Washer Machine Calc. - Electronic Circuits Projects Diagrams Free

AtomSoft · 11th November 2008, 03:14 PM

Hey I have a little project i want to do but due to the high current am sort of tempted to gather more info. I want to switch a washer machine off/on using a PIC. Ill give my reason at the end.

I went online and found a typical washer machine uses 500 Watts. Now to get the amp usage i did

500 watts / 120v = 4.16A so would be it safe to assume thats how i calculate the amount of amps it uses?

So to make a pic switch it i would need a relay that can handle 120v @ 4.5A minimum right?

To turn on the relay i would think it would be safe to use one of those infrared transistor things i forgot the name. Phototransistor i think?

I like this:
Multi-Channel Full-Pitch Phototransistor Optocoupler

Which can be bought for like $0.40 @
ACPL-827-000E|Multi-Channel Full-Pitch Phototransistor | Newark.com

and

This for a relay. Would be ok?

Item # 276AXXH-5D, Low Profile PCB Power Relay / SPST, 10 Amp Rated on Magnecraft

This is based on if my washer machine is using the typical. If not i will adjust parts. But would i go about this situation like this? Would this be how i calc and gather info for doing this project?

My Reason:
I have relatives that come over on daily bases and they are always using my machine and my soap and everything ... next thing you know i have to buy more. Im tired but dont want to be disrespectful to them so i want to make this switcher which i will had a remote to also. So i can turn it of wireless-ly and turn it on the same.

**Nigel Goodwin** · 11th November 2008, 03:20 PM

A relay is the obvious simple answer - but washing machines usually use considerably more than 500W.

AtomSoft · 11th November 2008, 04:00 PM

i have to check mines later on today after its not in use

ill post new info and calculations when i have the info and hopefully i can get someone to tell me if its correct so i dont kill myself

blueroomelectronics · 11th November 2008, 04:02 PM

What about rigging it up to the controller, should be some relays in there.

AtomSoft · 11th November 2008, 04:15 PM

oh i even forgot about that. Cool i still have to open it up tho later because someone is using it. Thanks for the reminder.

ericgibbs · 11th November 2008, 04:17 PM

hi atom,

Why dont you jumper across the washer On/Off switch with relay contacts, this switch will most likely be 'lowish' current, controlling the internal programmer On/Off.?

gerty · 11th November 2008, 04:21 PM

when you check for current draw make sure the tub is full of water, it'll take more current loaded than it would unloaded. Also most machines are two speed, agitate and spin, some do this with a gearbox and a single speed motor.

AtomSoft · 11th November 2008, 05:12 PM

i found some info its

120v-60Hz / 11.5A that would make it: 1380 watts. Wow what a difference.
Model: CAV2005AWW

I still have to wait until its not in use to do testing on the actual switch.

Andy1845c · 11th November 2008, 09:23 PM

Tapping into the low voltage/current control might be the least complicated route.

You could also look at contactors, like are used in industrial settings.

Grainger Industrial Supply

Not real expensive and you could use the PCB mount relay to control the contactor coil.

I have a control here at work that uses a PIC to switch a huge 3 phase motor

Pic - darlington - relay - contactor

kchriste · 11th November 2008, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtomSoft

My Reason:
I have relatives that come over on daily bases and they are always using my machine and my soap and everything

Hopefully they don't call a repairman when you are away and stick you with the bill.

I like the idea of breaking the wire to the start switch with some relay contacts.
Another idea is to lockout the breaker panel. This is done in an industrial setting where dangerous equipment is being worked on.

AtomSoft · 11th November 2008, 11:25 PM

I live in a apartment and the washer is in the kitchen and tied to a few things so if i turn off breaker then no good...

Um im hardly away and its relatives that are the issue not people who live here

who ever lives here will be able to turn it on. I might make it that 1 wire thing. That would rock!

eblc1388 · 12th November 2008, 08:09 AM

Instead of preventing the washer to turn ON, it is better to let it run for a few minutes and then stopped all together.

Your relatives will thank you big time for all the wet clothing soaked with washing powder and requires further manual washing and drying. Bet he/she will never try it again.

Your excuses is also easy. "Yeah, the washer has been acting up sometimes. Tough."

