Fix for Broken Dishwasher Switch

[John White]

A while ago the plastic switch that turns our dishwasher on/off came loose. We worked out wedging a paperclip into the switch held it in place and stopped the dishwasher from switching off. However, a few days ago after wiggling the paperclip back into place, I believe it caused some kind of short circuit around the switch area as there was a burning smell and eventually a pop and now the dishwasher does not turn back on.

I unscrewed the front panel today and can see the on/off switch is charred/burned so I am pretty sure this is what happened :

I think finding a replacement switch could prove difficult, and I don't really want to pay for anything more expensive than that. I was thinking the cheapest solution would be to join whichever of the four wires shown in the picture above that would keep the dishwasher on, seal with electric tape, then use the mains switch to turn the dishwasher on/off. Which of these wires would I have to join to achieve this? If you think my solution is really not a good idea, what would be a better one?

Thank you in advance !

 

[SparkyChick]

That looks more like it's been caused by a prolonged poor connection, either a loose push on terminal or a bad connection within the switch itself, or maybe the 'wedge' was preventing the switching from making properly and caused this.

You may be able to find a replacement switch on-line, there are lots of spares available, BUT those terminations will need to be remade properly as they will undoubtedly have been heat cycled somewhat and may not provide a sufficiently good connection (meaning you'll get a quick repeat of this).

 

[Wes1000]

who thinks putting a metal paper clip in a switch is a good idea???

 

[Andy78]

who thinks putting a metal paper clip in a switch is a good idea???

The sort of person who should have called an appliance repairer, which is what should happen next.

 

[KEV 1 N]

who thinks putting a metal paper clip in a switch is a good idea???

I tried it once.......never again!!

 

[KEV 1 N]

The sort of person who should have called an appliance repairer, which is what should happen next.

Yes.......at least they’ll use a plastic paper clip!

 

[Wilko]

Hi John - in my opinion it would a fire risk if you try to fix it that way. The machine may have another fault causing the heating and this should be assessed by an experienced repairer. If there is no other underlying fault the damaged component, connectors and cables should be replaced.

 

[Astolat]

When ever my dishwasher stops working I kick her backside. 100% success rate after 45 years.

 

[MJPD29]

In all honesty and with due respect that's an awful db potentially dangerous idea

 

[John White]

Thank you for everyones responses, in hindsight the paperclip was not a good idea, and looks like a quick fix with electrical tape is also a no no. Will call the helpline number for the manufacturer tomorrow, though am not getting my hopes up for a cheap solution from them. Otherwise appliance fixer or if he is too expensive maybe just a new dishwasher as it was a cheap one anyway.

 

[Wilko]

Out of interest - what's the model and age of it ?

 

[John White]

It's a ProAction model WQP8-9249G, it's about 6.5 years old.

 

[Wilko]

I did have a quick look online and had no luck I'm afraid, but someone else might have more success.

 

[KEV 1 N]

If it were my dishwasher, I’d forget trying to find an original on/off , instead I’d fit one of these in the free space of the plastic front panel.......

Looking at your photo it appears to be switching live and neutral (double pole switch), also you’d need new crimp connections attached and the burnt wire cut back to good wire...
But if your not fully competent then don’t do it yourself!
Like I say, if it were my dishwasher, that’s what I’d do but I have the skill and necessary tools and equipment to check and carry out the repair

 

[Andy-1960]

Standby option....

 

[telectrix]

along with one of these:

 

[John White]

"Looking at your photo it appears to be switching live and neutral (double pole switch), also you’d need new crimp connections attached and the burnt wire cut back to good wire...
But if your not fully competent then don’t do it yourself!
Like I say, if it were my dishwasher, that’s what I’d do but I have the skill and necessary tools and equipment to check and carry out the repair"

I am thinking about giving this a try. In order to do it safely, other than the switch, what are the exact components and tools I would need bearing in mind I am also trying to fix this for the minimum amount of money? It would be great to fix it and have some tools and experience at the end of it I could use again.

 

[telectrix]

basically, all you need is a 2 pole 16A switch , the tools to fix it in place and repair to the damaged cable. a couple of spade crimps and the tool to crimp onto the cables. a multimeter to determine which terminal is which and which wire goes where. a simple job for the likes of us, but beware if doing it yourself, a poor connection would end up like it is now or worse. strongly suggest getting an electrician or a good appliance repairman to do this.

 

[Spoon]

Just to add to the above. If you replace the switch with another switch which is not approved for the machine by the manufacturers (E.G. same switch) then if anything does wrong with the dishwasher, like catches fire, then it is your responsibility.

 

[John White]

Do I really need a replacement switch for a safe fix? It wouldn't really matter to me if the machine was on standby all the time / simply turned on/off at the mains. Could I not just use a multimeter and a simple junction box to join the appropriate wires? I doubt I will be able to find a switch that fits the exact hole in the plastic casing, so wouldn't that in itself be dangerous as water could penetrate through gaps? Without a switch, I guess the fix would be cheaper and much easier to make that hole for the switch water-tight.

 

[SparkyChick]

The appliance should have a switch... if manufacturers thought they could get away without one, why would they spend money on including one?

Waterproofing the existing switch is easy... looking at the spare parts on-line, a serving of silicone sealant around the switch cap, job done. However, you shouldn't be using any electrical equipment with wet hands unless it is specifically rated for such use.

This switch is IP65 rated, available in 16A @ 250v AC:-

C1353VQNAM | Arcolectric Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel | Arcolectric - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rocker-switches/1235198/

I believe (the guys will correct me if I'm wrong) this would be a suitable switch.

Don't remove manufacturers implemented features (the power switch) just to save a few quid. If I were asked to do this repair, I would be looking at an hour of my time plus materials. It shouldn't be an expensive repair, even when done by someone who is competent to carry it out.

 

[Spoon]

Do I really need a replacement switch for a safe fix? It wouldn't really matter to me if the machine was on standby all the time / simply turned on/off at the mains.

I take it you didn't read my post #19...

 

[Marvo]

I'd suggest you shouldn't bypass the switch and permanently wire it permanently on, if something happens in the future that injurs somebody you'll be in court looking at possible jail time. I know it's a long shot but rather don't take the chance.

The switch could be one of various configurations, it might be double pole switching the live and the neutral but it could also be a single pole changeover with a neutral just for illuminating an internal indicator lamp.

You could try removing the switch entirely and taking it to your nearest Maplins or similar shop to see if they can figure out what it is and offer a replacement. Then just get a sparky in for half an hour to repair the damaged wiring, fit the switch and test the appliance.

 

[Richard Burns]

This switch is IP65 rated, available in 16A @ 250v AC:-
C1353VQNAM | Arcolectric Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel | Arcolectric - C1353VQNAM | Arcolectric Illuminated DPST, On-Off Rocker Switch Panel | Arcolectric - https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/rocker-switches/1235198/
I believe (the guys will correct me if I'm wrong) this would be a suitable switch.

I think the original switch is a push button not a rocker switch. 16A and 250Vac DPST are all OK (probably, can't tell without testing the switch) but probably better with a push button; finding one that fits the space and screws to the same flimsy screw holes would be more difficult.

 

[SparkyChick]

I think the original switch is a push button not a rocker switch. 16A and 250Vac DPST are all OK (probably, cant tell with out testing the switch) but probably better with a push button; finding one that fits the space and screws to the same flimsy screw holes would be more difficult.
View attachment 42746

I was going off the alternative switch suggestion on the basis a suitable replacement might be hard to come by.

TBH, I was mainly posting to try and suggest the OP doesn't ignore the suggestions that have come before and completely bypass the switch.