Выбор узо для стиральной машины: 6 критериев выбора надежной защиты

Какой автомат лучше ставить на стиральную машинку

Автор Андрей Семенов На чтение 7 мин.

Большинство пользователей бытовой техники приняло тот факт, что стиральная машина в доме должна подключаться к отдельному вводу, идущему непосредственно от счетчика. Но необходимость установки отдельного комплекса защитных устройств, к сожалению, понимают не многие. Автомат для стиральной машины способен защитить бытовую технику. Но он не изолирует человека от токов утечки. Поэтому нужно подбирать комплект устройств вдумчиво, основываясь на простых физических правилах их работы.

Автомат для стиральной машины — что это и зачем

Во многих информационных источниках, как в интернете, так и в печатных изданиях, в роли защиты упоминается только УЗО на стиральную машину. Это не полный ответ на вопрос. Автоматическая система реагирования на неполадки должна:

• отсекать устройство от сети, если стиралка вошла в режим короткого замыкания;
• защищать человека от токов утечки, опасных для здоровья;
• иметь номинальную мощность каждого из узлов, гарантирующую работоспособность при максимальном потреблении стиралки.

Для нейтрализации всех опасных факторов недостаточно ставить автомат защитного отключения. Не полностью защищает технику и энергосеть УЗО. Множеством недостатков обладает дифавтомат для стиральной машины. Каждое устройство защиты контролирует определенные параметры сети, поэтому важно правильно подобрать перечень оборудования.

УЗО, АО, дифавтомат и принцип их работы

Чтобы правильно понять, почему нужно устанавливать несколько защитных устройств, вначале следует рассмотреть принципы их работы и контролируемые параметры сети. Разумно вести описание от простых изделий к более сложным.

Автомат защитного отключения (АО)

Простейший однофазный автомат является аналогом плавкого предохранителя. Это наиболее понятное описание его работы. Устройство срабатывает при превышении номинальных токов, позволяя контролировать мощность и подключать к определенному участку сети ограниченное число потребителей. Это гарантирует отсутствие аварийных режимов, связанных с перегрузкой проводки.

Установка автомата позволяет защитить участки общей сети от аварийных режимов. Если машинка уходит в режим короткого замыкания, срабатывание защитного отключения позволит сохранить работоспособность остальных устройств в квартире. Таким образом, главная характеристика автомата — это надежный контроль токов на линии машинки и блокировка аварийных режимов.

УЗО

Задача устройства защитного отключения заключается прежде всего в нейтрализации опасных факторов для человека. УЗО контролирует токи в двух проводах силовой линии. При повреждении изоляции или нарушении работы узлов стиралки изменяется характеристика утечки. При превышении определенного значения тока УЗО отключает питание установки.

Токи утечки несут большую опасность для человека. При этом стоит понимать, что стиральная машина работает в условиях влажности, а на полу часто бывает вода. В этом случае вероятность поражения током человека достаточно велика. Установка УЗО для стиральной машины является обязательной.

Дифавтомат

Дифавтомат для стиральной машины — это комплексное устройство. Оно имеет функциональность УЗО и автомата защитного отключения. Подключать такой компактный и удобный узел достаточно просто. Но есть подводные камни, заключенные в сложности идентификации проблемы.

Неудобство применения дифавтомата стоит рассмотреть подробнее. При появлении аварийного режима узел срабатывает и предотвращает развитие нежелательных последствий. Однако определить, что именно сработало, УЗО или автомат отключения, — невозможно.

В результате такой механики реагирования дифференциальный узел заставляет проверять сразу все факторы. Начиная с короткого замыкания, заканчивая целостностью проводки всей сети. Это как минимум неудобно. Поэтому на практике вместо дифавтомата рекомендуется последовательно подключать отдельные узлы УЗО и АО. Такой подход позволяет четко идентифицировать проблему. Если сработал автомат — речь идет о превышении рабочих токов. УЗО же точно укажет на проблемы с изоляцией в сегменте сети.

Подход с использованием двух отдельных узлов системы защиты имеет еще одно преимущество — экономию средств. Дифавтомат достаточно дорогой. При возникновении сложной аварийной ситуации устройство выходит из строя и заменяется полностью. При разделении защиты на два отдельных блока, УЗО и АО, нужно будет купить только одно изделие для восстановления работоспособности системы.

