Author Topic: DC08 stopped but motor works on bench test - Totally puzzled (Read 3798 times)

Anticyclone · « **on:** April 15, 2019, 10:59:05 pm »

Hi. I'm new here- trying to get some advice on my DC08 which has stopped working. It seemed to short at the wall plug due to loose wire in plug. Fixed that and tested fuse (OK) but still won't run. Thought it might have cut out due to overheating so left to cool. Still not working after several hours/(now days). Used phase test screwdriver to check supply. Seems live all the way to the motor. BUT indicates live on both terminals of switch even after 'switching' it 'off'. Took motor out and connected directly - it ran. fitted a new switch - still nothing. Used tester to test continuity on switch when out of machine. Continuity ok when switch pressed 'on' and looses continuity when off. This is same for both old and replacement switches. Cant understand how it seems to be live either side of switch no matter if depressed or not and why the motor won't run when connected but will run on direct supply. Scratching head!!!

Tim100 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2019, 11:15:46 pm »

If u are using one of them neon screw drivers they can give false readings better to use a multi meter and check for continuity have u tested the neutral in the flex as it sounds like there night be a break in it it is were I would start

MVacs · « **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2019, 11:17:04 pm »

Indeed, I’d suggest the fault lies in the cable rewind.

And like Tim says, use a multimeter not a neon.

ryevac · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2019, 11:55:05 pm »

Yes, exactly what the guys say... open circuit on the neutral cable, if you are getting a live indication on both motor terminals.

Anticyclone · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2019, 08:33:40 am »

Thank you for your replies. I now have a working multimeter (was not available when I first encountered the problem a few days ago). I will use that to test and see how I get on. Thanks

Anticyclone · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2019, 10:26:44 am »

Thanks to all. I checked the neutral for continuity as suggested and bingo! no circuit. Based on this and original problem (loose live in plug) I surmised that there may have been undue pulling of the neutral near the plug at the same time the live got loosened and there may be a break in the neutral wire near the plug . So I stripped back a few cm and reconnected the plug on the new section of cable and tested continuity again - Result! Put everything back together and now the machine is working again. Huge thank you