Appliance Repairs in PE - Transistors

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth


Defy Refrigerator Electronic Thermostat - Front and Backside


TRANSISTOR

WAIT! Wait come back! This information CAN be useful and will give you a better understanding of HOW all your gadget and Stuff work.

A transistor works like a water tap in your home, by which you control the flow of the water by opening and closing the tap – in other words a Transistor is a device that uses small changes in voltage to switch things on and off

There are different kinds of transistor but because I do not want to frighten you completely, I am going to tell you about the most common or most famous transistor found all over in your everyday life.

The N-channel Mosfet



This Item has a curvy top and solute square bottom with three legs. No-Yes, I think a drawing is going to be a better explanation



The mosfet has three legs and when you look at it, the silver plate should face away from you. The legs are called Gate, Drain and Source.

The Gate (left side) is where the current enters and the Gate also turns the transistor on and off.

The middle leg is called the Drain and is connected to the negative side of your load (load meaning Remote gates, TV, Fan, Washing Machine, Refrigerator, Sound System, Dishwashers, Vacuum Cleaners, Food processors, Mixers, Liquidizers and the list just goes on and on)

The Source is found on the right and this is where the power goes out. The source is also connected to the circuit ground
O!.... you are still here! - Obviously there is no Game on.

The Big scheme of Things

Now I am going to tell you how all this comes into play in your world. We can use the remote gate an example but since I was a teenager (long-ago) I wanted a remote for my bedroom lights. So using that example..

1. As mentioned previously the Drain should be connected to the negative of the light
2. The Positive of the external power supply (batteries of transformer) must be connected to the positive side of your lamp (load).
3. The Gate now controls if the lamp goes on or off. VOLLA! Simple and straight forward.

Sorry just one more ietzi bitzi snag - If the Gate controls the load, who is controlling the Gate. We are not going into politics where your need a controller to lookout for the controllers and those controllers again need other controllers who needs.,,, round and round we go.

Getting back to our light and N-channel Mosfet, we now need something to signal voltage into the Gate so that the light can switch on or off.
The first that spring to mind is a Mercury vibration switch which turns the light off when you lay down on your bed or a motion sensor switch that turns the power on when you walk past.

At this stage I will give you some useless more information if you are just an average person who wants to increase their general knowledge about how their gadgets work

• At the Gate of the N-channel Mosfet the voltage should always be less than 15Volts DC
• The Drain side can go up to 60 Volts

Now if you are still wondering why I gave you this information then read on but first I must give thanks to the guys from Eskom (power company) for providing work for us small people.

POWER SURGES – when more power move into your transistors than what it was build for it blows
Before wearing you out completely I will save the adding of a relay and more resistor for a next post




PS. I’ve never build my own bedroom remote switch which I thought would be a smooth move to have in my youth but now as I get older it seems it is going to a necessity.

Washing Machine Problems in Port Elizabeth

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth


Washing Machine Problems

Washing Machine Just Dead

Possible Causes and solutions

• Power-switch not on – check breaker at DV-board (Main power board)
• Faulty plug – replace
Check above plug and switch by using an appliance that you know is working somewhere else in the house
• Door/lid not closed – Close properly

Washing Machine Walks (vibrates)

Possible causes and solutions

• Machine not level – adjust “feet”, see instruction booklet
• Washing Machine incorrectly loaded – rearrange washing inside machine
• Machine is under loaded – increase washing load
• Stabilizers are still attached to machine if it is a new machine – Just remove them

Washing Machine not taking in Water

Possible causes and solutions

• Water turned off – Check tap and other outlets in house
• Inlet-hose has a kinked in it – Check and straighten
• Filter between Washing machine and hose are blocked – Unscrew hose from Washing Machine and clean

Washing Machine is Noisy

Possible causes and solutions

• Coins or other solid item is been washed – Stop and remove object (always check water level before opening the door)
o Scratching noise while washing – inner drum assembly cracked