Какое УЗО или дифавтомат ставить

Принципы выбора оборудования основываются прежде всего на характеристике электрической сети. Анализируя, какие узлы поставить, учитывают:

• рабочее напряжение сети;
• схему подключения, для которой может понадобиться однополюсный или многополюсный аппарат защиты;
• фазность электрической сети;
• коммутируемую мощность, по которой выбирают автомат ампер, УЗО или дифавтомат.

Существуют и отдельные правила выбора параметров для разных типов устройств. Для АО (автомата отключения) главной характеристикой выступает число ампер тока в рабочем режиме. Сколько именно оно должно составлять, определяется по параметрам стиральной машинки. Например, для агрегата с пиковой мощностью 3.5 кВт будет достаточно АО на 16 А.

УЗО выбирается по граничному показателю тока утечки, при котором происходит срабатывание. Для человека в численном выражении опасным значением считается 30 мА. Именно с таким значением следует покупать УЗО. Если же перестраховываться и приобретать дорогую модель с граничной утечкой в 10 мА — можно добиться негативного эффекта. Например, автоматика будет срабатывать при каждой попытке включения машинки из-за особенностей ее инженерного решения или характеристик проводки бытовой сети.

Соединяя перечисленные критерии выбора, покупают дифавтомат для стиральной машины. Его узел расцепителей должен иметь номинал ампер не ниже 16, с маркировкой С16. Для машинок, мощность которых превышает 3500 Вт, нужно купить дифавтомат С25 или выше. Блок УЗО выбирается по показателю граничного тока утечки, а также маркировке: рекомендуется покупать оборудование класса А.

Установка и подключение

Наиболее просто подключается к стиральной машине дифференциальный автомат. Это устройство двухполюсное. Вход коммутируется с проводами проводки, необходимо соблюдать фазность: назначение контактов указано в техническом паспорте прибора. Если в системе питания машинки используется стабилизатор напряжения, рекомендуется установить его после дифавтомата.

Выходы дифференциального блока выводятся непосредственно к розетке стиральной машины. Для правильной работы системы обязательно делается заземление. Его провод коммутируется к соответствующему контакту стиралки.

Не представляет сложности и схема коммутации с использованием раздельных узлов автомата защитного отключения и УЗО. Последний блок — двухполюсный. Коммутация производится по следующей схеме:

• фаза проводки заводится на вход автомата отключения;
• выход АО соединяется с контактом фазы на входе УЗО;
• на второй контакт входной группы УЗО подается ноль проводки;
• два выхода устройства защитного отключения заводятся на розетку для питания машинки.

В такой схеме также обязательно использовать заземление. Провод заводится на розетку включения машинки. Выбор устройств по номиналу для коммутации такого рода рекомендуется делать с взаимным технологическим запасом. Автомат устанавливается с номиналом, строго соответствующим пиковой мощности потребления машинки. К примеру, 16 ампер.

УЗО в этом случае рекомендуется выбирать на заметно большие токи: 20 и более ампер. Это позволит гарантировать сохранение его работоспособности в аварийной ситуации. Ток в режиме короткого замыкания, приводящий к отсечке автомата, не является критическим для УЗО и не приводит к аварии.

Почему выбивает систему защиты

Нередки случаи, когда после установки системы защиты она срабатывает при каждой попытке включения машинки. Эта проблема может вызываться как особенностями энергосистемы, так и неверным выбором оборудования и схемы его подключения.

1. Малая нагрузочная способность сети вызывает резкие скачки напряжения при коммутациях мощного оборудования. Машинка, меняя режимы работы, вызывает срабатывание защиты. Чтобы устранить такую проблему, рекомендуется использовать стабилизатор напряжения.
2. Элементы защитной системы неверно коммутированы. Самая распространенная ошибка пользователей — неправильное подключение фазы и нулевого провода.
3. Сделан неверный выбор оборудования по мощности или другим параметрам сети. Например, номинал дифавтомата или УЗО не позволяет работу с машинкой.
4. В кабеле подключения машины или линии проводки происходит замыкание из-за повреждения или нарушения параметров (истощения, растрескивания) изоляции. Токи утечки или режим КЗ приводит к срабатыванию защиты.
5. Одно или несколько устройств комплекса защиты неработоспособны или действуют неверно.
6. В инженерных цепях стиралки возникают нештатные режимы работы. Например, превышение потребления тока из-за неисправностей нагревателя, ошибок управляющего блока электроники, замыкание обмоток двигателя.

