12002535 Maytag Wax Motor Meltdown Pictures

As I forewarned... here is a graphic picture Mr. Chapman sent me of a Maytag Neptune wax motor that got a little too hot! Thank you Mr. Chapman!

This particular device was in the detergent dispenser section and when the machine was running it tripped the circuit breaker. The tripped circuit breaker was reset and then it tripped again. After a few breaker trips and resets there was a burning smell surrounding the Neptune. That is when Mr. Chapman dug in to the machine and discovered the wax motor meltdown.

1. What is a wax motor?

• A wax motor is a low cost linear actuator device designed to push something to make it move. It takes the input voltage and produces heat. As the wax heats up it expands and pushes the actuator out.

2. An alternative device to a wax motor?

• A solenoid. A solenoid uses a coil of wire to generate a magnetic field and causes a steel plunger to push out or it could pull in.

3. Wax motor verses solenoid?

• The w.m. wins the lowest cost award. The big reason is that a solenoid has copper wire and steel in it which costs considerably more than a heating device and wax.
• The w.m. wins the lowest weight award. Again, the copper and steel add up quickly in weight.
• The w.m. wins the quiet award. The solenoids usually create a click when energizing and de-energizing.
• The solenoid wins with the fastest speed. The w.m. takes ~45 seconds to extend fully where solenoids can take only milliseconds to actuate.

Can you think of anymore pros and cons of both the wax motors and solenoids? If so, please comment!

Until next time...