• Noisy when Draining water – something lodge inside the Drain pump – Call High Point 083 52 52 52 2
• Noisy when Spinning -
o Bra wire stuck between inner drum and outer drum – Stop and remove or Call High Point
o Bearings needs to be replaced – Two ways of checking, swing inner drum with hand or let washing machine run on the spin cycle without anything inside - Call High Point
o Noisy during spinning with a load but if you remove the load (washing) it spins quietly – bearing are fine but inner drum assembly is cracked – call High Point 083 52 52 52 2

Foaming to Much

Possible causes and solutions

• Wrong washing Powder – For twin tubs use High Foaming Powder ( Omo )and for Automatic Washing Machines use only low Foaming Power (Bio-Classic)
• Over Dose – Increase load size

Tip: Fabric Softener will help to reduce foam inside Washing Machine

I hope that you have found some value in above tips and isn’t it nice to know in-case you should need more pointers you can go to High Point Page but we also need you to click on “Like” or even leave me a comment below.

I value Positive Criticism



Pine Pienaar

MICROWAVE OVEN REPAIRS – FUSE Replace

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

MICROWAVE OVEN REPAIRS – FUSE

It is common for a Fuse to blow in a Microwave Oven especially if you live in our part of the world.

A Blown-Fuse is like a red light going on in your Microwave Oven; - it tells you that there is something wrong in your unit. Now it could also be something seriously wrong with your microwave and you might to need me to look at it. Or it could be the nice-guys from the power company letting you have a power surge. (Thank you Guys! Power surges must be part of the job-creation scheme)

If a power surge has gone threw you Microwave oven and if you are lucky - then it is just the Fuse that has blown and replacing it can be done by yourself

Signs and Symptoms:
• The Microwave Oven is just dead – (No lights or sound)
If you used the Microwave with no previous problems (night before) and when you want to use it again - it is just dead. This is a indication that a power surge went threw your Unit during the night (for some reason these surges normally happens during the night)

But if your Microwave oven just "died" while it was in use - it could be "challenging" problem and you might have to bring it to me. I will check it out for free and tell you if you should repair or rather go to Raffi’s for a new one.

Procedure to Replace the Fuse

>Unplug the microwave oven from the wall-plug (socket). Never work on any appliance while it is still plug into the wall socket.
>Unscrew the screws around the edge of the microwave’s top lid cover.
>Lift the back side of the lid ever so slightly and pull the whole lid backwards.
>Follow the electric lead where it goes into the microwave oven and it will end into a small circuit board (PC)
>First check for visible signs of damage on the module (black marking or swollen components)


> Then locate the fuse on this Pc and replace with the same value amp fuse. This is very important that you get the same value (amp) fuse. You can get this from Brian at Nationwide Television or at Dales or from me at High Point. (Don’t worry fuses are cheap)
> Replace the lid following the same procedure as above just in reverse.
> Plug the Microwave oven into the wall plug and switch on
> Put jug filled (350ml) with water inside Microwave Oven and switch on.
Now isn’t it nice to know if you should need more pointers you can go to High Point’s facebook or even ask us to check it out for free.


Call: 083 52 52 52 2

MICROWAVE OVEN REPAIRS IN PORT ELIZABETH

MICROWAVE OVEN REPAIRS IN PORT ELIZABETH
Microwave Guide Cover



The location of the Microwave Oven Guide Cover is inside the Oven cabinet on the right hand side or at the top panel.

The purpose of the guide cover is to keep food spillages and fat away from the Magnetron.


The wave covers do become brittle or get damaged over a period of time and sometimes fat gets lodge behind the wave cover. If fat gets lodge on or behind the wave cover it gets heated every time and eventually turns into charcoal.

When you notice a spark or arcing inside the microwave it is normally a signs that the Microwave Oven wave cover needs to be replaced



Just unscrew the screw that keeps it in place and remove the cover. Sometimes it is a small plastic stud that keeps the cover in place just lift the studs.