Самой опасной ситуацией, которая часто игнорируется потребителями, является физическое превышение показателей тока утечки номиналу УЗО. Защита срабатывает совершенно правильно. Но владельца это не устраивает.

Вместо того, чтобы устранить проблему в виде намокания токоведущих частей с поврежденной изоляцией, пользователь устанавливает УЗО с большим номиналом срабатывания или совсем убирает узел контроля. Делать этого не стоит ни в коем случае. Если происходит срабатывание защиты, нужно тщательно анализировать причины и устранять проблемные места.

как подобрать прибор по мощности?

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90000 How we test for the best washing machine 90001 90002 We conduct up to 50 washing machine tests a year, and we test them all the time because you seem to love them! So while you may have had that Hoover for 25 years, we’re checking out the latest fandangled features for when you decide to replace your older model. 90003 90002 In this article, we explain how we test washing machines, but also check out our video below on our top five tips for buying a new washer. 90003 90002 On this page: 90003 90008 Our expert testers 90009 90002 With over 30 years ‘experience in the laundry lab, we’re proud of our expert testers.They’ve seen all types of features and washers come through the labs, but one thing never changes — they need to find what gets your clothes clean. We focus on the basics so that when the time comes you can buy with confidence, knowing your new washer will work well. 90003 90002 On top of this, many of our testers sit on Standards committees — both national and international. So we keep up to date with how labs and manufacturers are changing the standards, and to give you a voice in this forum, where sometimes only government and industry are represented.90003 90002 Whatever our experience may be (some 50 years ‘of testing), it’s ultimately what you want that guides how we test. And how do we find this out? By asking you! 90003 90002 We conduct regular CHOICE member surveys, or we ask you to measure how much you put into your washer to see how much you pack in and what you put in. We’ll ask what you put in your washing machine, what programs you run, what features you think you need, and what’s on your wishlist. This guides our test methods, which is why they change every once in a while — to reflect your changing laundry habits.90003 90008 How do we choose which washing machines to test? 90009 90002 Why do we choose one washing machine over another? There are several reasons, but our priority is to test what you’ll see in the retailers. That means that sometimes we might not cover a brand that has one model that’s sold 100 samples in Australia, and instead focus on the big brand models that you’ll most likely see in the retailer. That means you can at least see it before you buy it and see if you’re happy with it.How do we know what’s in retailers? We check current market figures to see what’s selling well. We’ll also include models that you’ve requested — if a lot of members want it, we’ll test it. 90003 90002 Once we know what you want to read about, our buyers use your member fees to purchase these models from a variety of retailers, then bring them in as is. This means we get what you’d get, so we can be sure the results are what you’ll find rather than potentially ‘tweaked’. 90003 90008 How often do we test washing machines 90009 90002 Along with dishwashers, we test washing machines every 4-6 weeks, and we tend to test in batches of six.We do this because manufacturers are constantly releasing new models into the market. We’ve seen some models discontinued after just a few months, but others are available for several years. Brands that have been in the market for a long time tend to release less frequently. Newer brands seem to be releasing more frequently, perhaps looking for the best combination of features. Established brands and newer brands on the market are always looking for the balance to get the better star rating, because of how the stars perform at the checkout.90003 90008 How does CHOICE test washing machines 90009 90002 Contrary to popular opinion, we do not get CHOICE employees to bring in their dirty laundry. We use set loads of cotton materials that are used in the international testing method that are made up of bed sheets, small towels and pillow cases. Why? Because if you want to compare washing machines fairly, you have to use the same conditions for all of them. In addition, we use swatches of cloth that are embedded with a specific amount of dirt, fray swatches that are identical and detergent that is made up of a very specific formula.This is all to minimise the amount of variables so you can see which washer comes out best when comparing them. Where we can, we use the Australian and International Standards, then temper these with real-world responses from you, our members. 90003 90032 Test program selection 90033 90002 Over the years we’ve received many member responses to our product use surveys, which ask about what programs you use. Because of your feedback, CHOICE uses a set of testing criteria that generally involves a normal, cold wash.When this does not exist on a machine, we use the closest approximation to a normal, cold wash. 90003 90032 Why do CHOICE results sometimes differ to those on energy and water labels? 