How to Wire Appliance Motors

The power plug will bring the power to the appliance motor.

In these days of a tightened economy, it makes sense to repair broken appliances rather than replace them outright. Oftentimes, for a few dollars, replacing a burnt-out motor can save hundreds over the cost of a new appliance. It's critical to understand how to wire the motor to the appliance correctly, to ensure the motor does not burn out or start a fire. Regardless of what type of appliance or motor you work with, in most cases, the wiring color and scheme remains the same. What can change is the way you connect the motor to the appliance, but the color of the wires that bring the power to the appliance will be the same.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Find the wiring schematic on the appliance. Usually found on the back of the appliance, it details the wiring of the motor, and all other wiring key points of the appliance.

2. Conjoin the motor to the appliance by securing it with screws to the base. Connect the wiring based on the wiring schematic, in most cases it is just two plugs that connect into each other. One plug will come from the appliance and the other plug will come from the motor.

3. Connect the black wire from the plug onto the golden screw on the motor. Secure it with the screwdriver.

4. Couple the red wire from the plug with the other of the golden screws. This applies only to 220 volt appliances. If your plug does not have a red wire, ignore this step.

5. Attach the white cable from the plug onto the silver screw on the motor. Tighten it with the screwdriver.

6. Unite the green cable from the plug onto the green screw on the motor. Ensure it is secure by tightening with the screwdriver.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure safety when working with electrical appliances, always work with an insulated handle screwdriver.

References

• Happy Woodworking: Induction Motor Wiring
• ACME How To: Refrigerator Schematic