is there a way to defeat the door lock?

[vacuumfreeeke]

Hi everyone. I'm still using the Edgestar CW1200 all in one laundry processor. It's OK... small and loud on spin, but does the job. The thing that really annoys me is that the door locks for 2 minutes after turning the machine off. Quite often I will want to add something to the machine after I've shut the door and turned it on but before any water has turned on (power on, but dial not yet set to wash). Also, after the wash cycle, I have to wait two minutes to open it up and unload half the clothes (works SO much better with a half load). It's just annoying. I don't know why the manufacturer would do that... it should lock when the machine is on and unlock when the machine is off... so simple!

So, is there a way to defeat or disable the door lock? How does it work by way? What kind of mechanism keeps the door locked for a period of time and then releases it? I know I hear a "pop" sound when the time is up and then I know it's time to open the door.

Thanks

 

[favorit]

Edgestar ... again another antoniomerloni.it make

Hi Vacuumfreeke,

that is a safety device and shouldn't be deactivated. It' an electric timed lock on the door catch. Do agree, it' annoying, but ... it's a cheaper solution.

Ok, other makes allow you to open the door immediately whenever you want, unless the machine is spinning or water is above 130°F / higher than the lowest part of the boot ... but the price is much higher than a Merloni-made machine

Anyway, when you need to add a item, just stop the machine and wait for those annoying two minutes. Before opening BE CAREFUL that water level is lower than the rubber gasket (boot), then is not possible on delicate cycles

This machine dryes better half loads because, like any existing tumble dryer, it must be loaded up to half cylinder and never beyond. Not a case its specs rate it 12 pounds washing capacity / 6 pounds drying capacity (check link)

Hope this helps
Carlo

http://www.washerdryercombo.com/CW1200.htm

 

[favorit]

it should lock when the machine is on and unlock when the ma

it' simpler on the user side .... but not on the machine side

This means the door lock is routed through :

- a tachimeter on the motor shaft ( >>>> no spin detection)
- a further thermostat ( >>> safe temp detection)
- a further pressure switch ( >>> safe level detection)
- an electric catch

Now it is evident that a time controlled door lock is cheaper.

The downside : in case of power failure after 2 minutes the door is no more locked and children playing with the door handle can flood the room (not to mention danger of scaldings ... )
Machines with an electric catch are safer in case of power failure (can be opened only with a hidden mechanic door release, usually behind the lint trap lid)

 

[panthera]

There are two basic systems

involved in "time-out" door interlocks.
The older system tends to last for ever, the newer system is legendary for it's high failure rate.

The older system makes use of a bi-metal and a small heating element. The door is closed, the program begins and the heating element is powered up. The bi-metal actuator very very quickly bends or twists and the door can't be opened.

The newer system (famous for a 100% failure rate in some Maytags) uses what is called a "wax-motor". Same basic principle, but instead of heating a bi-metal component, wax is melted and a plunger is moved. When the wax cools, it moves back.

Sounds like a good idea and, in many applications it works. Whereas the bi-metal interlock is ancient technology and can be made in low-tech factories to very high quality levels, the wax-motor is dependent upon every aspect of the production process being perfect...and the application environment being perfect...and, unless specifically set up for it, does not care for humidity or vibration. Not, of course, that you'd find moisture or vibration in a washing machine. Perish the thought.

The good news is, this interlock prevents you from hurting yourself or damaging the machine. The bad news is, those are the very very longest 2 minutes on the planet earth. I had an AEG back in the 1980's which had three interlocks...each of which reacted in 10ths of a second when turned on, but each of which released slower than molasses in January in Novobirsk.

Solution: If this is really driving you crazy, as favorit mentioned, there is a small plastic ring in the drain compartment you can pull down to release the door. Sometimes it is a thin piece of thread. Either way, it is meant to be used for emergencies and will quickly snap or tear and probably in doing so, make you get the machine repaired.

A very dangerous and not good idea is to take the interlock and move it so that it still actuates, but does not lock the door. You can't take it out of the circuit because most systems have a fail-off set-up, but that way, it won't bug you.

I'm NOT recommending that, just, after the AEG, I really understand how two minutes can seem to be two hours.

All FL combi machines require you to dry only half the load you've washed for good performance. Most of my friends who have them also have those high-speed spinners (mine runs at 2,800rpm) and they take all the clothes out, spin them for a few minutes and then put them back in. The results are that the combi-machine can dry the entire load in less time than it would normally take for just one-half the load. Maybe that would be a good compromise for you?

Italian products tend to be extremely well thought out, I don't know anybody who can produce quality engineering and low prices as well as the Italians and still have it look good. Their willingness to use older and newer technologies to achieve a goal has a lot to do with it.

Your interlock will look something like this, if not exactly.

 

[appnut]

OK, here's my suggestion, and I'm a front load user/owner. Make double sure before you start the machine you have everything in there you want. I pull out all the laundry I am going to wash during the "session" and sort it and have it all "there". Be organized!!! I tihnk in 3 years I've had the machine, I've had to stop and add something less than 5 times after I've started it.

 

[MrX]

Miele have had an instant-opening interlock for many years and quite a lot of mid to highend machines have similar systems now too.

E.g. Bosch, Hotpoint-Ariston Aqualits.

There's a solonid in the door lock and it basically bolts the door shut when the temp is over a certain preset value, or when the water level is at a certain level, or in some models, if the machine has advanced too far to add new laundry.

The older bimetalic strip locks were very reliable though, it's just a case of waiting a couple of mins at the end of the cycle, it's not THAT annoying and it's still far better than having your kid lose an arm to a 1600 spin!

Those locks are required by European Health and Safety laws, and I assume they're also required in the US.

 

[MrX]

Incidentally, those locks have to fail locked i.e. if the power's cut they do not open the door.

There are usually two solenoids one to lock a bolt, the other unlocks it. So the machine cannot be opened simply by turning off the power.

It must be intentionally unlocked.

Most of those machines have a tab that you can pull, usually located inside the filter chamber on the front of the machine, or hidden behind the kick panel at the bottom.

This will override the locking mechanism and open the door.