On Wed, 29 Mar 2017 21:26:28 +0100, Tim Lamb
wrote:

In message , T i m
writes
On Wed, 29 Mar 2017 03:55:09 -0700, tabbypurr wrote:

snip

If you get any time and can see any of the electronics you might find
something as simple as an on-board fuse or some such?


Triac would be a prime suspect.

Not so easy to spot or replace as a fuse to the non electronics tech
though. ;-(

Ok, it could be easy to spot if it's blown to bits but then not so easy
to identify without the bits. ;-)

Hmm.. I was switching mains AC with back to back thyristors before
triacs were invented:-)

No slur or deformation intended Tim. ;-)

Nevertheless, you are probably correct:-)

Whilst anyone who 'knows their stuff' could probably work out the type
and rough specification for some unknown device, it's all so much
easier with the circuit diagram and component list. However, given
that most machines are run by a microprocessor these days, a circuit
diagram often consists of a black square with a few discrete
components around it. ;-(

I soldered a power feed wire back onto a PCB for someone today ...
it's been a long time since those sort of repairs were everyday. ;-)

Cheers, T i m