Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

acs108-8sn
(datasheet page 11)
the 8 is the maximum voltage - higher is better.
the sn is the package shape
and

acs120-7sb
again, 7 is the max voltage and sb is the package shape

i'v never seen these before, so i cant answer the last question.
they are interesting though, cpu controlled mains switching with no extra parts - i can make some interesting stuff with these!

[clearchris]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

Ok, if your compressor isnt kicking on, I start with this test.

Unplug the fridge for an hour or so. This allows the compressor to cool off from a possibly overheat condition. Plug it in, and listen. If the compressor tries to turn on but fails, sometimes a few times in succession, the start cap on the compressor is bad. Otherwise, its something else, but in my experience, over 50% of compressor failures are due to the start cap failing.

Edit: btw, if you unplug the fridge, leave unplugged for at least 5 mins. The gas pressures need to equalize so you arent attempting to start the compressor when the gas is already at a high pressure.

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

Thanks stj.

I'll get some ordered in. Bet I can't buy singles though.

Ok, if your compressor isnt kicking on, I start with this test.

It is now because when I used a jumper wire across the defrost gutter resistor terminals, it blew the main board.

What I can't understand though is if a wire is in there simply to heat up and keep ice at bay using a certain resistance, why would another wire blow the PCB? It conducts!

I have obviously have a lot to learn and some things I will never understand.

Does everyone on here get the feeling I shouldn't mess with electrics?

My missus is moaning now that I am trying to fix it!!!

[clearchris]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

Sounds to me like you put some high voltage where it didnt belong. Yes, things conduct, but all things will burn if they are made to take too much current.

Also, if you jumped across where the heaters plug in, well, that circuit needs a load (the heatoror the current shoots way high and you see what happened. What you did is create a short, a path of low resistance that is not able to carry a higher current without burning.

Can anyone explain that better?

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

Thanks stj.

I'll get some ordered in. Bet I can't buy singles though.



It is now because when I used a jumper wire across the defrost gutter resistor terminals, it blew the main board.

What I can't understand though is if a wire is in there simply to heat up and keep ice at bay using a certain resistance, why would another wire blow the PCB? It conducts!

I have obviously have a lot to learn and some things I will never understand.

Does everyone on here get the feeling I shouldn't mess with electrics?

My missus is moaning now that I am trying to fix it!!!

the heater wire has a high resistance an draws less current than your copper jump.
if you wanted to see if it was getting power, you should connect a neon with inline resistor to the terminals.
you can scavange those from old kettles, boiler switches ec.

[sam_sam_sam]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

When you have a controller board on any type machine the worst thing you can do is apply power other than the power in to the board unless you know what it powering

Most of the time when you want to see if a part works or not unplug what you want to test

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

i wonder why it has a reed-switch?

I have a manual for another Hotpoint with a similar-ish layout in front of me. Just 'reeding' through it. Excuse the pun!

It is located such that a magnet in the fridge door closes the reed switch when closed.

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

so the cpu controls the internal lights?
or does it just give a short boost to make up for the door being open?

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

so the cpu controls the internal lights?
or does it just give a short boost to make up for the door being open?

I'll pass on that as I have no idea.

Maybe the reed switch is there to communicate with the EEPROM when the door has been open for 2 minutes and to set the beeper off to alert the user to door being open.

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

Finally I have the service manual arriving for this tomorrow.

I have sourced the triacs and will be ready to resurrect this hopefully this week before the missus gets back off holiday.

Quick question. I took one of the fans out last night and it was too hot to touch. I had switched the unit on earlier in the day as the evaporator is still working and the freezer gets cold.

The fan has two wires and is a type F64-10 with MES Swiss made on it.

Is it safe to simply connect it to a live and neutral to see if the fan spins and would it matter, for testing purposes, which way the live and neutral are?

Presumably it will just run backwards?

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

have you got any foto's of the fan?

does the label state the voltage?

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

Sorry. It is 220-240V

I do have a photo.

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

you can hook it to the mains for a test - watch your fingers with mains fans as they have high-torque.

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

you can hook it to the mains for a test - watch your fingers with mains fans as they have high-torque.

Noted. But does it matter which way? That is my concern. I cannot afford to buy a replacement if I damage it. Chances are it's burnt out anyway because it felt so hot but...

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

no polarity, it's an ac fan.

it will get hot, look at the design.
you have a constantly powered coil on a core that goes around the motor shaft.

i imagine it uses the flow from the fan across the coil to stop it melting down.

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

i imagine it uses the flow from the fan across the coil to stop it melting down.

Thanks for clarifying.

Problem is you remember I vapourised the main board? Well. The fan isn't turning.

Once I repair board this week, I can then start diagnosis of other components.

Someone kindly suggest I use a jumper wire for bridging the points on the vapourised copper track.

Will any copper wire do with insulation? Like a multi strand wire say 1.0mm diameter?

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

solid will be better for keeping shape.

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

solid will be better for keeping shape.

Could I use a strand of solder? It's unlikely to reach high enough temp to melt!

[stj]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

NO
anyway, how would you solder it?

strip some stranded wire, twist it and tin it

[Rhothgar]

Re: Hotpoint FFA47X Fridge Freezer

NO
anyway, how would you solder it?

strip some stranded wire, twist it and tin it

Might try that stj.

I am nipping into local RS Components tomorrow to pick up triacs. What should I be asking for if I want something like this off the shelf?