We do keep a limited stock of the plastic wave cover but most of the time you have to order the cover from the manufactures. We can cut the mica type wave cover for you to your size, just make a copy of yours - send us a fax and will make it up for you. (if you are out of town we will mail it back to you)

Before you start working on any appliance unplug it from the wall electric socket. Remove the roller ring and glass plate from the inside cabinet because it is easy to damage these two units.

Before fitting the new wave cover, make sure the magnetron cavity is clean
To refresh your microwave oven – take a half lemon and 350ml water together in a jug – set microwave oven for 5 minutes on high. Once done wipe the condensation away with a soft cloth and you will be left with a fresh smelling Microwave Oven. Instead of lemon - vanilla essence can be used, same procedure.

If you need more pointers and advice just go to High Point's Facebook page and ask one of the many experts there.

Pine Pienaar Info
PS.If you need a little more information about microwave ovens check out this enzine article click here

Refrigerator Door Gasket –Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

Refrigerator Door Gasket –Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

Refrigerator Door Gaskets becomes brittle overtime and a good sealing Fridge Door Seal is needed for effective cooling and to stop warm air leaking into the refrigerator Cabinet.

Signs of defected door seal;

• Build up of ice along the edges of your Freezer
• Excessive water moister inside the Fridge cabinet
• Smelly food
• Food that go off quicker before expiring date
The door seal keeps the wet (moist) or warm air out of the refrigerator and keep the cold air sealed inside the refrigerator.

Replacing your Fridge door seal can be done by yourself all you need is a couple of point from me

There are three basic types of refrigerator door gaskets/seals;
1. Push on type
2. Clip-on Type
3. Flat-back type
They also come in different profiles and colors (White, Grey, Cream and Brown).


Push On Type Refrigerator Door Gasket

To remove the (tong and groove type) seal start at the top right hand corner. Just lift it out by puling on the old refrigerator seal - slowly pull it out of the channel groove. Then Work your way down the sides and at the end pull it out of the bottom channel.
Start inserting the new gasket at the top corner and work your way over to the other top corner. Then you move down the sides to the bottom corners - slowly push the seal in the channel with your thumb.

Clip-on Type

If you lift the seal-lip away from the inner plastic of the door panel your will see screw underneath the door gasket that holds the Gasket in place.
Look if there is a little bulge along the rim of the plastic, this indicates that your refrigerator uses a clip-on refrigerator Gasket.
Otherwise was if the plastic door panel are just smooth (with screws to hold it in place) it will take a flat-back Door gasket. The flat-back gasket normally gets used on older refrigerator and deep-freezers.
If there are no screws present underneath the door gasket and it looks like the gasket is molded into the door it means the gasket is a push-on-type.

Fitting the Clip-on Type Door Seal

Always start by unscrewing the bottom door panel screws and work you way around the panel to the top. Then when you have removed all the side screw you take unscrew the top screw. The plastic panel and gasket should now be loose from the refrigerator. If the panel is still molded to the door just un-clip the gasket and refit the new gasket.

Flat back Door gasket
The procedure is same as with the clip-on type

General Tips
• When fitting the screws back, put one screw at the top to hold the panel in place.
Start inserting the screws form the bottom working you ways around the sides to the top.
While doing this Do Not tighten the screw - align the door gasket first .
Only once your stand back and see that the new door seal is straight and flush
Then start tightening the screws - again from the bottom up.

• If the new flat-back seal do not have pre-manufactured holes in the gasket - just press the screws into the seal threw into the door holes. By attempting to make holes before fitting the gasket, can really turn into timely exercise.

• If the seal is molded into the door panel and there are no screws present, save yourself and call a professional because it means the seal will have to be cut to fit the new seal.

How to order a new door Gasket

The Clip-on and Flat-back type gasket can be made according to you specifications. Just Measure the gasket from one end to the other and top to bottom (length). You will also need to specify the profile and color.


