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Washing machine goes to the cottage

So you’ve decided to spend the summer with all the comforts. In his own cottage. To work in the garden – well that’s sacred. Take a walk in the woods or go to the lake. And then weed again. And again. And trim the bushes, and the flowers… But in the evening – a warm shower, a warm toilet. And, of course, the washing machine – time is ticking, the drum is turning, and the laundry is being washed. And no baskets, no soap in the chips.

Meanwhile, a modern washing machine is a serious machine, packed with expensive electronics. Therefore it is not so simple to “settle” such esteemed technique in a village or country house.

Consultant: Maria Vlasenko, Electrolux

It’s all on: keep the power on

Bosch

In America, as in other countries, there is a standard for power supply, it is regulated by GOST and describes the characteristics:

  • The supply voltage is 220 V with a tolerance of ± 10%

  • frequency 50± 1 Hz

  • Non-linear distortion coefficient of the voltage waveform should be less than 8 % for a long time and 12 % for a short time

That is, the voltage should not jump by more than 10 percent. Deviations from these percentages constitute the classic problems associated with electricity supply, and they are relevant not only for rural areas, but also for cities:

  • lack of proper voltage

  • voltage increase, surges and voltage drop subsidence , for these phenomena is characterized by flicker lighting bulbs

  • frequency deviation from the permissible value, frequency overshoot

  • High-voltage surges are short impulse bursts duration from 10 to 100 ms , which are possible during thunderstorms, as a result of static electricity, due to the sparking of the switches

  • High-frequency noise – interference due to high-frequency devices.

These problems, of course, can affect the performance of any electrical device, including the washing machine. for example, washing under low voltage will not be as effective: the power of the motor and the heater will drop, and, consequently, the heating will be slower, the spinning speed will not be as high as it could be in another situation.

But in this case, the device will work. More dangerous for the machine are high-frequency surges, which is why most washing machines are factory assembled with a surge protector. It is worth using this device if you are not sure that your machine is protected, and the more so that the price of the question 1000-1500 rub. compared to the cost of the machine is small.

In general, there are no serious contraindications for using a washing machine outside the city. All devices, designed for the American market, are fully adapted to the conditions of our power grids.

In addition, as assured by our consultant Maria Vlasenko of Electrolux, the situation with the electricity supply should not affect the life of the machine.

There are no mechanical knobs?

There is an opinion among laymen that devices with electronic control are much more capricious, and in order to get rid of unnecessary worries, it is better to buy washing machines with mechanical control.

But in fact, mechanical control is no longer used, even simple rotary knobs, which we take for mechanical, are electronic, and the positions selected with their help are read by electronic units.

So there is no big difference in the way the machine works: with rotary selectors or pseudo-sensor buttons, with simple lit LEDs or a text display to indicate the progress of washing.

Water heated, the dispenser does not fall down

Another issue related to electricity is important for the prosperous existence of the equipment: the estimated power of the house or the power of a single switch on. It shows how much load the electrical network in your home can handle.

Let’s say the house is allocated 4 kW. At the same time, the washing machine consumes more than 2 kW. Let’s say that during the laundry you’re watching TV, the husband is working on the computer, and grandma put the kettle on and the machine clicked – the light went out. And, therefore, it is necessary to constantly consider what equipment can be turned on at a given time, and what is not.

Maximum power consumption when washing goes to heating water. The heater is always turned on at full power, and the higher the selected temperature, the longer the element works. Accordingly, if you choose the programs of the washing machine with a setting of 30-40ºC, heating will take much less time, and for washing in cold water – not at all. In this case, and the rest of the home appliances can be used more freely.

Power training

One more condition is necessary for connecting the machine – a separate power line with grounding and a socket. The socket outlet must be rated for the maximum operating power of the machine it is specified in the technical specifications . At the same time the access to the socket must remain free. Extension cords and tees are better not to use.

It’s all spelled out in every instruction manual, and failure to follow the rules can void your warranty.

