Bay Appliance Repair

AGITATOR
A device that is used to stir or shake up a mixture. Typically used to move clothing through water containing detergent. Sometimes called a GYRATOR.

COLD CONTROL
A switch that controls an electric current in response to changing temperature. More properly called a THERMOSTAT.

COMPRESSOR
An electro-mechanical device used to circulate refrigerant through a refrigeration system for the purpose of transferring heat.

DEFROST TERMINATION THERMOSTAT
A bimetal switch used to open the electric circuit to the defrost heater once a set temperature is reached. The defrost cycle will continue until the timer advances into the cooling cycle, however the heater will no longer be energized. This thermostat will reset to a closed position once a set colder temperature is again reached. May also be called a DEFROST LIMIT SWITCH.

DEFROST TIMER
An electro-mechanical clock device that periodically switches from cooling to defrost to remove the buildup of frost from the evaporator. A possible compressor run time of 6 - 12 hrs. with defrost duration time of 20 - 30 minutes is common.

DOOR SEAL
A resilient or flexible material used between mating surfaces to provide a leak-proof seal. May also be called a DOOR GASKET.

DRAIN PAN
A pan-shaped panel used to collect condensate from the evaporator during a defrost cycle. It is usually located above a condenser coil or atop the compressor. May also be called CONDENSATE PAN.

DRIP PAN/TRAY
A pan-shaped panel used to collect drips, spillage or condensate.

EVAPORATOR
That part of the refrigeration system in which the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the surrounding area. Sometime mistakenly thought to be that point where the drain pan evaporates the condensate water.

FILL VALVE
An electro-mechanical device that opens a valve to allow water to flow. The electric current causes a magnetic field to develop in the solenoid coil which in turn then moves a metallic plunger. The plunger is attached to a diaphragm which opens the valve. May also be called a WATER VALVE or WATER FILL VALVE.

FILTER DRYER
A device containing screens and absorbent material through which refrigerant gas is passed in order to remove moisture that would be detrimental to other components and the functioning of a refrigeration system.

FILTER
A device containing a porous material or a material itself, through which a liquid or gas is passed in order to separate suspended particulate matter. Common filter materials are activated charcoal, polypropylene and HEPA (high efficiency particulate air [filter]).

FREON
Trade name for a family of synthetic chemical refrigerants manufactured by DuPont. Sometime mistakenly called FreeZone.

FUSE
A safety device that protects an electric circuit from excessive current. It consists of or contains a metal filament that melts when current exceeds a specific amperage, thereby opening the circuit.

GASKET
A resilient or flexible material used between mating surfaces to provide a leak-proof seal. May also be called a SEAL

IGNITOR
A solid state semiconductor, usually made of Carborundum that produces heat when a current is applied. Typically used to ignite natural gas or propane in heating appliances such as ranges, dryers and water heaters.

INFINITE HEAT SWITCH
A switch that controls the amount of heat generated by an electric range surface burner. It accomplishes this by quickly cycling the voltage on and off to achieve an intermediate range (e.g. at medium it may supply 100% voltage for only 50% of the time it is switched on). It does not act like a rheostat and reduce the voltage, to lessen the heat generated, as sometime mistakenly thought.

MOULDING
A piece of plastic used to cover the joint between the inner and outer cabinet of a refrigerator or freezer. May also be called a BREAKER STRIP.

PRESSURE SWITCH
An electric switch activated by air pressure. This device detects air pressure exerted on it through a flexible tube connecting it to part of a water tub. When activated, this switch then opens an electrical circuit stopping further filling of the machine. May also be called a WATER PRESSURE SWITCH, WATER LEVEL CONTROL.

PUMP
A machine or device for moving or compressing fluids or gases.

RELAY
An electro-mechanical switch that diverts the current when the flow is changed or when an external current is applied.

SOLENOID
An electro-mechanical device that produces a magnetic field, to move an internal metallic plunger, when power is supplied. When power to the electromagnet is discontinued, the plunger is free again to move by other forces. This plunger can be attached to other devices (levers, seals, etc.) to do mechanical work.

THERMOSTAT
A switch that controls an electric current or the flow of a liquid or gas in response to changing temperature.

TIMER
A mechanism used to control the on and off times of an electric circuit. Also see DEFROST TIMER.

WATER LEVEL CONTROL
An electric switch activated by air pressure. This device detects air pressure exerted on it through a flexible tube connecting it to part of a water tub. When activated, this switch then opens an electrical circuit stopping further filling of the machine. May also be called a PRESSURE SWITCH.

WATER VALVE
An electro-mechanical device that opens a valve to allow water to flow. The electric current causes a magnetic field to develop, in the solenoid coil, which then mov