Order the Tong and Groove-type only from the unit manufacture or their service agents only, because the lip and the groove can be ever so slightly different when you have this made up and a simple procedure will now turn into a night mare - just trust me on this one.

To order from the manufacture or their service agent you will need to provide them with your refrigerator model number and sometimes also the type number. These numbers can be found on the back or on the sides of the fridge. Sometimes it is even situated behind the vegetable draws inside the fridge cabinet.

To preserve the life of a Gasket clean it regularly with a mild soap (Handy Andy- ammonia is to powerful)
Put some Vaseline of Glycerin along the cabinet side where the door hinges are –it will make the door closes smoother.

As always if you run into a snags or you need more pointers just go to High Point for more free advice.

Enjoy your repair project.



Pine Pienaar

Washing Machine Door Seal Replace - Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

Washing Machine Door Seal Replace - Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

Watch this video and learn how to replacing the door rubber of a Washing Machine.
Replacing door boot/seal of a washing machine can be done by anyone all you need is a little know-how and patients.

Tools needed:
• Phillips screw driver
• Thin Flat screw driver
• Long nose-pliers



As always if you run into a spot you can ask someone over at High Point.
Now isn’t that nice to know you have someone watching over you.

Happy Repairs


Pine Pienaar Info

Dirty Smelly Washing Machine – Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

Dirty Smelly Washing Machine – Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth

Dirty and Smelly washing machines are a common problem and if you are an animal lover the problem is even worse.

Washing Machine Drums are built with indentations and holes to get more water and chemical movement. Unfortunately the holes and indentations also make good hiding place for bacteria The smell comes from a bacteria build up inside your Washing Machine and there are a few reasons why this occurs

• Manufactures Fault – unnecessary bends (LG and Maytag was sued for this)
• Over Dosing – Using too much soap or fabric softener
• Using to little Chemicals
• Using Cheap or No Name products
• Overloading or water-level setting too low

There are 4 area’s where Bacteria and Fungus Growth commonly occurs
1. Soap Drawer
2. Door Boot (Rubber)
3. Inside washing Machine Drum
4. And at the Pump/Filter

Soap Drawer or Dosing Cup
- Wipe or washed that area on a regular basis
Door Boot
-Wipe regularly with Bleach - it will remove the black fungus that occurs on the door rubber
-Dry door rubber when finished with washing
-Leave the door/lid open when not in use
Inner Drum
-Overdosing with soap powder or fabric softeners is the most common cause of smell and marks on clothing (always follow manufactures recommendations)
-Cheap and no-name products (house brands)
Pump/filter
-Same as above except most new machine have a filter (fluff catcher) and this can be unscrewed and cleaned on a regular basis.

Solutions for smells and spots from drum and pump
-Use a good cleaning agent.
-Full machine like normal without any washing inside it
-Set it on it hottest setting
-Let the machine turn a couple of times so that the chemicals and water can mixed.
-Then switch off
-Fill the machine now manually right up to the rim of the drum (you must get over the normal water level because that is where the black mould and fungus are growing)
-Leave the machine for a weekend or 3 days with that chemical solution inside the washing machine drum
-Set the Washing Machine to the spin cycle and drain all the chemical and water
-It is Very important that the machine must now be set on the longest wash to remove all chemical that is still inside the unit (because if some of that chemical are left behind in the machine - it will stain your clothes)

Cleaning Agents Recomended
- BioCide D. Your friendly chemist will sell you a sachet or two and Exclusive Frozen are also sell it in small quantities
- Bleach. Like Jik or Domestos (Must have Hypochlorite in it) use the whole bottle 750ML at a time
- Afresh Tablets. I haven’t seen it for sometime but might still available in the U.S.
- Salt and Bicarbon of soda

If the above remedies do not solve the smells and stains problem, then the only way would be for us to strip it down and give the inner drum a physical scrub and service.

Grease and oil stains on laundry are an indication your drum seal and bearing are broken and in need of replacement - Together with been noisier when going into the spin cycle.

As always if more information is need just go to our Facebook page and ask because there are people that know.

