Just How a Trash Compactor Works

A Trash/Garbage Compactor is a fairly easy appliance with just a few parts. Those parts consist of an electric motor, drive screws, compression ram, restriction buttons, door button, exterior controls and in some devices an odor control system.
The garbage compactor's cabinet flights on rails that allow it to slide open and closed. When the cabinet is shut, the door button allows the device to run. When the beginning switch is pushed, the motor is involved and also it transforms a belt or chain which is linked to 2 drive screws. The drive screws are located on either side of the drawer. They are big diameter screws roughly the elevation of the trash container.

A huge rectangular block, called the "ram", fits inside the garbage container as well as weigh down to press the garbage. The ram has a nut on either side, which is threaded on the drive screws. When the screws transform, the ram travels up or down.
As the ram weigh down on the garbage it will stall out and also change direction. If the ram gets to the lower limit switch prior to it delays out, it will certainly change direction and go back to the resting position on top. When the ram arrives, it triggers the leading limitation button and turns off.
Some garbage compactor have an odor control system that makes use of a scent to mask smells or a charcoal filter to remove odors.

Usual Repair/Replace Items

Base limit switch
Drive belt/chain/gears
Centrifugal button

Instructions button
Cabinet tracks
Cabinet rollers
Electric motor
Power nuts
Power screws
Safety and security button
Beginning switch
Turn switch
Leading restriction button
Symptom Check

Compactor will not begin

- Make sure that the door is entirely closed
- Make sure the compactor is connected in securely
- Look for a blown fuse or stumbled breaker
- Evaluate the power outlet for current
- Check the electrical cable for damage
- Remove use an expansion cable, if any is being utilized
- Inspect the outlet voltage
- Evaluate the begin switch
- Test the tilt switch
- Evaluate the safety and security switch
- Test the electric motor centrifugal switch
- Examine motor for overload

The motor runs yet garbage is not compressed

- Cabinet must be about 1/3 full before any type of compaction will occur
- Check the electrical outlet voltage
- Examine the power nuts for wear or blockages
- Check the power screws for wear or obstructions
- Oil the power screws
- Examine the drive belt/chain/gears

Compactor starts but does not complete cycle (ram is stuck)

- Item in trash might be triggering door to trigger tilt switch
- Inspect the motor for overload
- Evaluate the top limit switch
- Check for loose connections

The drawer is stiff or hard to open

- Tidy the drawer tracks
- Evaluate the cabinet rollers

The door will certainly not open

- Return the ram to the leading placement
- Switch off the dense pack switch
- Push door shut while restarting compactor
- Examine the power screws for an obstruction
- Check the power nuts for a blockage
- Inspect the ram for an obstruction

Compactor does not shut off

- Examination the top limit button
- Check the begin button
- Examine the ram pads

Compactor is loud

- Check the drive chain
- Inspect the power screw gears
- Check the drive gear
- Oil the power screws
- Inspect the ram pads
- Check the ram cover
- Tighten up any kind of screws