixing up the wires, first mark or photograph their original location. Then you need to check the heating element of the washing machine for the integrity of the spiral and the absence of breakdown using the appropriate measurement modes..

The temperature sensor of a washing machine, depending on the model, can be of different designs and have different testing methods.

Methods for checking other devices

Checking other devices using heating elements does not have any fundamental differences in the methods and methods used in their repair.