Dave's
Dictionary of
Appliance Terms
The 'M' page
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Magnetron
– The vacuum tube that generates microwave energy at 2450 Mhz to cook
our fast food. The name comes from the field created by two huge ceramic magnets
used to ‘bend’ electron flow into a resonant cavity to ‘tune’ it
to the proper frequency.
(Note: before scrapping an old microwave, it pays to disassemble it and
salvage those two magnets. They’re very brittle, but strong and
awfully handy.
We often use
them for holding tarps on outdoor equipment.
Just be sure it's unplugged, then jumper
the high voltage capacitor with a screwdriver to be sure there's no
charge left in it. Newer caps have 'bleeder' resistors that drain that
off quickly, but it's best to be sure)
Megahertz, 2450
– the output frequency of today’s microwave ovens (also the frequency
used by many wireless computer networks – wonder if anyone’s thought
about studying possible health risks there? Call me paranoid, but I’ll
continue to use wires for a while here in the office network. Turns out
Dad and I were right about those old unshielded electric blankets, so
we'll wait and see...)
MHC,
OTR
– Both of these acronyms refer to the same thing: Microwave Hood Combinations,
or Over The Range microwaves. These appliances are a great idea, freeing
up a ton of counter space.
Monitor
switch
– This one ‘backs up’ a microwave’s interlock switches, blowing
a microwave’s fuse if either of the interlock switches should fail.
Also used on some washer lid switches, especially newer Maytags (Why?).
Motor
controller
– Most front load washer motors – and some high-end top loaders -
are 3-phase, and this circuit board is responsible for converting our
single phase house current into 3-phase that the motor can use. Also
handles speed control requirements.
Motor
start switch
– Used on a single-phase motor to switch from the start winding over
to the run, or main, winding, once the motor has come up to the proper
speed. Most mount to the outside of the motor, and are replaceable
separately (although they’re getting harder to find)
Motor,
drive
– The main motor, that does most of the ‘heavy’ work in an
appliance.
Motor/pump
assembly
– 1) Many clothes washers use a small, separate motor that drives its
own pump, independently from the drive motor. Many newer dishwashers
also use one of these for drain, 2) Also refers to a dishwasher’s main
‘wash’ motor & pump assembly, which can be replaced as a unit in
many machines. (Note: a refrigeration compressor is actually no more
than a high pressure M/P assy).
MOV
– Metal Oxide Varistor
– widely used for power line ‘spike’ protection, these are
inexpensive and effective little solid-state devices. Connected directly across the
incoming 120V power line, especially whenever electronics are used.
Mullion
- The front surface of a refrigerator’s ‘divider’ between the
fresh food and freezer compartments. The only surface shared by both
door seals.
Mullion
heater
– A small electric resistance heater mounted behind the center mullion
of refrigerators. Keeps this surface warm, to prevent condensation. Some
refrigerators have a small ‘energy saver’ switch that turns this
heater on and off. I recommend it be left on year-round, unless you live
in an extremely dry environment. This will prevent mildew and rust
problems from occurring in the mullion area.
Multi-V
belt
– A very efficient belt style, this is the familiar ‘grooved’ belt
used in applications where two pulleys are of very different sizes.
Commonly used in dryers and front load washers.
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