Washing Machine Motor Wiring Explained (3 Phase Induction)

How to wire a 3 phase induction motor recovered from a Hotpoint Aqualtis AQ7L washing machine. (and why not to bother)! A little understanding of what is going on inside and also, how to measure the speed of the motors rotation.
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[@washertech]

I remember watching this ages ago thinking it wouldn’t be useful! But I’m very wrong as I’ve found a Hotpoint with that type of motor. And plan to use the motor that it came with (brushless motor) not sure how powerful and good it will be for destruction. But thanks for the explanation! Good thing I remembered you did this lol

[@diggeronenineone7254]

Thanks for this, I got given one of these motors, from a hotpoint I think, I was going to use it in a DIY bench sander but you've just saved me time and frustration because I would never had worked this out for myself, I watched a couple of other videos about this but to be honest yours was the only one I really understood.

[@bootsowen]

Excellent. I have posted a more recent one using a variable frequency drive to power a similar motor.

[@owensdaniels6244]

thanks bootsowen i just bought one i cant use, ok ill buy one with the brushes you helped me a lot today

[@whirlpool_addict_]

That battery experiment is exactly what a washing machine does when slowing down from a spin cycle :) (It's called a Spin Brake and only some washers do spin brakes :))

[@nitroboom1282]

It’s best to get a run capacitor of a blower motor or a microwave or something like that to get it to run smoother and will let it start on it’s own than the way you showed the way to do it is to wire a power wire and neutral to 2 of the connectors make sure that the live has 2 wires one of them will be in series with the capacitor and then the motor and the rest just plug them into the other 2 slots for the windings and maybe if you could cut the winding across the live to the capacitor winding NOT THE EXTERNAL WIRE but the internal winding so the electricity goes through either the main winding or the capacitor winding back to neutral and not through the capacitor to the main winding not like I’ve done this before I guess it’s just plug play and wait for the red to pop! anyway nice vids keep it up ❤❤❤

[@lasurvivor47]

Brilliant....You just answered my question. Thank you!

[@keithsmith3660]

Really well explained, thanks Boots. 👍

[@bootsowen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@philweatherill977]

Really Clear and easy to understand helpful video - thanks.

[@doktordoktor3937]

Thank you

[@ElRealista7]

I still have the motor controller, can i wire the 230v directly to it and make the motor work this way, or does it need a signal to tell him when to turn. The controller has some red cables which i think are for the signals. Thanks

[@kolinevans9127]

Your video was very helpful to me as i probably have looked at this motor from a distance an thought it was a universal motor {and bypassed it} - as i did not know they designed this '3 phase' to look like a uni motor - so i find that very helpful - and i thank you. as for the issue you are having you maybe want to research more into '3Phase' and different configurations and connections you can achieve. if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask i'd be happy to share any info i have with regard to running that motor on so called 'single phase'

[@maybelilly1]

if you can help I have a 3 phase motor as well left over and would like to use it to power a honey spinner, any help would be great please what can I do to control it and make it run smoothly, thanks Keith

[@RKalos]

Very helpful!!Thank you!

[@dhammikak]

How do you know if it is a 3 phase induction motor or a single-phase induction motor with a starting winding? For that, you need to check the resistance of each winding. Either single phase with starting winding or a three-phase winding you can run it with properly rated capacitors.

[@ronen124]

good explanation, I will pass that info to my landlord

[@bootsowen]

Why?

[@ronen124]

@@bootsowen the landlord where I work has a hobby of wood making and a workshop for that in place, he wanted to make a DIY bench grinder of some kind with a brush less motor he salvaged and that became warm very easily even with one phase 220v connection.

[@boblambert9976]

what about using the controler from the washing machine?

[@bootsowen]

Have you tried it?

[@randallmarsh446]

yes how would you wire the 6 wire setup for 3 phase.same as single phase 120 volt?after rewatching i see my question has been answered in the video.thanks anyways..good video

[@marcemarce9821]

Thank you! I was thinking making a table saw using a washer machine motor, no can't use it lol. How about using 110v hot to brown & the other 3 the neutral? Can anyone tell me thanks

[@bootsowen]

Why don’t you try it? You know it won’t work but make a video and show the world? Be safe!

[@marcemarce9821]

@@bootsowen true, I may, the motor looks very good,

[@snap-off5383]

You can harvest the frequency controller along with the motor when tearing it out of the washer.

