AC Motor Wiring

[electronwaster]

Hi,

I hope this question is electronics related enough to belong here.

I picked up an old motor from the tip-shop, looks like it's from a washing machine, and hopefully it's an AC induction type. There was no capacitor, and I can see no brushes.

There are two boxes on the end, one looks like a DPDT centrifugal switch, the other is as yet unidentified, and has 2 terminals.

There are 6 white wires which go to some kind of loom, numbered 2 through 7, 5 coloured wires too: Red, Blue, Red/White, Blue/White, Yellow/White.

There will presumably be a common, a run winding, and maybe 2+ windings for 2+ different speeds. This explains 4 of the wires, so I have some extra.

Attached is a schematic/diagram of sorts showing the switch and the connections, with all resistances as measured between all possible pairs.

I haven't tried connecting anything up yet, I want to be reasonably sure I understand it first before I either let the magic smoke out or the thing explodes in my face - So - any ideas which wires could be which?

Thanks,
electronwaster

Edit: And of course if a photo would help, I will take one and upload it here. I can see no name/model/other markings on the motor other than the numbered leads.

[HackedFridgeMagnet]

Whatever you do, do it on a circuit with RCD protection.

I don't suppose you have a variac or maybe a hefty AC step down transformer.
Or you could try running it in series with something so that the current is limited.
As long as the circuit is fused/protected properly it wont blow up in your face.
Would one of the windings be a starting coil, to give direction?

[electronwaster]

Hi there,

Yes - I have access access to an RCD powerboard. No variac or large step down transformer, but a large variac is on the wish list.

I had thought about using this as an excuse to build a light-bulb test fixture. If I could find an RCD holder, I could put together an all in one device.

I'm sure one of the windings will be a start, and that there will be at least one run winding, maybe two or three. Other than that, not too sure. I've seen reference to built in tacho-leads to prevent overspeed, and could any of these extras be for reverse rotation?

Cheers,
electronwaster

[HackedFridgeMagnet]

I really don't know the wiring of these old washing machines, sorry I cant help.
There must be some old circuit diagrams of such on the web.
I also don't know how they managed the backwards and forwards.

Another thing that is safe you may be able to measure to give you a clue is the inductance at 50hz.
It does seem a lot of effort for an old motor.
If you just want to run it as a forward motor you could always just turn it on one winding at a time.
Use something in series if you can.

[jh15]

Might be switched 2 pole and 4 pole windings for two speeds. Normal and delicate.

[G7PSK]

Forward and back will be done with two different start winding's which might well have a common. The other's will be speed.

[siliconmix]

Might be switched 2 pole and 4 pole windings for two speeds. Normal and delicate.

"Normal and delicate" ha ha