How exactly does a "wax motor" work? I realize they're relatively new components that do small jobs like dispensing stuff but I'm curious about how they work and why are they called "wax" motors? Are they actually made out of wax?
Blond question for the experts
- Thread starter bajaespuma
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I've not disassembled one but my understanding is that, yes, a thermal-sensitive wax compound is involved. It's in a sealed chamber with the spring-loaded actuating piston at one end and a small heat source at the other. The wax expands when heated to move the piston. Cools and contracts when the heat is stopped and the spring helps compress it to retract the piston.
Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can clarify and correct any errors in that description.
kb0nes
Well-known member
Same way an old style auto thermostat works. The wax goes through a sizable volume change as it changes from solid to liquid.
Here is a YouTube video that shows a tear down of an identical actuator
Here is a YouTube video that shows a tear down of an identical actuator
applications
While these are rarely used in appliances in the home, think of how much easier they'd be than typical water valve electromagnetic solenoids, for the plumbing and hoses. Electromagnetics switch on and off in a microsecond, creating pressure and strain on the plumbing and hoses. These would be slower acting, less damaging.
They have plenty of automobile and avionics uses, but have rarely been applied to domestic appliances.
While these are rarely used in appliances in the home, think of how much easier they'd be than typical water valve electromagnetic solenoids, for the plumbing and hoses. Electromagnetics switch on and off in a microsecond, creating pressure and strain on the plumbing and hoses. These would be slower acting, less damaging.
They have plenty of automobile and avionics uses, but have rarely been applied to domestic appliances.
Wax motors in major home appliances
Have been used by the millions over the last 25 years in dishwashers, washing machines and front load washers door locks etc.
They would not be suitable for an inlet valve as they close to slowly they can take up to one minute to close after the power is disconnected from them.
Almost all US-made inlet valves went to a slow close design back in the 1970s, this illuminated the water hammer and strain on pipes when the valves close.
Have been used by the millions over the last 25 years in dishwashers, washing machines and front load washers door locks etc.
They would not be suitable for an inlet valve as they close to slowly they can take up to one minute to close after the power is disconnected from them.
Almost all US-made inlet valves went to a slow close design back in the 1970s, this illuminated the water hammer and strain on pipes when the valves close.
Perfect. Thanks y'all!
Should have known there would be a video on You Tube. Lately everybody is answering my questions by sending me to You Tube. There was a video last week that demonstrated, perfectly, how to change the low-beam headlight on my 2002 Honda Accord that I was stymied by.
Should have known there would be a video on You Tube. Lately everybody is answering my questions by sending me to You Tube. There was a video last week that demonstrated, perfectly, how to change the low-beam headlight on my 2002 Honda Accord that I was stymied by.
I had to replace one of those on my Maytag Jetclean a few years ago. I tore the old one open to see what was inside it lol.