[@kadnero4423]

Where and how

[@snap-off5383]

@@kadnero4423 Follow the wires going to the motor to its first big main board. It will have a bunch of transistors and heatsinks on it. That's the frequency controller. You just have to find the input, it will want a "pulse width modulated" input signal and 120/220v power.

[@kadnero4423]

@@snap-off5383 Thank you

[@unobianconero5751]

what type of duty cycle are washing machine motors? s1? or what? can it be running for hours without getting damage or be overheated? for example a 500 watts electromotor 2800 rpm

[@wfsferreira13]

Hi! I'm from Brazil, I have an engine like this, I want to know if you can directly start this engine and how I connect

[@bootsowen]

You can run this motor off the mains as I have shown. But it is rough.

[@HotpointProductions]

When you throw bricks in washers I suggest you run those induction motors to spin the drum as they're more powerful and they wont start stalling once the brick goes in so maybe you should try getting a vfd

[@bootsowen]

Thanks. It’s just hard to justify the cost.

[@w0mbhanger]

Wow i got a 3 phase so hard to find out its 5 pin out instead of 6 so it took me awhile its from a bosch nexxxt 500 so now can i get stuff to make it work out the washer? Goal was to maybe use as boat motor with battery but now its like damn i didnt know theres two types. I could put it on spin for 10 min. Anyhow plan on just using a battery is shot now. These 3 phase motor done learn somethong new now.

[@bootsowen]

are you sure it isn't a univeral motor, more likely in a washing machine. I have made a video of this here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ammtZKpmmrNpq6s, it would be perfect for your boat idea if it is.

[@MrElanrivera]

nice video.. and i wish you do the same thing for the direct drive type motor from washing machine which im thinking of putting onto my diy wood turning machine but i dont know how to configure it..

[@bootsowen]

Yes indeed, they are a bit of a mystery.

[@techcity7866]

Thanks for the video,Are you saying the washing machine motors are 3phase motor? Is there anyway I can use it for my topsoil shifter?? Help please because I was tried with a switch dimmer it works for a while then blown up. Thank you.

[@bootsowen]

usman khan hi there. Some are 3 phase like the one in this video. Most are universal. I have made other videos on wiring universal washing machine motors.

[@mustafasami3023]

Dear Bootsowen. i have the exact same motor and desparetely try to run it. have you found any way to run it with simple components such as capacitor or applying dc load etc? i do not have budget to buy VFD thats why i am asking your valuable help. thank you for such great videos!

[@bootsowen]

Perhaps you should find a more suitable motor?

[@snap-off5383]

find another washer with a 3 phase motor and harvest the motor AND the frequency controller from it.

[@lesterangol6347]

Nice

[@YTANDY100]

some washing machines have a two winding single phase induction motors (two parts of the star winding) that use a capacitor (about 10 mfd) from the second winding to one of the power (N) connections to allow it to run and you swap the capacitor power wire to the other power (L) connection for reverse :-)

[@bootsowen]

What models and years have those motors?

[@YTANDY100]

@bootsowen i cant remember make or model , but it was early 90s , i only ever saw 3 , all were different models at least , i had to change caps so they would spin properly :-)

[@bootsowen]

I have only seen universal or 3 phase recently. Early 90s is almost 30 years ago now!! ;-)

[@YTANDY100]

@bootsowen i never thought of how much time has past , im always hoping to get hold of a scrap one just for the motor , im going to guess thats never going to happen unless some one has one that has lasted till now , funny thing is i keep seeing washing machines from the 50s/60s that still work that are being scrapped but they just have an "ordinary" induction motor with a centrifugal controlled switch to disconnect the starter winding :-)

[@bootsowen]

I guess it depends on where you live but they come up from time to time. If you know a local scrap man they can watch out for one for you. ;-).

[@beAdamant]

So the main diffrenet between the universal and induction motor is the brushes?? Just wanna make sure because I have a motor without brushes only 3 wires coming out of it . I guess its Induction

[@bootsowen]

There are lots of other types of motors. These are just 2 of the main 3 washing machine motors.

[@lawrencegrant1552]

how do you wire a dc induction washing machine brushless motor 3phase

[@bootsowen]

I don't know! How do you wire a dc induction washing machine brushless motor 3phase?

[@michaelmayo3127]

In the most of mainland Europe. 3 phase power is standard in households. Washing machine can be run on 3 and 2 phases.

[@bootsowen]

Yes, but it is still quite rare to see a domestic washing machine on 3 phase. When you say 2 phases do you mean single phase?

