How to Test Small Electric Appliances With a Motor
If your small appliance is not working properly, the motor on the inside may be the culprit. From eroding windings to brush deterioration, there are a multitude of issues that can cause issues with the motor inside a small appliance.
Items Needed:
- Screw driver
- Multimeter
- Ensure that the power to the small appliance has been shut off before you begin. This is essential to your safety while performing this task. Depending on the small appliance, you can either complete this step by unplugging the power cord connected to the appliance or by disconnecting the motor's power leads, which can be found in its slot.
- Open the small appliance up, you'll need a screwdriver to complete this step. Once inside, the motor of the small appliance should be made up of windings, a shaft, magnets and two leads. These leads serve as the live and neutral terminals.
- Adjust the nob on the multimeter to the tab labeled "resistance." Completing this step will allow you to test the motor circuit continuity. If you are using an analogue multimeter, set the nob to "zero."
- Attach the test probe to the two terminals on the small appliance motor. Pay particular attention to the reading on the multimeter. If the reading is low, this means that the motor circuit is continuous. If the reading is infinity, this is an indication that the circuit is damaged. Depending on the the type of multimeter you are using, it may have a sound component. If so, a continuous beep means the circuit is complete. If there is no sound, the circuit is not complete.
- Adjust the knob on the multimeter to "ohm" or "zero" if using an analog multimeter to test the resistance. Connect each terminal on the appliance motor to the testing probe and observe the reading on the multimeter. A low reading is an indication of short circuit. An infinite reading is an indication that there is a issue with the windings of the motor. A positive reading means that the motor is in good condition.