how can i start my auto tumble dryer with a timer?

tubster

I have a washing machine and a tumble dryer that have a retractble push button to start. After you press it it immediately pops out again. This means that neither will work with a timer on the socket, so the only way I can get economy 7 prices is to stay up late to turn them on by hand!
Has anyone got any ideas? I thought about changing the switch, or bypassing it altogether and using the switch on the timer to turn it on/off. This might work for the washing machine, but I guess the dryer would not turn itself off using the dry sensor, because the current would turn it straight back on again...
I need a robotic finger that can be stuck on to the machine - anyone any good with meccano?! Any ideas anyone??
Tubster

Derek_A.

Tubster,
I had a similar problem,i bought a Smiths Type timer , which had an on /off flip switch on the timer face.
I set the approx time for the washing programme ie 0200 to 0500, using the pins on the timer, and then set the the correct time on the timer.
Put the timer in the mains socket, plug in the Washing Machine plug into the timer, switch on the wall switch, put the timer on/off swich on, set the machine programme and start the machine.Once it has started ie it starts to fill with water just turn the TIMER switch off ( not the wall socket).
The timer will continue to run and when it gets to the start time ie 0200 it will start the machine
Try it anyway also try the same on the Drier.
Hope this helps.

tubster

Derek that is brilliant I'll give it a go tonight - such a simple solution I never would have considered. I was seriously thinking about designing a robotic thumb! I'll post how I get on
Thank you so much
Tubster

tubster

Update - the washing machine copes fine so I'm half way there! nice one Derek.
Sadly once the electricity is cut on the dryer, nothing will get it to start again except the on dryer's on switch. It is a White Knight dryer... any other thoughts gratefully received!

Derek_A.

I am pleased that this works with the washing machine.
Use the same principle with the dryer, hold the starter button in whilst you carry out the procedure as with the washing machine.
If that works then you will have to find a way of keeping the starter button pushed in.
It may not work though as this button may have an interlock to keep it going once it has started.
Sorry i cant be of further help.

robin58

Another way to possibly make the dryer come on at night is to change the switch.

If you are out of the warranty period, you could get a friend who's very good at electrics or a local good electrican/washing machine repair shop to change the contactor behind the button so it's a push to make switch , e.g. when pressed it will stay in.

The only problems with this is if the switch is on a pbc (the cards you see with all the electronics on ). You have to get the correct type of switch to fit the board.

The other thing to consider is why the button comes out in the first place. Is it for safety? Does the action of the switch coming out, part of the action of the dryer coming in to operation?

Most components that are used are from generic parts, so go to https://www.rswww.com They supply most of the generally used components for the uk.

One thing I will say is GET ADVICE before you do any modifications to your machine. Ask the manufactures first. See if there is an email address in the paperwork that came with the machine and asked their technical department if its possible.

I will not accepted any libility if you burn down your house.

tubster

Thanks Robin/Derek
If I keep the switch pushed in manually, it will restart after power off. However, the auto sensing cut off (triggered by humidity of air) doesn't work if the button is pushed in. I think this must be the reason the switch acts as a trigger rather than an on/off switch. I think an instant solution might be to keep the switch in with a broom handle and use the timer for a set time span eg two hours. This might use more energy than having the auto sensor working, but it is much cheaper than using the dryer during the day. My only slight worry is that having the switch on for a long period might damage the electonics somehow. I guess the current will repeatedly start the programme/over-rule the humidity sensor - what do you reckon? I could keep an eye on it first time and I have got an extended guarantee so if it did fail I would probably be OK as I won't have actually altered anything....
Thank you both so much for your help with this one
Tubster

tubster

I tried the broom handle with the two hour timer and it works fine
Sorted! :j
thanks again
Tubster