[@michaelmayo3127]

@@bootsowen I live in Denmark and 3 phase power has been the standard supply in homes for the passed 100 years or more. Our washing-machine runs on 1 or 2 phases + neutral. There are 380 volt between phases and 240 volts between phase and neutral. The cooker ( large Smeg) oven runs on 3 or 1 phrase + neutral and the dish-washer runs on 1 phase + N. Hand-held tools run on 1 phase and is very seldom to find stationary machinery (drill press, lathes, mills) that run on 1 phase. "When you say 2 phases do you mean single phase?" Split 3 phase: -washing-machine. 1 phase for the heating element and 1 phase for the motor. You run 3 phase to the machines and then spilt into 2*230 volts. Larger commercial washing-machine use all 3 phases. In many parts of Europe, 3-phase power supply is used in ordinary households. It's more economical and allows spiting. You have both 230 and 380 volt on demand. That's were the professional hobbyist in the UK runs into a big problems.They can buy cheap used metal and woodworking machinery in the EU but, they can't run it. Puts a block on home-industries. Your videos are interesting and I like them!!

[@bootsowen]

@@michaelmayo3127 Thanks, I have put a video in my taking stuff apart video of an induction hob this week. it has an interesting wiring input, 7200w, 2 lives, 2 neutrals and 2 earths. I think so you can run it on two phases and neutral, or on two separate single phase lines across 2 breakers? or in the UK a single phase combined connection. I don't know much about electricity. I know that there is 3 phase on my street, but most houses don't have it.

[@ohm.3768]

Induction motor vs Universal Motor who wins speed test torque test

[@DrakkarCalethiel]

You can also run them with caps, still not great but it works. As you said the only real way to run them would be directly from three phase meins or with a VFD. even the cheapest 1.5HP chineesium drives cost about 200+. Really not worth it, unless you want to use it for a small lathe or mill. Got a laugh when you mentioned photon :D

[@bootsowen]

Agreed, What I didn't mention in the video is the voltage on the motor, it is not 415 anyway, it is a lower voltage, so you would have to program the VFD pretty carefully. It may well burn out the insulation on the windings at 415v. Still, I presume it is cheaper so welcome to the future!

[@DrakkarCalethiel]

bootsowen You can run them on a standard VFD without burning them out. You only have to slowly crank up the speed for some reason or it will stall/slip. I successfully installed one of these on a DIY mill and it works great, not much torque but still cheaper than buying a new 1hp motor

[@DrakkarCalethiel]

Actually you don't need a strict setup on the VFD for them since the VFD in the washer isn't tha much different than a of the shelf one. The only thing you need is a longer spinup than normal induction motors for some reason. We installed one of those on a custom mill and it works great, not much low end torque but it does the job quite nicely! (motor came out of a Miele washer, can't remember the model anymore)

[@KeltyVince]

Can you not adapt the motor driving circuit from the washing machine the three phase motor came from, so you can use the three phase motor?, or is that circuitry to interlinked with the control system of the washing machine, to be practical to adapt?

[@bootsowen]

I think you could if you were more technically/electronically minded, but from what I have seen on youtube, nobody else has done it. You could run it from a variable frequency drive (VFD) but they are expensive.

[@KeltyVince]

Thanks for your answer, I have a washing machine waiting to be stripped down, for any parts I might find useful, one of those parts I'm interested in being the motor, as it was still working well, the problem being the main drum bearing had failed rendering a decent machine unusable, a non replaceable part in this machine apparently, unless you want to spend almost the amount a new machine would cost to get the whole sealed drum assembly replaced... so when I took a look at the motor, I realized it wasn't the usual kind of motor, like in my last machine, and I decided to find out if it was worth keeping, this brought me to your video, after realising it was a three phase beast. I think it may be to much trouble to try and use the motor control circuit from the washing machine, but I'm intrigued to find out if it is possible, I tried to get a schematic, or service manual, but had no success, so If I get time, I'll try stripping out the electronics, and take a look around to see if I can figure out a way to use some of it, I have a feeling it might be quite complex as far as getting it to work the way I'm thinking, as in controlling the speed, and direction of the motor in a simple way, independent of the computer controller section. If I do manage to figure out how to utilize parts of the machine to make the motor useful, then I'll post another comment here. Maybe someone else reading this, has already tried what I'm describing?.

[@bootsowen]

If you do get it to work it would be interesting to me. Please post the model and make as that will help others. If you could, it would be worth taking video of what you do, even if they are failed attempts, as that will help people. good luck!

[@JoseLuisMalaquias]

That thought also came to my mind. Unfortunately, I had already tossed the machine when I realized that this is a three-phase motor. That is unfortunate.