90033 90002 Because of this selection, you’ll sometimes see differences between what the energy and water labels say on the machine and our results. This is because manufacturers try to get as good an energy and water label as possible — the more stars they have, the better the chance you’ll buy their product. Unfortunately, often this means the program the manufacturer selects is not what consumers will choose at home.90003 90008 Test criteria explained 90009 90032 Dirt removal 90033 90002 Our lab testers subject all washing machines to the same round of rigorous scientific testing. First, using a normal cold-water wash cycle, they test each machine to see how it shifts tough stains from specially prepared cloths that have been attached to a standard wash-set of linen. After the wash cycle has finished, the testers use a special machine to examine each cloth to see how much light is reflected from each stain, which allows them to calculate how much dirt has been removed.This machine is more sensitive than the human eye: differences of six percent or more in the dirt removal scores are visible. 90003 90032 Rinse performance 90033 90002 This is a measure of how well the machines keep the dirt suspended in the water (rather than depositing it back on your clothes) and how well they rinse out the detergent. We add a marker chemical to the wash. At the end, they take a sample of the water remaining in the clothes to determine the amount of chemical that’s left — the less there is, the better the rinse.90003 90032 Water efficiency 90033 90002 Water flow meters are connected to each machine to measure water use. To compare efficiency between different-sized machines, we calculate the amount of water used per kilogram of the test load of washing. The lower the water consumption per kilogram of clothing, the higher the efficiency score. 90003 90032 Spin efficiency 90033 90002 The test load is weighed before and after each wash. The higher the score, the more water is removed, which means the washing takes less time (and energy, if you use a dryer) to dry.We use the maximum spin speed (some machines let you vary the speed). 90003 90032 Gentleness 90033 90002 To check for fabric wear, we attach swatches of easily frayed fabric to the garments in each load. The area of ​​the swatch is measured before and after the wash — the less fraying, the gentler the machine is on your clothes and the better the score. 90003 90032 Noise levels 90033 90002 The maximum noise level is recorded during the spin cycle and is measured one metre away from the machine and one metre above the ground.Typically, the noise level of these machines is similar to that of a normal conversation (about 65dB). It’s not an absolute noise measurement — the acoustics of your home will determine exactly how a machine sounds in use — but it’s a good comparative measure. 90003 90032 Reliability, satisfaction and service scores 90033 90002 Durability testing is a very long and costly process — by the time we’d get results for a model, it probably would not be on the market. Instead, we ask our members whether they’ve had any problems with their washers, and whether they’d buy the same brand again.To see which brands fared best, go to the reliability and loyalty scores in the test table. For a more in depth look at how we survey, see our washing machine reliability article. 90003 90002 Since most Australians wash in cold water, we apply a small penalty in our overall score to models that can not do a proper cold wash (at about 20 ° C) on their ‘normal’ cycle. While the higher wash temperature might slightly increase a machine’s dirt removal and rinse effectiveness scores, it also means it’s using more electricity than it would if it were able to do a true ‘cold’ wash: our penalty compensates for this.We still connect both hot and cold connections if they’re available. 90003 90008 Our laundry test lab 90009 90002 The CHOICE laundry test lab is a purpose-built facility equipped with precisely calibrated measurement tools and reference machines for our testers to bring you the right results. 90003 .90000 Washing Machine Reviews 2020 року — Best Rated By CHOICE 90001 90002 90003 Frequently asked questions 90004 90005 90006 What brands does CHOICE review? 90007 90006 Currently, our experts test front loaders and top loaders from brands including: AEG, Asko, Beko, Bosch, Euromaid, Fisher & Paykel, Haier, Kogan, LG, Miele, Panasonic, Samsung, Simpson, Speed ​​Queen and Whirlpool. 90007 90006 How does CHOICE pick models to test? 90007 90006 Our priority is testing the models you’ll see in stores and major online retailers.To do this, we check current market data to see what’s most popular. We’ll also test models that a lot of members have requested. 90007 90006 How are models tested in the lab? 90007 90006 We have our own on-site laundry lab, equipped with precisely-calibrated measurement tools and reference machines to test and compare products. Every model is tested with a standardised laundry load, cloth swatches embedded with specific amounts of dirt, fray swatches and specific detergent.These align with Australian and International Standards. 90007 90006 Our experts assess key test criteria including: dirt removal, rinse performance, water and spin efficiency, gentleness on clothes, and noise levels, plus many more. 90007 90006 Who does the testing? 