AtomSoft · 12th November 2008, 12:03 PM

L.Chung nice idea... that would be cool. I want it wireless so i can like bang the side of the washer some times (acting as if it fixes it) and have it shut on and off for a few minutes.

so i say "heh its been acting up and sometime i have to bang it up to make it work but then it stops again. if i was you i would rather goto a laundromat. sorry tho"

lol

3v0 · 12th November 2008, 12:33 PM

Maybe it is a sign that now is the time to move elsewhere.

I agree thst you should look for where low voltage switches what you intend to control.

Menticol · 12th November 2008, 11:15 PM

Maybe a more indecent way and witout touching the relays is to cut the voltage that feeds the entire control panel, after some minutes. I don't know if this is unhealty for the components, but it gives a more genuine looking failure and you don't have to mess around modifying the PCB to turn off the motor

To disarm "the bomb", the user (you) push a secret switch that disengages the timer before it shuts down the panel

Why you don't post a picture of the washer, and the panel back side?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar
Title	Starter	Forum	Replies	Latest
washer motor forward reverse motion with pic	abel2b	Micro Controllers	24	2nd June 2008 06:24 PM
calc Tr of aluminum object?	justDIY	General Electronics Chat	2	9th January 2008 08:40 PM
Pressure washer repair... Is this idea dangerous?	HarveyH42	Electronic Projects Design/Ideas/Reviews	16	4th December 2007 02:30 PM
Hot Wheels Radar Gun for distance calc.	meratz	Robotics Chat	5	23rd February 2007 11:45 PM
Schematic for a Ti-83 Calc PC Link	Nostrafus	Electronic Projects Design/Ideas/Reviews	7	10th August 2003 03:48 PM

11th November 2008, 03:14 PM	#1
AtomSoft	Washer Machine Calc. Hey I have a little project i want to do but due to the high current am sort of tempted to gather more info. I want to switch a washer machine off/on using a PIC. Ill give my reason at the end. I went online and found a typical washer machine uses 500 Watts. Now to get the amp usage i did 500 watts / 120v = 4.16A so would be it safe to assume thats how i calculate the amount of amps it uses? So to make a pic switch it i would need a relay that can handle 120v @ 4.5A minimum right? To turn on the relay i would think it would be safe to use one of those infrared transistor things i forgot the name. Phototransistor i think? I like this: Multi-Channel Full-Pitch Phototransistor Optocoupler Which can be bought for like $0.40 @ ACPL-827-000E\|Multi-Channel Full-Pitch Phototransistor \| Newark.com and This for a relay. Would be ok? Item # 276AXXH-5D, Low Profile PCB Power Relay / SPST, 10 Amp Rated on Magnecraft This is based on if my washer machine is using the typical. If not i will adjust parts. But would i go about this situation like this? Would this be how i calc and gather info for doing this project? My Reason: I have relatives that come over on daily bases and they are always using my machine and my soap and everything ... next thing you know i have to buy more. Im tired but dont want to be disrespectful to them so i want to make this switcher which i will had a remote to also. So i can turn it of wireless-ly and turn it on the same. __________________ AtomSofts eBay Store AtomSoftTech: C18 TIPS & TRICKS v9 PDF Nokia 6100 Driver/Software My Name: Jason Lopez http://atomsofttech.info/ \| My YouTube Videos! My Favorite Store: dipmicro Electronics

11th November 2008, 03:20 PM	#2
Nigel Goodwin	A relay is the obvious simple answer - but washing machines usually use considerably more than 500W. __________________ PIC programmer software, and PIC Tutorials at: http://www.winpicprog.co.uk Last edited by Nigel Goodwin; 11th November 2008 at 03:20 PM.

11th November 2008, 04:00 PM	#3
AtomSoft	i have to check mines later on today after its not in use ill post new info and calculations when i have the info and hopefully i can get someone to tell me if its correct so i dont kill myself __________________ AtomSofts eBay Store AtomSoftTech: C18 TIPS & TRICKS v9 PDF Nokia 6100 Driver/Software My Name: Jason Lopez http://atomsofttech.info/ \| My YouTube Videos! My Favorite Store: dipmicro Electronics

11th November 2008, 04:02 PM	#4
blueroomelectronics	What about rigging it up to the controller, should be some relays in there. __________________ Bill Smart Kits build Smart People http://www.blueroomelectronics.com/