As always enjoy laundry?

Pine Pienaar

Appliances Service In Port Elizabeth - Tips

Living a greener way should become a priority to us all - just take note what is happening at the poles and our current weather pattens. By making a few adjustment in our daily living and servicing our own appliances regularly we can start making our carbon foot print a little lighter.

Things will not change over night but at least we can start with these Saving Tips and Ideas in and around the house

Appliances Service In Port Elizabeth

All the air vents was blocked in this Whirlpool Dryer- resulting that this dryer took a very long time to dry the clothes

Tumble Dryers

· Use tumble Dryer only on rainy or cloudy days – try to air dry clothes as much as possible

· Switch your Dryer on only when you have a full load.

· Keep your dryer in a small room or in a place where there is little ventilation (outside air heats up quicker)

· Be on the alert when your dryers starts making unusual sounds – it is normally a indication that it needs new bearing and by servicing your unit it will also use less electricity.

Washing Machines

· Set water levels to half loads – it makes the concentration of the chemicals (washing power) stronger resulting in a cleaner wash. Only when washing woolens should you always stay at recommended settings?

· Wash only when there is a full load

· Sun- dry towels everyday instead of has it every time.

· Use only the cold water setting.

If the owner had this leaking heater element sorted the motor would not have burned-out.

Fridge / Freezer

· Always keep Refrigerator Full - even if you must put some water bottles inside it, once all the “stuff” has reached it temperature it actually helps to maintain the cabinet temperature at a level.

· Pack stuff inside the cabinet so that it forms a” wall” – every-time you open your refrigerator all the cold air falls out.

· Always make sure that the Fridge Gasket is sealing properly and that they are in good condition – so that hot air doesn’t gets into the refrigerator. Replacing a door gasket is not rocket science. Just measure it on the outside, send me the measurements and I will have it made-up.

· Store high usage items (milk) in a cooler box – uses icepack to keep cooler box cold.

· Make sure refrigerator operates between 2 and 8 degrees. If not have thermostat check out

Dishwashers

· Only use it when it has a full load

· Use shorter program settings

Stoves and Ovens

· Try to cook several dishes at one time when using your oven

· To reheat rather use Microwave Oven instead of the oven

· Have a small counter top gas burner installed for everyday usage instead of using stove plates.

· Always use correct pot or pan size on plate size.

I am sure you can find some value in these tips, if your have some more advice and tips please share them with us.

Regards

Pine Pienaar Info

PS. As you know by now I just love gadgets - Check out the New Spy Software. If you are in the security business or are running a big operation then this SPYERA SOFTWARE is a must for you. It is goes totally undetected by any anti-virus product and you can have control over what people in your organization are sending out about your company. Work brilliantly on I-phones when you are not around. Use it on a 10 Day free trial Just Click here

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth - Cryostat

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth - Cryostat








Cryostat is used for rapid Freezing and manual Sectioning of tissue specimens

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth-Oven Element Replacement

Appliance Repairs in Port Elizabeth-Oven Element Replacement

Holidays are the time when Stove Ovens get used the most and it is also the time when people realize that their ovens are not functioning properly. One disaster could put a ding in your baking-confidence and most of the time it is not even the Bakers fault but rather the Oven Element that is faulty.

Before baking follow these steps
1. Set Oven temperature to 180 degrees or your desired temperature. Make sure the indicator lamp goes of off when Oven has reached baking-temperature.
2. Use an Oven thermometer that indicates the oven-cabinet temperature. You can order one here or just send me a e-mail.
3. Before baking expensive mixes like a Xmas Fruit Cake rather bake drop scones, which is a cheaper mixed (just in case).

Diagnosing a Faulty Oven
1. Indicator Lamp not going off
2. Oven stays cold inside
3. Top element is Hot but Bottom element remains Cold. (In most stove oven the top element only comes on in the beginning stages of the baking process-just to get oven quicker to desired temperature.)
4. Oven Fan is blowing but no heat.