90007 90006 Our expert testers — Petr Valouch, Mohamed Jawir and Graham Byrne — have over 50 years ‘combined experience in reviewing products. Additionally, some of them sit on industry standards committees, both national and international.90007 90006 How does CHOICE get the machines it reviews? 90007 90006 Unlike other product review sites, we do not accept free test models from manufacturers. This allows us to be independent and review without interference. Instead, we buy products anonymously from a variety of retailers, then bring them into our labs. This means we get what you’d get, and can be sure the model has not been potentially ‘tweaked’ for better performance. 90007 90006 How often are new models tested? 90007 90030 90006 Every four to six weeks, usually in batches of six.We do this because manufacturers are constantly releasing new front load and top load machines into the market. 90032 90007 90032 90006 Why do CHOICE’s ratings for water and energy use differ to manufacturers ‘star ratings? 90007 90006 The labels ‘star ratings are calculated using a full load, warm wash, as specified by the Australian Standard. However, CHOICE has found most consumers actually use a 3.5kg cold wash, so we use this in our testing to truly reflect real use at home.90007 .90000 Front load washing machine reviews 90001 90002 Front loading washing machines, as the name would suggest, are loaded and unloaded from the front rather than the top, but the differences go deeper than that. Understanding the difference in operation, performance, price and characteristics is key to choosing the right washer for you. 90003 90002 We’ve broken the differences down to help you figure out if there’s a front loader in your future. 90003 90002 On this page: 90003 90008 How do front loading washing machines work? 90009 90002 Front loaders work by tumbling your washing — repeatedly picking up your clothes and dropping them into soapy water.They do not have agitators or impellers like a conventional top loader, and instead use gravity and this tumbling action to wash. 90003 90002 While it sounds harsh, this action is actually quite gentle on clothes. It also means less water is needed than in an equivalent top loader as clothes do not need to be fully submerged. A front loader is a very water and energy efficient option for your laundry. 90003 90008 Pros and cons of front loading washing machines 90009 90016 Advantages: 90017 90018 90019 better washing performance 90020 90019 gentler on clothes 90020 90019 more energy and water efficient 90020 90019 cheaper to run 90020 90019 more temperature options 90020 90019 higher spin speeds, for shorter drying time 90020 90019 better fit in small spaces 90020 90019 top surface can be used as a workbench.90020 90035 90016 Disadvantages: 90017 90018 90019 you may not be able to add or remove items mid-cycle 90020 90019 take a long time to wash a load 90020 90019 typically more expensive 90020 90019 heavier 90020 90019 more prone to vibration 90020 90019 often do not have a hot water inlet 90020 90019 tend to leave clothes more creased 90020 90019 tend to be noisier 90020 90019 poorer rinse performance. 90020 90035 90008 Front loader washing performance 90009 90016 Is a front loader kinder on clothes? 90017 90002 Yes.Front loading washing machines tumble your clothes using gravity, rather than an agitator or impeller. Therefore they’re quite gentle on clothes, so score higher for gentleness in our tests. 90003 90002 Higher spin speeds do make your clothes more prone to creasing, but you can usually dial the spin speed down if creases are a concern for you. Front loaders are also more adept at handling unbalanced loads, as the tumbling action helps to evenly redistribute your laundry. 90003 90016 Temperature wash options 90017 90002 Front loaders generally offer more temperature options than top loaders because they use an internal heater rather than hot water from the tap (which is a maximum of 65 degrees).90003 90002 So while most front loaders do not have a hot water inlet, they can comfortably wash at up to 90 degrees (which is partly why you can not open the door mid-cycle). While heating water this way is more expensive than using off peak electricity or solar, the low volume of water used means top loaders are still cost effective to run, even on hot cycles. 90003 90002 Most front loaders can comfortably wash at up to 90 degrees.90003 90016 Do front loaders need hot and cold water connections? 90075 90017 90002 The majority of front loaders only have a cold water intake, and have an internal heater instead of a hot water inlet. This gives you more precise temperature control and location options as you only need a cold tap. It also means you can not hook up your new front loader to a solar hot water service if you have one. 90003 90002 There are still quite a few front loaders with both hot and cold water intakes available though, so if you have solar hot water and regularly wash in warm water then one of these may be more cost effective, as your hot water is essentially free.90003 90016 Average program wash time 90017 90002 Front loaders take longer than top loaders to complete a full wash cycle — a bit over two hours on average from our washing machine tests, which is twice as long as the average top loader. Some even take up to three hours. 