Fridger defrost timer gone, is it legal to change it myself?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Fridger defrost timer gone, is it legal to change it myself?

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#1295706 2-May-2015 14:10

So bung that would mean me as owner can replace the plug in component and then test it?

gregmcc

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#1295726 2-May-2015 14:21

TeaLeaf: Yeah thats the crazy thing, Im not even doing any wiring vs high voltage wiring of a home lightswitch etc, Im replacing a plug in component. Seems ridiculous to need a sparky to check over what is a replaceable component that an appliamce parts store is prepared to sell me and has said I can do myself.

What does the fridge plug in to 230V, just like the rest of the house wiring!!!

I thought thats what subsection 2 was.

Only got 6 months from $130, just seems like such an eco waste to throw away a fridge but Im not spending $300 fixing it.

TeaLeaf

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#1295792 2-May-2015 16:20

well its going again, but it will just freeze up, so going to look around for a new fridge in between the cycle of it doing that.

afe66

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#1295795 2-May-2015 16:34

Well if you bought it new and it broke down 6 months later, wouldn't CGA cover it?

If it was second hand well , you probably got what you paid for it.

Remember just because you think you can fix it, your insurance company might disagree.

If there was a fire in which you might lose slot more than the cost of another fridge.

Some things just cost money.

A

TeaLeaf

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#1295819 2-May-2015 17:55

Yeah I know, just seems like a wasteful society throwing away a good fridge for one component that appliance parts stores sell to the general public.

Im not wiring anything, Im pulling a part off and putting it back on. I dont see why they can sell them if this is illegal.

andrewNZ

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#1295836 2-May-2015 18:43

In professional my opinion, if the failed device just plugs in (and you don't have to touch the wires attached), its not prescribed electrical work. Its no different to changing a lamp.

Fred99

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#1296044 3-May-2015 11:11

ECP50 (appliances) and ECP51 (wiring) set out what the homeowner is allowed to do, which is a hell of a lot more than is often suggested by the inevitable "you're not allowed to do (anything)" responses which seem to always come up when such questions are asked.
Another side to it is that both documents demand "competency" to meet code - and if someone has to ask in a forum how to change a light fitting or if they're allowed to change a thermostat on an appliance, then their competence has to be in question, to carry out the work and/or to understand under which circumstances they're allowed to do the work.

To work on appliances in situations not exempt under ECP50, while poytechnics offer short block courses to pass theory and some practical components, you still need to work (under supervision) for a minimum of 18 months to gain work experience required for limited registration.

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TeaLeaf

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#1296083 3-May-2015 12:51

Well Im just confused as well, Im not changing wiring, modifying circuitry and I am well aware doing such is highly dangerous at high voltage.

but this is the type of part im refering to, most defrost fridges have them but you have to get the specific one for your fridge not just any old one or thats dangerous. but ive had confirmed which one I need and have an appliance store ready to sell me one, but im told im not allowed to install it on here...... so im confused.

Defrost timer

Niel

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#1296090 3-May-2015 13:32

I love that in NZ things are self regulated, you are allowed to do lots as long as you are competent (which is open to interpretation). But hate the "not allowed" attitudes of late. If it is yours, you can work on it but you have to weigh the risk and seek help where needed. Part of the risk could be that your insurance will not pay out for your mess, but people need to quote applicable rules if they believe something is not allowed.

Basically you are not allowed to work on (change) permanent wiring like inside walls or the switch board. And if you own the house you live in, then you are allowed to change fittings for similar ones but not make significant changes. Similarly you also need a plumber to work on (permanent) water (or gas) pipes. All this is covered by links posted multiple times on this (and other) forum.

You can never have enough Volvos!

robjg63

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#1296182 3-May-2015 17:02

TeaLeaf: Well Im just confused as well, Im not changing wiring, modifying circuitry and I am well aware doing such is highly dangerous at high voltage.

but this is the type of part im refering to, most defrost fridges have them but you have to get the specific one for your fridge not just any old one or thats dangerous. but ive had confirmed which one I need and have an appliance store ready to sell me one, but im told im not allowed to install it on here...... so im confused.

Defrost timer

So its an unplug the old one and plug in the replacement sort of job?
Seriously - I dont see why you are angsting about it.
The hardest part will be getting access to it - is that easy enough?

Nothing is impossible for the man who doesn't have to do it himself - A. H. Weiler

TeaLeaf

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#1296216 3-May-2015 18:06

robjg63:

So its an unplug the old one and plug in the replacement sort of job?
Seriously - I dont see why you are angsting about it.
The hardest part will be getting access to it - is that easy enough?

Yes thats all it is, its screwed to the back lower left of the fridge, ive already pulled it out to see if its not burnt out or anything nuts. the timers supposedly get lazy and the contacts can get bad so need replacing, that along with a bad thermostat are 2 of the biggest causes im told for frost free freezers icing up and the fridge going warm.

you simply plug the new new one in and put the 2 screws back on which line up perfectly, its a replacement part.

but no, im told on here this is not allowed.

im not changing wiring and id never condone that, or be that stupid.

Athlonite

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#1296256 3-May-2015 19:58

TeaLeaf: yeah i read that, thats part i find strange when you can buy the parts on line. they simply pull out and push back in again. im not rewiring anything.

so I HAVE to have a sparky check it over, will cost me more than the fridge is worth.

i can understand the need for regulations when changing wiring etc, but when it just slots in, seems a bit much.

now im wondering how much will cost to take to the tip.

If the part is not hard wired and just plug in then you're good to go and DIY it as long as the part being replaced is the same as in the fridge, no different than replacing a light bulb

Niel

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#1296284 3-May-2015 21:16

The (internal) frost-free fan can also fail so the "coolness" is not circulated any more, it is worth checking (especially on a freezer). Happened to our Smeg after 3 years, and reported to be very common on a lot of "high end" units. The wires entering the fan is potted, but the potting is hard and cracks over time letting in moisture. Got the replacement off eBay for a fraction of the local price and I've put some food grade silicone sealer over the cable entry to form a flexible seal. This is a double door fridge freezer with ice maker, first issue we noticed was ice melting and then food was not frozen. BTW this fridge freezer has only the compressor running off mains, everything else is 12V and is a relabelled Daewoo.

You can never have enough Volvos!

TeaLeaf

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#1296304 3-May-2015 21:52

thanks guys

checked the fan first, was all good. thermostats go too.

just feel wary now because we have been told on here its illegal to replace parts.

i didnt realise all of a fridge freezer was 230v as told earlier.

Fred99

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#1297605 4-May-2015 12:50

TeaLeaf: thanks guys

checked the fan first, was all good. thermostats go too.

just feel wary now because we have been told on here its illegal to replace parts.

i didnt realise all of a fridge freezer was 230v as told earlier.

Are you sure it isn't the door seals?
If so, then the fridge compressor will be working overtime to keep the compartment temperature down, and stuff stored in the fridge near and under the cold outlet/radiator will freeze-up as the extra cold air flows down to eventually disappear out the bottom of the door.
Put a torch in the fridge tonight, close the door, turn the room lights off, and take a look.

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