ISE W288 ECO Motor Controller/ Frequency Converter Module

[AndyM]

Hi,

In March 2018 I had an issue with my ISE W288 when it stopped mid cycle. I managed to track the problem down to a blown resister and chip on the controller board. Because my soldering skills were not up to scratch i ended up buying a new controller. Everything was working fine until a week ago when I heard a loud pop and the machine stopped mid cycle again. This time I traced the problem to the motor Frequency Converter Module. A small surface mounted capacitor has blown and taken out a number of other small components at the same time. My question is could there be something else wrong with my washing machine that is causing components to blow or am i worrying too much. As you can understand I am reluctant to install the new module that I have purchased if it is going to blow again. 

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It's definitely possible for something like a faulty motor to blow something in a pcb. Ideally it should be checked with an insulation test meter but they are specialist expensive meter only carried by repair engineers.

[AndyM]

Hi, Thanks for the reply.

I discovered that It was the main chip hidden under a heat sink that had blown and taken out the other components on the reverse side of the board.

Is it possible for a faulty motor to be responsible for damaging two separate modules over a year apart? Is this something you have encountered before.

If so I can get the motor tested, luckily on the estate where I work there is a company that deals with electric motors.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Best get it tested if that’s an option. However, as I expect you suspect yourself if a motor had a fault that would damage PCB components it seems highly unlikely it would behave for any length of time before doing it again. It’s possible both incidents have separate causes or even both incidents were not caused by other parts. Potentially power surges in the mains could be an issue although you’d hope the PCB would be protected by an appropriate fuse. 

I would definitely consider using a surge protector adapter to project the appliance in future. 

[AndyM]

Sound like a sensible idea, I will get a surge protector. So far the machine has been behaving and I am hoping I have just had a run of bad luck...Fingers crossed....Thanks for the help.