[@shaungutierrez9411]

Is it possible to run the first motor or one like it (induction) that you show and run all three phases off of A/C power?

[@bootsowen]

Yes. It is possible. It is either expensive or difficult.

[@esuohdica]

1:40 No brushes is the main reason! My last washing machine got through 3 sets of brushes in its lifetime and the carbon sh1t that is everywhere inside the machine is horrible! Induction is the way forwards, but they alway carry additional cost. Get a cheap VFD from China

[@bootsowen]

You will enjoy my other video where I did just that.

[@petkovasilev1419]

An regular VFD won't work. This motor require around 300 Hz. You can try one of those cheap chinese controllers with tacho-feedback but with them the motor will work in low RPM range only (around 3000). However those controllers works pretty well with the universal type of motors. You can search for them in ebay or aliexpress, key word "400W AC 220V Motor Speed Pinpoint Regulator Controller"

[@bootsowen]

Have a look at my more recent videos where I show it working perfectly. Thanks

[@petkovasilev1419]

@@bootsowen I did not, you have so many videos ;) . Could you please share a link. Thanks.

[@bootsowen]

Thanks, search for Bootsowen VDF

[@javis41monter44]

entonces, el de 3 fases no se puede variar las RPM? saludos desde Tijuana Mex.

[@bootsowen]

Hi. The frequency of the 3 phases controls the speed. The rotor in the centre follows the waves of electricity.

[@javis41monter44]

@@bootsowen Thanks.

[@robertjameswilliamstevenso1584]

can you turn them into a 3phase generator?

[@JoseLuisMalaquias]

Yes, you certainly can. You simply connect a turning source to the axis, and you immediately get a three-phase potential in the connectors. I did it by connecting my Black&Decker Drill, and I got a three-phase voltage of about 3 volts at the frequency of the rotation.

[@uralmutlu4320]

isnt UK mains power 240V (rms)?

[@bootsowen]

Yes, typically 220v-240v (rms)

[@jaydelrosario5772]

ALTERNATOR MAGNETFIELDS WHEN YOU USED DC INDUCTION GENERATE BY MAGNETIC FLUCTUATIONS...WASHING MACHINE MOTORS LOTS OF POTENTIAL.....

[@Onyismack]

how can I connect it with a capacitor

[@JoseLuisMalaquias]

That's the same thing I was trying. I connected the third pin to the phase via a 80uF capacitor. It worked very smoothly, but it started overheating. I calculated the 80uF because that's what a start capacitor would require. But I have since found that it is too much for the run capacitor. I am thinking of trying 8-15 uF, from some tips I got online, but I wonder if it would work.

[@DownhillAllTheWay]

Can't you add a capacitor to create a second phase?

[@JoseLuisMalaquias]

That's the same thing I was trying. I connected the third pin to the phase via a 80uF capacitor. It worked very smoothly, but it started overheating. I calculated the 80uF because that's what a start capacitor would require. But I have since found that it is too much for the run capacitor. I am thinking of trying 8-15 uF, from some tips I got online, but I wonder if it would work.

[@CasamTheAnimator]

That's not an induction motor, that's actually a BLDC motor, which is an inverter motor become it's a got an inverter which converts AC to DC.

[@bootsowen]

I thought bldc had magnets and only 2 sides.

[@CasamTheAnimator]

​@@bootsowen Well BLDC motors use permanent magnets on the rotor, and the windings on the stator, the maximum speed of an induction motor achievable is 3600rpm at 60Hz AC, but BLDC motors use 3 phase DC power, which use pulse waves that turn on each coil separately. Also BLDC motors use an ECU/ESC for achieving 3 phase DC.

[@lawrenceogden8682]

HAVE JUST GOT HOLD OF A WASHING MACHINE MOTOR ITS A HAIER I HAVE PICTURES OF IT AND WOULD APPRECIATE SOME ADVICE IF POSSIBLE AND IF I CAN RUN A SPEED POT WITH IT THE SPEED POT I PURCHASED FROM OVERSEAS ON YOUR ADVICE SO NOW I WANT TO GET IT RUNNING HOW WOULD I GET THESE PICTURES TO YOU REGARDS LAWRENCE OGDEN

[@bootsowen]

Hi Laurence. Please look at my other videos on wiring universal washing machine motors. It may be more help.

[@kolinevans9127]

i'd like to add my 3 caps to this video opinion i would NOT scrap that motor - i would seek it out - and i think that's what i'll do.

