Aquasensor in the dishwasher – what is it and what is it for? The answers to these and other questions in our article.
Dishwasher models are equipped not only with a standard set of programs, but also with additional functions and technologies. New developments of manufacturers make it easier to use equipment and save your time. Increasingly, a water purity sensor is found in PMM.
How Aquasensor works
An aquasensor is a sensor for the purity or turbidity of water. It allows you to significantly save on the consumption of resources, since it determines the level of pollution. The device catches particles of dirt, the remains of food, a scum.
Water quality directly affects the readings of the Aquasensor. If it is hard, contains a lot of heavy impurities, then the quality of dishwashing will be worse, and resource consumption will increase.
The sensor includes an infrared LED and a phototransistor. There are elements on the board, opposite each other. From above, the product is closed with a plastic case, which is curved in the shape of the letter U.
How does the device work? Simple enough:
- The LED sends out an infrared beam.
- The beam passes through the body and meets the phototransistor.
- When determining turbidity, the sensor sends a signal to the electronic module.
- The machine drains the used liquid, fills it with clean liquid and repeats the rinse cycle until the sensor gives a signal that the water is clear.
If the turbidity is exceeded, the beam from the LED will not penetrate to the phototransistor. The control board will not receive a signal and will issue a re-rinse command.
Thanks to the Aquasensor, detergent residues are also detected. As a result, the machine shortens or extends the cycle as needed, saving up to four liters of water and cleaning dishes efficiently.
If the sensor becomes coated, its sensitivity will decrease. Therefore, it is recommended use salt. It attracts heavy impurities, improving the quality of washing.
Additionally, you can adjust water hardness level in the dishwasher (if your model has such functionality), which will improve performance.
How to replace the turbidity sensor yourself
Aquasensor can be replaced or cleaned by yourself.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the hopper door.
- Loosen the screws around the inner perimeter.
- Close the chamber and remove the outer panel from the door.
- Remove the screws and remove the inner plate (for built-in machines).
- For free-standing equipment, it is enough to open access to the bottom, remove the bottom panel.
- Open the hopper, remove the drain filter.
- Remove the lower atomizer.
- Unscrew the screws around the perimeter of the filter seat.
- Flip the PMM to the back.
- Disconnect the wiring and hoses from the circulation pump assembly.
- Remove assembly from fasteners.
- Disconnect the wires from the aquasensor.
- Release the latch and remove the sensor.
- Install a new part.
Today, more and more manufacturers are trying to equip equipment with sensors. You can meet a similar development in the Bosch, Siemens, Electrolux models. In Milli (Mile) dishwashers, Aquasensor is called Ecosensor, and in Hotpoint Ariston it is called Sensor System. Keep this in mind when studying the technical features of the machines.
Aquasensor can be installed in full size and compact models. At the same time, you can save on the use of electricity and water. After all, the technique will not start rinsing once again.
Now you know the features of the replacement and the principle of operation of the turbidity sensor. Sometimes additional developments can improve the efficiency of the PMM, as well as help you save money. Watch related videos: