How to adjust the engine speed of a washing machine

You can maximize the performance of your washing machine by adjusting its engine speed. Knowing how to adjust the engine speed can significantly impact your laundry routine, whether you want to shorten the wash cycle for a more thorough clean or lengthen it for time savings.

During a wash cycle, the engine speed—also referred to as the spin speed—determines how quickly the drum rotates. Faster drying times may result from a higher speed, but delicate fabrics may experience more wear and tear. Conversely, a slower speed is kinder to clothing but might result in more moisture at the end of the cycle. By adjusting this setting, you can customize the wash to fit various load types.

Although most contemporary washing machines have speed settings that can be changed, it can occasionally be difficult to figure out how to do so. This tutorial will show you how to change the engine speed on your washing machine so you can take full advantage of its capabilities and maintain the best possible appearance for your clothes.

First, let"s connect

The washing machine motor needs to be connected correctly before it can be adjusted in speed. Many inexperienced do-it-yourselfers confuse the multiple outputs on the collector motors of automatic washing machines and are unable to figure out how to connect them. We will explain everything to you in detail and examine the electric motor’s functionality concurrently, as there’s a chance it may be entirely malfunctioning.

  • First, you need to take the motor from the washing machine, twist it and find the excitation coils or shoes, from which 2, 3 or more wires should go. The shoes look something like the one shown in the picture below.
  • We take an ohmmeter, set the toggle switch to the minimum resistance and start ringing all the outputs one by one. Our task is to choose from all the excitation coil outputs 2, which have the highest resistance value, if there are only two, then you do not need to choose anything.
  • Next, you need to find the motor collector and brushes, from which 2 wires will also go. In this case, there will be only two outputs, if there are more, it means that you have mixed something up or one of the wires is simply torn off.
  • The next group of outputs that we desperately need to find are the tachometer outputs. In some cases, the wires coming from the tachometer can be seen directly on the engine body, but sometimes they are hidden in the depths of the body and then, in order to connect, you have to partially disassemble the engine.

Just so you know! An ohmmeter can be used to easily ring tachometers with two outputs. However, identical components with three outputs don’t ring in any way.

  • Next, we take one wire coming from the collector and connect it to one of the coil wires.
  • The second collector wire and the second coil wire are connected to the 220 V network.
  • If we need to change the direction of rotation of the anchor, then we simply swap the connected wires, namely, the first collector wire and the first coil wire are connected to the network, and the second wires are connected to each other.
  • We mark the wires of the coil, tachometer and collector with labels so as not to mix them up and perform a test run of the motor.

You can connect the washing machine motor through the speed controller if the test run went well, that is, if the engine smoothly increased in speed without jamming or jerking and the brushes did not spark. We will look at two possibilities, one of which is the controller itself. There are numerous schemes for connecting the motor through the controller.

Let"s connect through a voltage regulator

The easiest way to modify the washing machine’s electric motor is to use any kind of voltage regulator (dimmer, drill trigger, etc.). The motor is adjusted so that it spins at its maximum speed after receiving the maximum voltage. We can lower the voltage by turning the dimmer switch, which causes the motor to start running slower. Here is the connection diagram:

  • we connect one wire of the coil to one wire of the anchor;
  • we connect the second wire of the coil to the network;
  • connect the second wire of the anchor to the dimmer, and connect the second output of the dimmer to the network;
  • we make a test run of the engine.

We examine the engine’s operation at low power. You can observe that the engine stops instantly when a wooden block is leaned against the rotating axis, despite the fact that the speed is still remarkable even at low power. What’s the verdict? In conclusion, if you plan to use the engine to create a homemade product, this method of adjusting the washing machine’s electric motor speed will result in a catastrophic loss of power when the voltage drops.

Crucial! Take safety measures when starting the washing machine’s engine. Before starting, make sure the engine is secured, and avoid touching the rotating parts with your hands.

First, we had to figure out how to change the washing machine’s engine speed with our hands while preserving as much power as possible. But is that really possible? It’s possible; the only thing that will be a little trickier to figure out is the connection diagram.

A washing machine’s engine speed can be changed to improve performance, lessen wear and tear, and conserve energy. In order to ensure that the drum spins at the appropriate speed, this process entails comprehending the internal parts of the machine, such as the motor and control board, and making precise adjustments. The lifespan of the machine can be extended and washing efficiency can be improved by properly adjusting the engine speed. You can safely and effectively adjust the engine speed of your washing machine to make sure it meets your laundry needs and operates smoothly by following a few simple steps.

Step Description
1 Unplug the washing machine to ensure safety.
2 Remove the back panel of the washing machine using a screwdriver.
3 Locate the motor and find the speed control module attached to it.
4 Use a small screwdriver to adjust the screw on the speed control module. Turn it clockwise to increase speed, counterclockwise to decrease speed.
5 Reassemble the back panel and plug in the washing machine. Test the new speed settings by running a short wash cycle.

A washing machine’s lifespan can be extended and its efficiency can be increased by adjusting the engine speed. You can get better washing results and spare the machine from needless wear and tear by carefully adjusting the speed to match the type of load. Over time, the performance of your washing machine can be significantly improved by making this small adjustment.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the controls and settings for modifying the engine speed may vary depending on the washing machine model. For detailed instructions, always consult the user manual. Furthermore, in order to make these adjustments safely, you must have a basic understanding of the electrical and mechanical components of the machine. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance.

In addition to maximizing your washing machine’s performance, you can make sure it runs smoothly for many years to come by taking the time to properly adjust the engine speed. You can get the most out of your appliance and ultimately save time, money, and hassle by performing routine maintenance and using it properly.

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Ekaterina Vasilieva

Consultant on choosing household appliances. Working in a hardware store, I helped many customers choose washing machines that perfectly suited their needs. In my articles, I share recommendations and personal life hacks for choosing and using, so that it is easier for you to make a decision.

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