"I'm having an MRI to find out if I have
claustrophobia" |
1) I was never sure where I'd originally found the handy
Kenmore model number chart
I included in the last issue. My copy came with no 'credit' or
branding attached, but I
thought it was such a good idea I went ahead and posted it.
My thanks to Dan O, who actually originated it and has the
latest version posted on his
helpful website, 'Appliance 411', at:
http://www.appliance411.com/parts/sears.shtml
I subcontracted service to our local Sears many years ago and
got to know some of these
source codes, but Dan's list is exhaustive and really useful. Check
it out. Thanks again,
Dan, for putting it together!
2) We've talked about testing refrigeration compressors
several times before, and one
of the articles on the subject that appeared here in the newsletter
back in June 2006 is
posted on the
DIY articles page
A lot of you guys have asked about building one of these
simple and very handy little
test cords, including requests for a wiring schematic for one, so I
thought I'd briefly
touch on that this issue.
I use my ratty old cord a lot, and it's overdue for a rebuild,
at least cosmetically, but
here's what the box itself currently looks like:
One of these builds nicely into a standard steel electrical
utility box ('handy-box'), as
you can see. I've carried this one for a couple of decades now, and
it still works fine,
although it's due for a new set of cords. Most any plastic box would
probably work
well, too, but these steel ones are nearly indestructible. It has to
be, rattling around
in the back of my service van on our dirt roads! ;-)
The 'innards' are actually pretty simple. A fuse can be used
for protection, but one of
these small breakers is really handy. You won't trip it very often,
but when you need
it, you'll be glad there's one in the circuit.
Anyway, here's a sketch of the wiring details:
I use 16-3 SJ cord, which is rubber-sheathed, and holds up
well, but most any 16 gauge
cord can be used. An old microwave oven cord serves well. The output
leads have
alligator clips soldered onto them, making the setup very handy for
quick tests on a lot
of 120V equipment, not just compressors. The ground wire on the load
side is there for
safety's sake. Attach it to the chassis of whatever you're test
running, to detour any
problems to ground rather than through your person (that could ruin
your day).
***