11th November 2008, 04:15 PM	#5
AtomSoft	oh i even forgot about that. Cool i still have to open it up tho later because someone is using it. Thanks for the reminder. __________________ AtomSofts eBay Store AtomSoftTech: C18 TIPS & TRICKS v9 PDF Nokia 6100 Driver/Software My Name: Jason Lopez http://atomsofttech.info/ \| My YouTube Videos! My Favorite Store: dipmicro Electronics

11th November 2008, 04:17 PM	#6
ericgibbs	hi atom, Why dont you jumper across the washer On/Off switch with relay contacts, this switch will most likely be 'lowish' current, controlling the internal programmer On/Off.? __________________ Eric " Good enough is Perfect " I will NOT answer PM's requesting technical help, please use the Forum PIC tutorials: Nigel's www.winpicprog.co.uk/ Bill's: www.blueroomelectronics.com/

11th November 2008, 04:21 PM	#7
gerty	when you check for current draw make sure the tub is full of water, it'll take more current loaded than it would unloaded. Also most machines are two speed, agitate and spin, some do this with a gearbox and a single speed motor. __________________ gerty

11th November 2008, 05:12 PM	#8
AtomSoft	i found some info its 120v-60Hz / 11.5A that would make it: 1380 watts. Wow what a difference. Model: CAV2005AWW I still have to wait until its not in use to do testing on the actual switch. __________________ AtomSofts eBay Store AtomSoftTech: C18 TIPS & TRICKS v9 PDF Nokia 6100 Driver/Software My Name: Jason Lopez http://atomsofttech.info/ \| My YouTube Videos! My Favorite Store: dipmicro Electronics

11th November 2008, 09:23 PM	#9
Andy1845c	Tapping into the low voltage/current control might be the least complicated route. You could also look at contactors, like are used in industrial settings. Grainger Industrial Supply Not real expensive and you could use the PCB mount relay to control the contactor coil. I have a control here at work that uses a PIC to switch a huge 3 phase motor Pic - darlington - relay - contactor __________________ This message transmitted on 100% recycled electrons Last edited by Andy1845c; 11th November 2008 at 09:25 PM.

11th November 2008, 11:25 PM	#11
AtomSoft	I live in a apartment and the washer is in the kitchen and tied to a few things so if i turn off breaker then no good... Um im hardly away and its relatives that are the issue not people who live here who ever lives here will be able to turn it on. I might make it that 1 wire thing. That would rock! __________________ AtomSofts eBay Store AtomSoftTech: C18 TIPS & TRICKS v9 PDF Nokia 6100 Driver/Software My Name: Jason Lopez http://atomsofttech.info/ \| My YouTube Videos! My Favorite Store: dipmicro Electronics

12th November 2008, 08:09 AM	#12
eblc1388	Instead of preventing the washer to turn ON, it is better to let it run for a few minutes and then stopped all together. Your relatives will thank you big time for all the wet clothing soaked with washing powder and requires further manual washing and drying. Bet he/she will never try it again. Your excuses is also easy. "Yeah, the washer has been acting up sometimes. Tough." __________________ L.Chung

12th November 2008, 12:03 PM	#13
AtomSoft	L.Chung nice idea... that would be cool. I want it wireless so i can like bang the side of the washer some times (acting as if it fixes it) and have it shut on and off for a few minutes. so i say "heh its been acting up and sometime i have to bang it up to make it work but then it stops again. if i was you i would rather goto a laundromat. sorry tho" lol __________________ AtomSofts eBay Store AtomSoftTech: C18 TIPS & TRICKS v9 PDF Nokia 6100 Driver/Software My Name: Jason Lopez http://atomsofttech.info/ \| My YouTube Videos! My Favorite Store: dipmicro Electronics

12th November 2008, 12:33 PM	#14
3v0	Maybe it is a sign that now is the time to move elsewhere. I agree thst you should look for where low voltage switches what you intend to control. __________________ Please post questions to the forums. PM's are for personal communication. BCHS/3v0's Tutorials Junebug USB PIC programmer kit., USB Bit Whacker, The 15 Minute Printed Circuit Board! (+drill time)

12th November 2008, 11:15 PM	#15
Menticol	Maybe a more indecent way and witout touching the relays is to cut the voltage that feeds the entire control panel, after some minutes. I don't know if this is unhealty for the components, but it gives a more genuine looking failure and you don't have to mess around modifying the PCB to turn off the motor To disarm "the bomb", the user (you) push a secret switch that disengages the timer before it shuts down the panel Why you don't post a picture of the washer, and the panel back side? __________________ Felipe