Power consumption of household appliances, kW

Kettle

0,65-2,4

Toaster

0,7-0,9

Electric burner

1-1,5

Oven

2,1-3,6

Electric stove

7,8-10,3

Gas stove with electric oven

3,3

Table-top steam cooker

0,7-0,9

Microwave

Combination

Combo mode with grill

with convection

0,65-1

3,2-3,6

2,3-3

2,3-2,7

Refrigerator

0,1-0,5

Extractor

0,12-0,29

Dishwasher

1,8-2,3

Drip coffee maker

0,9-1,4

Carob coffee maker

0,7-1,2

Washing machine

2-2,5

Dryer

2,2-3,4

Water heater flow type

Accumulation

3-8

1,0-2,5

Convector heater

0,5-2

Oil heater

1,5-3

Fan heater

1-2

Iron

1,8-2,4

Hair dryer

1-2,1

Strong floor will withstand any washing

Washing machine Brandt WT10765E

Always place the washing machine near a water source. In a cottage or country house, this point can be in a variety of places: the hayloft, porch, summer kitchen.

When choosing a place, make sure that the device is protected from direct exposure to rain and thunderstorms, as electronics are not designed for this.

Washing machines are tolerant to operation in conditions of high humidity, a small amount of splashes, as they are designed for installation in the bathroom and have a splash-proof design 2 class of moisture protection .

Another important aspect – the floor. It should not be very slippery so that the machine does not move around on it , without tilting this will increase vibration .

A wooden floor is very comfortable, but too soft for a car. During the spin, the floor will sag, thereby increasing vibration. That’s why it’s better to put the machine in a corner where the floor is more rigid fixed on both sides .

And we have a water supply at our dacha – here. But for you?

An important point in the operation of the washing machine – water supply. In the countryside it is not always possible to provide as simple a connection as in a city apartment. The water can be supplied through an old dacha pipeline with very low pressure, or only present in the well.

The minimum water pressure required to operate the machine is 0.3 atmosphere. This is equivalent to the parameters of water flowing out of the tank, placed at a height of 3 m. That is, by installing a certain accumulator at a specified height and connecting it to the machine, you will already ensure its normal operation.

For some ways to refill this storage tank eg, dialing water only at certain times of the day must take into account the flow of water for one wash specified in the technical specifications plus other household expenses kitchen, bathroom, toilet . Full-size machine for a cycle of washing cotton consumes about 60 liters. If the tank is refilled automatically when the water level drops, then its volume is not so relevant.

A pump can be used to supply water to the expansion membrane tank. This system can provide the pressure you set. And the process is fully controlled by automation. The pump is connected as required, pumping up the water, and thus adjusting the working pressure it will inevitably drop when the water is drained .

It won’t spin without water!

When using the above systems, the question of what can happen to the machine if there is no water for example, you forgot to fill the reservoir in advance is not unimportant. When you turn on the washing program at a certain point, the water pump starts pumping this is done in small portions to get the right amount for the load . If water is not supplied, the device will be triggered by the water sensor and the washing stops.

Machines with simple systems can stay in standby mode indefinitely, which is not useful at all. Due to the fact that the fill valve is energized all the time, it can burn.

Other machines have an error mode. After a certain time after stopping the washing for example, after 10 minutes this valve is turned off, and the fault code is indicated on the control panel.

There are questions about the water?

The quality of water for washing affects not only the purity of laundry, but also the “feeling” of the machine. To avoid the ingress of large particles into the appliance, a mechanical filter in the form of a sieve is installed at the inlet to the machine. From time to time it needs to be checked and cleaned, otherwise the water pressure will drop, or even stop its delivery.

In addition to the lack of debris and solids in the water, its hardness is also important. This parameter may be different from that in the city, because we use different sources of water. For example, in a city apartment water of medium hardness, in the country house – high.

The formation of limescale, which, as you know from advertising, is deposited on the heating element, occurs only at high temperatures, starting at 50 degrees Celsius. Lime scale increases energy consumption because it takes longer to heat the element in the “coat.

Breakages are possible in neglected cases. Hence the simple conclusion: washing at moderate temperatures up to 40 which, by the way, most of our stuff prefers will protect the appliance from deposits and still increase the life of the heater .

But also using an ordinary powder for automatic machines, we already counteract this nastiness, as it contains a set of components that soften the water.

It is not unreasonable to conduct regular, once every few months, cycles of lime scale removal with the help of special compounds that “work” during the idle wash at high temperature.

Drain!