90003 90002 Our tests show longer wash times do not necessarily correlate to cleaner clothes though, and you should consider how the length of a wash cycle will impact your lifestyle before you buy. Many front loaders do have a fast wash program, which is great for day-to-day washing, but it may not be suitable for large or heavily soiled loads.90003 90002 What does it mean in real terms? this front loader vs. top loader comparison shows you the average cycle times, water and energy usage from the currently available washing machines we’ve tested: 90003 90002 Table notes: So for both our testing (3.5kg load, cold wash) and the Australian standard test (full capacity load, warm wash), a front loader uses less water than a top loader, but takes significantly longer. However you’ll also notice that for a cold wash a top loader uses less energy than a front loader, whereas for a warm wash the opposite is true.The reason is, for the warm wash most of the energy used is for heating the water, and as top loaders use more water, there’s more heating required. For a cold wash, where no water heating takes place, the greater energy consumption is due to the longer cycle time, though you’ll note for both front and top loaders, a cold wash uses significantly less energy than warm wash. 90003 90016 Are front loading washing machines noisy? 90017 90002 Front loaders are a little noisier than top loaders, averaging around 61dBA, or about as loud as a normal conversation, and higher spin speeds also mean they tend to have a higher pitch.In comparison, top loaders average 58dBA, which is not a huge difference, but one that’s noticeable to the human ear. 90003 90002 These are hardly rock concert volumes, but if your laundry is close to living areas then you may want to opt for a washer with a diminutive decibel output. 90003 90016 Spin capability 90017 90002 Front loaders have higher spin speeds than top loaders, with 1,600 rpm spin cycles increasingly common. This is good because the higher the spin speed, the more water extracted from your clothes, reducing drying time (and energy if you use a clothes dryer).90003 90002 The flipside is increased creasing, and it can crush the pile on your towels, making them scratchy. Most washers offer a range of speeds to suit different laundry types, so you can easily adjust this for the load you’re doing at the time. A high maximum speed gives you the most options. 90003 90002 There’s a wide range between a basic and premium front loader. 90003 90008 What’s the difference between basic, good and premium models? 90009 90002 With prices ranging from around $ 650 to more than $ 3000, there’s a wide range between a basic and premium front loader.Aside from differences in performance and capacity, higher prices translate to more features, ranging from a wider range of programs, time delay and sensor wash, through to full home network integration. 90003 90008 While a Wi-Fi enabled washer sounds seductive, you should take a step back and think about whether you need all the advanced features, because there’s no point paying for something you’ll never use. 90009 90008 What’s the difference between front loader and top loader detergents? 90009 90002 Because front loaders use less water and a tumbling action they do not need as many suds as a top loader.As a result, front loader detergents contain a suds inhibitor so your machine does not overflow and flood your laundry. 90003 90002 So do not use a laundry detergent designed for a top loader in your front loader or you may be left with a foamy mess to clean up and possibly even a damaged appliance. Though you can use a front loading detergent in a top loader because they do not generate as many suds (though you may need to add a little more detergent than you normally would). 90003 90002 These days there’s a growing number of laundry detergents that have been developed for use in both front and top loaders.90003 90008 Energy and water efficiency 90009 90016 Water consumption 90017 90002 As you’d expect, the larger the washer the more water it will use, but front loaders can use up to 70% less water than the equivalent size top loader (36,000 litres per year in a typical household). This is good news if you’re on tank water, because front loaders do not need clothes to float around for effective washing — instead your clothes are washed by repeatedly picking them up and dropping them into the wash water.90003 90002 Many modern washing machines are also able to vary their water consumption based on the size of your laundry load, so look for a machine with a sensor if water wastage worries you. This also explains why our test results and the figures quoted on the water label are different — our tests use a 3.5kg load, but the star ratings are measured at full capacity. 90003 90002 It’s also worth remembering that many machines try to compensate for unbalanced loads by adding additional water, so it’s doubly important to load your washing machine carefully.90003 90016 How much power do they use? 90017 90002 Front-loaders are more energy efficient than top loaders, in part because front loaders take advantage of gravity for their wash action, rather than using an agitator or impeller. They also use less water, which means less mass to move about, so the motors do not have to work as hard. 90003 90002 As front loaders do not have agitators taking up space in the drum, you can also fit more clothes in the same sized appliance, so you can wash more with fewer runs, and fewer runs means less water and electricity used.90003 90002 If you use a clothes dryer, then front loaders also offer knock-on efficiencies — their higher spin speeds extract more water from your clothes, so your dryer does not have to work as hard. 90003 90008 How big are front loaders? 