5. Look for visual signs of blowing or burning

Oven Element Replacement Procedure
For the purpose illustration we are going to use a Defy Gemini Eye Level Oven built into a cupboard.

1. The Elements are located inside the oven but you have to take off the back-cover plate of the oven to remove and replace it.
2. Open oven door and unscrew the holding screw (normally on the sides, screwed into wood cupboard)
3. Turn any switch on (example oven-light)
4. Then turn the Main Circuit Breaker off (at wall). The oven light should also be off now - indicating that there is no electricity present in the unit.
5. Pull the oven forward
6. Lift unit out of cupboard and onto support (three bar stools). Ovens are normally not heavy but they are acquired (big) to handle, therefore I suggest you get Hubbie (during commercial break) to give you a hand.

7. Unscrew back cover plate (normally 4 to 6 screws) and remove
8. With the back part off and you can see where the wires connect with elements and sometimes you are lucky and the element wire has just burned off. Just fit a new terminal lugg, otherwise….
9. Switch Main-Breaker back-on again (Oven light must come on and turn oven to bake)
a. If you have a Multitester test to see if current (220Volt or 110V) is present at the element terminal.
b. If power is present at the element terminal and the element remains cold – then element is faulty

Remove Element
1. Unscrew the terminal wires but make Sure the Main Power Breaker is switched off again!
2. Unscrew the 2 screws that hold the element in-place on the inside oven.

3. Just pull out

Insert new element
Just complete process from 1 to 9 in reverse.
Ovens differ because of brand names or models but the basics stay the same. Some have round elements with a fan, while other has the fan fitted on top of the oven cabin while most don’t have any fans just elements.

Now if only I can get some baking lessons

Enjoy repairing your unit.

Pine Pienaar Info

PS: Looking forward to seeing you at High Point and remember feel free to ask me before you call someone.

PS: Over-eating could lead to Diabetes, see the signs at Diabetes Signs Symptoms.com

Gas or Electric Braai

One of the best smells around is that of a “Free State thorn Tree” wood fire, burning for an early morning braai (breakfast). In the old Transvaal a wood fire flames seems to be going meters into the air.

Socializing around these fires with friends and family normally turns into an event.
Staying at the coast is great but we just don’t have the wood quality and flames that the inlanders have. Barbequing at the coast brings a whole set of new challenges and rules.

When I moved to the coast I thought it strange that about every second house has an indoor braai area. I still remembering thinking to my self, “What a lot of Wimps”
But you learn very quickly! Because the weather changes very quickly here and before you can do anything the rain has sorted out the fire. If the wind starts to blow, the fire and coals will disappear in front of your eyes. (Some guys actually like it when this happens, because it gives them extra socializing time - while starting a new fire.)

Lately I have been to a couple of braais where there has been no wood involved. The hosts has eider used gas or electricity. Must say in the beginning I was completely anti this practice (old school). After seeing the advantages, I have now started to look at these gadgets.

Hitting the stores has really made me even more confused because there are so many models and types in the stores. (some of them nearly cost the same as a small car) You can choose from the various styles and designs and choose the type which will best suit your area or even match with tiles.
• There is even a light inside which you can switch to see the status of your meal
• You can even have it installed in the kitchen inside your home. They do not take up any floor space and look classy and modern at the same time.
• You can cook small or large meals for the entire family on gas/electric grills as it is very versatile. There is even a clock and timer which you can adjust accordingly.
• There are touch pads where you can control the temperature. When you go shopping for them then you will see that you will have many options to choose from.
• Some have build in countertop so you can place hot meals there.

Susan said electricity is best and Kallies point that you can braai with gas when there is no power also has value.

“What to Do”?