[@ephremmisaelmalapote957]

Don't it need a capacitor at all?

[@EmCzteryEr]

Waait... it's 3 phase. Can't you just power it "the old way": with a capacitor in parallel with one of the windings? Granted you'll lose 40% of the power and some starting torque but other than that the motor would work and have some uses in lower power DIY projects. If not that then maybe BLDC driver with custom software that changes typical square PWM signals into sine waves? I'm not too good at this so maybe there's someone who is and who'd explain if such a thing is possible.

[@rapbalance]

What kind of rotor is it inside this motor? Are u sure it's not the permanent magnet rotor and thus BLDC motor rather than induction motor?

[@bootsowen]

What does bldc stand for?

[@rapbalance]

@@bootsowen BrushLess DC

[@bootsowen]

Have you watched the whole video?

[@rapbalance]

@@bootsowen yeah, why?

[@Procase68]

@@bootsowen itu adalah motor BLDC, harus dgn controler 3 phase, dan itu bukan motor induksi, karena motor itu menggunakan ROTOR PERMANEN MAGNET NEODINIUM

[@redpost2380]

Hi Bootsowen, I had a look at this video. Never thought they built washing machine with 3 phase motors. How many households have 3 phase power? Maybe UK is different. I was actually referring to brushless motors of new generation. They are inverter motorsand have 5 wires: 2 are for live and neutral(single phase) and the other 3 are to control power, speed and rotation of the moto. these 3 wires come form a PCB so I assume they are low voltage. It seems most machines now use these types of motor which have electronics and fail! I am referring to Askoll M500 or askoll Ta0200. Here is a video of the latter kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZickp6diNRpgK8 and here is a link for the M500 which I am trying to use for other applications but I don't know how to wire it. If I apply 240v to the input nothing happens. This means that it is in Normally OFF. The other 3 wires modulate the rotation etc. www.berlin-repariert.de/askoll-m500-2/ Can't find anyone that has a video on how to rewire these.Cheers and thank you

[@bootsowen]

Houses in the UK have single phase 220v. But these motors are driven by a board and maybe they are some variant to what you are talking about. The board, perhaps an inverter?, creates power with the right frequency to drive the motor. So they are brushless.

[@Kristjan10a]

i got mine running on a vfd at 4hz realy slow and kinde of useless

[@bootsowen]

I have a more recent video running one of these on VFD. i ran it faster than 4hz

[@Kristjan10a]

@@bootsowen I watched it, but mine started randomly speeding up and down and then VFD got a over current alarm. Worked fine at 0-5hz but over that and started jumping, and tripping the current limit.

[@Kristjan10a]

@@bootsowen actually got it working after i set all the parameters in the vfd correctly. Your videos are quite informative. thanks.

[@Kristjan10a]

@@bootsowen kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3S1aJyHibF0pa8

[@bootsowen]

Is it a seperate motor, or a direct drive?

[@8546Ken]

What is the point of this video? The title says it will show how to wire a 3 phase motor. But all you ever showed was that it doesn't run very well on single phase and not at all on DC. Why would you even have a 3 phase motor if you don't have 3 phase power? Why not show how nicely a 1 phase AC motor runs on 1 phase AC? In the US, all our washing machines run very nicely on 1 phase AC motors - for many years. My dryer is still working after 51 years. No maintenance on the motor. My washing machine is about 25 years old. You talked about the extra weight of a universal motor. You didn't mention the maintenance problems of having brushes.

[@bootsowen]

Hi there, newer washers are using these 3 phase motors, they use them with variable, or multiple fixed frequency inverters so that they can run on single phase electricity. I think i showed you a diagram of the wiring inside motor, and how to attach single phase to it to get it to run. perhaps you didn't watch the whole video before commenting. I am glad that you are having such success with your single phase motor. I have produced many videos of wiring single phase washing machine motors. perhaps you should make a video of your succeses.

[@inonuahmedchaouch8993]

@@bootsowen you talk a lot but explain less than little

[@benjaminmartin9618]

This is what you need to run this motor. After you learn how to use these motors they are much nicer and easier to control. www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Drives/GS1_(120_-z-_230_VAC_V-z-Hz_Control)/GS1_Drive_Units_(120_-z-_230_VAC)/GS1-20P5 go to Automation Direct and seach for GS1-20P5

[@bootsowen]

Thanks, but they usually cost money. If you post a video of how to do it send me a link.

[@jamiejoker118]

Waste of time

[@bootsowen]

Yours or mine?