90009 90016 What’s the range? 90017 90002 Most front loaders are a standard size — 85 x 60 x 60cm — so they can be installed under your kitchen or laundry bench-top, which is handy for smaller households. 90003 90002 However, we’re starting to see high-capacity (up to 16kg) front loaders which are built to a larger US standard dimension.While they will not fit under a bench-top, they’re no bigger than a typical top loader. 90003 90002 There are also some smaller capacity front loaders that are significantly smaller than the standard, making them suitable for granny flats or smaller apartments. Regardless of size, all front loaders have the advantage of a flat top surface that can be used as a workbench. And being front loading means you can mount a clothes dryer above your washer, making them a good choice for smaller laundries.90003 90002 One drawback of front loading washing machines is that they’re heavy, as they use ballast to help keep them stable. While this does not impact day to day operation, you’ll notice the weight if you move house frequently, or need to manoeuvre your new washer up several flights of stairs. 90003 90002 Front loaders have an average capacity of over 8kg 90003 90008 Average capacity for load 90009 90002 With an average capacity of over 8kg (for the models we’ve tested), front loaders offer more capacity in a smaller package than a typical top loader (just over 7.5kg), partly because they do not have an agitator, which takes up a lot of space. 90003 90002 Front loaders are also increasing in capacity, and we’re starting to see 16kg models appearing on the market — great news for large families — as well as a new style of laundry appliance combining both a front and top loader into one. 90003 90016 Can you put them in a cupboard or cabinet? 90017 90002 Yes. The majority of front loaders are built to fit in a standard 60cm kitchen alcove, so you can easily install them under your kitchen counter or in a laundry niche.Front loading washing machines are also suitable for installation under a shelf, cupboard, dryer or enclosure as you do not need to access the entire top of the appliance. 90003 90008 Average cost for a front loader 90009 90002 Front loaders cost a little more than top loaders due to their complexity. The models we’ve tested range from about $ 600 to over $ 3000, and you can generally expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars more than you would for the equivalent top loader. 90003 90002 Remember though the prices we quote in our tests are recommended retail, and at the end of the day the only price that matters is the one you can negotiate.90003 90008 What about a front loader washer with a dryer included? 90009 90002 Combining a washer and a dryer into the one appliance makes sense, particularly if you do not have a lot of laundry space, and there’s a growing number of washer dryer combos that do just that. 90003 90002 While their clothes cleaning performance is comparable to a standalone washing machine, we’ve found their drying is more than a little lackluster and they can take a long time and use a lot of water (up to 6 hours and 210 litres) to dry a load of clothes.90003 90002 Their added complexity can also cause headaches in reliability terms. So while the technology is improving, we’ve found you’re better off with stand-alone washers and dryers. 90003 90002 Run your washing machine’s cleaning cycle (if available) or give it an occasional run on its hottest cycle with a good-quality detergent. 90003 90008 How to clean a front loader 90009 90002 Over time, detergent residue — or scrud — can build up in your washing machine, particularly if you wash in cold water.Regardless of the type of washing machine you choose, scrud build-up can cause detergent deposits on your clothes and can even cause your washing machine to lock up entirely. 90003 90008 Remove scrud by running your washing machine’s cleaning cycle (if available) or give it an occasional run on its hottest cycle with a good-quality detergent. If you wash in cold then running the occasional hot water wash will also help keep scrud at bay and should become part of your washing machine cleaning routine.90009 90008 Life expectancy 90009 90002 A washing machine is a considerable investment and we expect our washers to last at least 10 years. While long term durability is beyond the scope of our tests, we regularly survey our members to learn more about their experiences with their own washing machines. 90003 90002 Check out our washing machine reliability survey to see how the different brands stack up in terms of reliability, owner satisfaction and service support. 90003 90002 Front loaders can be susceptible to vibration on some timber floors 90003 90008 What to consider when installing a front loader 90009 90016 Weight 90017 90002 Front loaders are heavy, and this may be a factor if you need to maneuver your washer up several flights of stairs, or you move house fairly regularly.90003 90016 Floor condition 90017 90002 Front loaders can be susceptible to vibration on some timber floors. If you’ve got questionable flooring then you may need to move your washer to a stable corner, or even mount it on a plate or board to keep it stable. 