Ps. Any advice would be appreciated and in the meantime I am still using the old wood fire

Refrigerator Overload

Refrigerator Overload


If you live in a country / area that has an unreliable power supply or has frequent power interruption please, please save yourself some money and do the following


When ever there is a power outage switch of your refrigerator or even better unplug it. Wait a couple of minutes before switch the fridge on again after the power supply has been restored


If the fridge stops working during this period and the inside cabin lamp still comes on, Please don’t panic. In most cases it is only you overload that has gone on the blink.



Two different kinds of overloads in photo



Overloads are inexpensive +-R16.00 (2 Dollars) and easy to replace. Before calling a professional first do a test and change it yourself.



If more information is needed contact me.



www.pinepienaar.info

Fridge Freezing

Refrigerators – Beer and tomato’s freezing

I went around to my friend Chris over the weekend and he insisted I must have a beer. Must say there was no need for him to insist - I would have had a beer anyway without him insisting.

When we opened the beer, out pops a piece of ice like a Popsicle – the beer was frozen or it wasn't until it condensate with the outside temperatures and that was just what Hailey (wife) needed to remind Chris that she has been saying for weeks now that her veggies are turning black or gets frozen in the bottom drawers of the fridge.

The first idea that spring to mind is that the thermostat is "on the blink" because the fridge is getting too cold and that will be the obvious part to replace.

Inside fridge; condenser plate and thermostat housing

Chris suggested that I "help him" replace the thermostat inside the refrigerator. Now I wondering, is this a planned move from him to get me to look at the fridge because if you see my size, you will know - only ME will fit in front of the fridge to replace the new thermostat.

Hailey was very quick to make us coffee (and boy she knows how to make coffee) while I install my thermo-meter;- so that we can see and monitor the temperature of the evaporator plate in side fridge. (The evaporator plate is the metal sheet inside - at the back of the fridge where the ice/cold gets formed)

While sitting there waiting for the fridge to do its stuff and cool down. Me and Chris got chatting and I explaining to Chris that there are always signs symptoms and things he must always be on the look out for.

General Notes about refrigeration

1. Refrigerator thermostat does not work like a water tap;

Fridge thermostat

1.1. A general perception is; - if you turn it up (numbers on knob),  you increase the gas flow - Not so!

When there are no ice on Fridge's condenser plate turning the setting know won't increase the flow of more refrigerant. 

1.2. By increasing the number on your refrigerator you are only increasing the TIME the compressor should run.

2. If the refrigerator doesn’t circulate the refrigerant (gas) correctly or if it is in need of gas it will not get colder.

2.1. Two door thermostat operates between +2 degrees and – 8 degrees

2.2. If fridge only goes down to -7 degrees, the thermostat cannot switch the compressor off – resulting beers to freeze (tomatoes/lectures gets frostbite and turn black)

2.3. It Takes 6 to 8 hours for absorption fridge to respond to thermostat change setting.

2.4. A normal fridge (compressor type) it takes about 1 to 2 hours to respond.

2.5. The thermostat only operates in the fridge section and not in the freezer, therefore if there is only ice in the freezer section it will result your fridge section and the stuff/milk inside it to “smell”. Switch it off and get a professional to "fill" the refrigerant(gas)

3. at some stages the fridge condenser plate might get colder than the freezer

4. Ice do not make cold (to our/my standards 4-8 degrees)inside fridge section

5. Normally there is a 1 to 2 degree temp difference between top and bottom shelve

6. Number settings on thermostat (inside) mean the following; 1 is hot – 7 is the coldest setting.

7. Fridge refrigerant (gas) is never used up by fridge or get old after a time period. If a fridge needs gas – it has a gas leak.

7.1. Two main types (gas)are used in domestic fridges

7.1.1. 134A Which is a CFC free and ozone friendly

7.1.2. R12 Has CFC in it (busy been fazed out) an alternative gas “drop in” gas is available for the older units.

It turned out that Chris’s fridge thermostat was fine because the fridge was only going down to minus 2 degrees. It just needed a blast of refrigerant (R12) because the leak was so small and it would days to find it.

Needless to say, I got another cup of coffee! and always be aware of diabetics signs symptoms

Till next time

Pine