Washing Machine Pump

[warrenlw63]

G'day all.

Just aquired a washing machine pump to play around with (want to move hot water). I know they're powered by 240v. My question is how does one wire them up? It has a black and blue wire. Would I need to earth it as well etc.

Any advice to prevent me frying myself would be welcome.

Thanks oh knowledgeable lot.

Warren -

 

[Doogiechap]

I immdemnify myself fron all harm and loss of life etc blah blah but
My thoughts would be Black to Active (Black is active in Europe) Blue to Neutral (Blue is Neutral AND sonetimes Active in OZ :blink: ) It shoulden't really matter but that would be my preference. There should be a spade terminal somewhere on the metal part of the assembly that the earth would attach to. If there is not then make sure you attach an earth line to the metal part of the assembly. They are hazardous b##$@*&s to work with because they are designed to be fitted inside a box that prevents water and us from touching them when in use and that is hard to replicate in a brewery. Make sure you have an RCD device supplying power to it to keep you alive
There have been mixed results with these pumps dealing with hotter temps than tap water but I wish you luck
Cheers
Doug

 

[warrenlw63]

Thanks Doogie.

That sort sounds like what I was expecting in regards to wiring it. Beginning to wonder if it's worth the risk form what you're saying though. As I said I was only contemplating buggerising around with it.

Warren -

 

[chimera]

Doogiechap - Blue as active in OZ??
We're talking 3 phase now arent we?

 

[Doogiechap]

Yes 3 phase only
But what a stupid utilization of color coding :angry:
As a good friend once said about electric shocks- 'don't dance with the naughty fairies'

 

[ausdb]

Hi Warren

I have had good results with this type of mag drive washing machine pump and boiling wort but only tend to use it for the time it takes to transfer 20-50L of wort through my CFC. I am not sure how it would go in a herms or similar being run for long periods as the motor does not have any cooling fins or fan.
http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum/inde...ost&id=3978
I am looking at making an all in one system and will either try and fit cover over it with a computer fan mounted in it to keep it cool or probably go for a pond pump in a water bath.

As for safety I make sure it is well out of the way on brewday and run it through a portable rcd, on my pump there is no real way of earthing it as the only metal part is the motor laminations and the windings. The stand is wooden and plastic so I just sit it on a brick so it stays dry if there is any water on the ground.