90003 90016 Laundry layout 90017 90002 If you’ve got a clothes dryer, then a front loading washer means you can mount the dryer above it, saving you space. While vented dryers can be wall mounted, condenser and heat pump dryers must be stacked on the washer itself.Some dryers can only be stacked on the same brand washing machine, so check with your manufacturer or retailer first. The flat top of front loaders also gives you an extra work surface, which can be handy. 90003 90016 Transportation 90017 90002 Unlike top loaders, front loaders are shipped with transfer bolts installed to prevent damage. It’s a good idea to keep these bolts handy for if you need to move house. 90003 90008 Should I buy a front loader? 90009 90002 Almost certainly. While everyone’s requirements are different and there may be genuine reasons why a top loader is better for you (see our guide to top loaders), on the whole we’ve found front loaders perform better, are gentler on clothes, take up less space and are more energy and water efficient.90003 90002 Yes, they cost a little more to buy and take longer to complete a cycle, but the trade-off is cleaner clothes, and cheaper running costs for the life of the machine, which helps to offset the purchase price. So if you want better washing then your future is likely to be front loading. 90003 .90000 Samsung washing machine recall — what you should know 90001 90002 Samsung will reassess 32,000 top loader washing machines which have already been «repaired» as part of a recall process which has dragged out for nearly three years. 90003 90002 The backflip in Samsung’s recall strategy comes in the wake of two fires and a further 25 incidents with recalled machines that have already been repaired by Samsung, raising questions about the effectiveness of the fix put in place by Samsung. 90003 90002 Meanwhile, NSW Fire and Rescue is considering asking the State Coroner to hold an inquiry into the fires involving Samsung washing machines.90003 90002 Own one of Samsung’s recalled machines? Find out how to get a refund below. 90003 90010 Transparency needed 90011 90002 In 2013, Samsung recalled 144,451 top loader washing machines after it found problems with condensation on the electrical connectors. 90003 90002 For the first two years of the recall, Samsung was only offering consumers a repair, which involved installing a fire-retardant plastic bag over the electrical connectors. 90003 90002 «Given Samsung has known about problems with the repair process for at least a year, we need Samsung to come clean and explain what ‘mistakes’ have led to 32,000 repaired machines needing to be physically reassessed,» says CHOICE’s head of media Tom Godfrey .90003 90002 «We believe Samsung should cease reworking faulty machines until an independent and transparent review of the rework solution is undertaken,» says Godfrey. 90003 90002 While many consumers have been exercising their right to receive a refund or a replacement for their faulty Samsung washing machines following a definitive statement released by the ACCC last year and a vigorous campaign by CHOICE, repaired machines still account for the largest proportion of rectified machines . 90003 90002 «This latest decision means there may be approximately 70,000 potentially hazardous washing machines in homes across Australia,» says Godfrey.90003 90010 «Repairs» still being defended 90011 90002 Despite the incidents with repaired machines, Samsung has stood by its repair job. When CHOICE questioned Samsung about it back in July last year, Samsung said: «We are 100% confident of the rework process where applied in accordance with the instructions provided to the trained technicians. The rework is a complete solution that, when applied correctly by a trained technician, eliminates the risk of an affected top loader washing machine overheating, smoking or catching fire «.90003 90002 NSW Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Victor Dominello also backed the repair job saying that «the reworked machines meet the safety requirements of Australian Standards and are independently certified following repair». 90003 90002 Samsung Electronics Australia corporate vice president Phillip Newton said in a statement that «Samsung is making significant changes to the washing machine recall to address customers ‘key concerns. The recall is unprecedented in its size and complexity, but this is not an excuse.We are committed to continuing to improve our operations. «90003 90002 In total, there have been at least 82 fires and 180 incidents with Samsung’s recalled machines. 90003 90002 The six models affected as part of the recall include: 90003 90036 90037 SW75V9WIP 90038 90037 SW65V9WIP 90038 90037 SW70SPWIP 90038 90037 SW80SPWIP 90038 90037 WA85GWGIP 90038 90037 WA85GWWIP 90038 90049 90002 The models were manufactured between 2010 and 2013. 90003 90010 Your rights 90011 90002 We’re reminding anyone who has an affected machine of their rights under Australian Consumer Law.90003 90002 When a product has a ‘major’ failure under Australian Consumer Law, it is the consumer’s decision as to whether or not they get a repair, replacement or a refund. When it comes to these top loaders, our advice remains that consumers should push for a refund. 90003 90002 For those with a repaired machine, if these rights were not disclosed at the time of the repair we believe they should be allowed to have their reworked machine refunded or replaced at no penalty. 90003 .