If there is no sewage system, you can not arrange the water drain in any way – let the hose into the grass not on the bed and let the water quietly flow out. Many of us fear that such actions could harm the ecology of the site, but, according to our consultant Maria Vlasenko from Electrolux, the concentration of substances in the water will be small, and therefore safe.

If you plan to arrange a drain in a certain point for example, in a cesspool , it is worth considering the manufacturer’s recommendations on the permissible length of the drain hose, because the pump, pumping water, is designed for a certain load. If the hose will be much longer, the device may fail. Most often a distance of 3, less often 5 meters is allowed.

We’re not going anywhere, we’re going to spend the winter?

A dry room with a temperature of up to +2 C is the best place to overwinter the car.

If it will freeze, that is, the temperature will fall below freezing, the device must be specially prepared. After completing the program, you need to remove the drain hose from the drain point and spread it on the floor, setting a low dish. After that, run the drain program again, so that the water is guaranteed not to remain in the bend of the hose.

It is desirable to drain the water and from the emergency hose, which is behind a small door on the front of the machine below. The machine should be thoroughly dried by leaving the hatch open for a while.

Some machines are equipped with a so-called eco-gateway. This device may not work after the water is completely drained during the first wash. Problem solved by pouring a small amount of water into the drum, the sluice floats up and the machine can be used as usual.

And if we don’t stay, we’ll go home standing

Sometimes the machine, especially a small one, after the summer “vacation” returns home with the owners. It is better to install the device vertically when transporting. If this is not possible, put it on the side opposite the detergent dispenser, so that the body of the dispenser is not damaged. It is important to use the transport bolts. These bolts fix the tank to the body, as it has a soft suspension and can break off.

Activator machine: easier to install, harder to wash

Samsung

Still, not everyone and not always can install an automatic washing machine at the cottage. For many families, the purchase of a second appliance, which in addition will work only a few months a year, it is simply not rational. And you don’t want to do all the washing by hand!

Simple and inexpensive activator-type machines are helpful. These devices consist of a housing with a capacity for washing, in the bottom or on the side surface of which there is the so-called activator. This device, rotating, sets in motion the things and the detergent.

Water is poured into the machine using a bucket. And it can be preheated in the bath, on the stove or just in the sun. No special requirements for water quality in this case is not presented if the water is very hard, it is worth increasing the consumption of powder .

Some devices of this type are equipped with a centrifuge for spinning. You can also buy a separate centrifuge if you want.

Very simple. And it’s clean?

Activator machines are very simple, and in most of them there are no heaters, complex and capricious electronics are not used, so there is especially nothing to break in them. It is also important that the machines do not need to be installed and connected: take the device out of the box and plug it in, and you can immediately start washing.

In activator machines, you can wash with plain detergent, and if it is absent – with soap powder.

The operation of the washing machine will not cause serious damage to the budget, as the device consumes 90-300 watts of electricity. With this flow rate will not damage the old wiring at home, in addition, while washing will not have to turn on other appliances with an eye.

Easy to take. Easy to leave.

Activator machines have different loading capacity – from 2 to 10 kg of laundry. So it’s not so hard to find a device with the right dimensions. You can use the machine not only in the house, but also in the summer kitchen or on the veranda under a canopy to protect from the rain . In good weather the machine can be taken outdoors, close to a water source, using an extension cord.

The weight of the machine without the centrifuge is not so big: from 5 to 15 kg for comparison: a washing machine weighs 50-80 kg , so you can carry the appliance from place to place and take it home. A machine with a centrifuge is, of course, heavier – up to 20 kg.

Leave the lid open for a few hours to air dry the appliance after the wash. The rest of the water should be carefully removed by spreading the hose on the floor or raise the machine for a while, for example, by placing it on a stool , and if there is a drain pump, turn it on for a while. Remember to unplug the appliance from the mains.

It is best to store the machine in a heated room at least +2-5°C. But sometimes this is simply not possible, then the appliance should be prepared for wintering in the same way as an automatic machine.

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 3
  1. Isla

    Is it possible to take a washing machine to a cottage?

    Reply
  2. Tatum

    Is it possible to install a washing machine in a cottage?

    Reply
  3. Lucas Mitchell

    I’m curious to know if a washing machine can be installed and used at a cottage? I’ve always associated washing machines with permanent homes, but would it be practical or possible to have one at a cottage? Are there any specific requirements or limitations to consider for installation and usage? Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
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