To test a broken toaster, you need to identify the problem, check the power cord, the outlet, the thermostat, the heating elements, and the timer. You may also need some tools such as a multimeter, a screwdriver, and a wire brush. In this article, we will explain how to test each component of a toaster and how to fix common issues.
The first step to test a broken toaster is to identify the problem. What is the symptom of the malfunction? Is the toaster not turning on at all, not heating up, burning the bread, or popping up too soon or too late? Depending on the symptom, you can narrow down the possible causes and focus on the relevant parts of the toaster.
Check the Power Cord
The power cord is the most basic and easy part to check. If the toaster is not turning on at all, the power cord may be damaged, loose, or unplugged. To test the power cord, you can do the following:
Make sure the power cord is plugged into a working outlet. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance or device and see if it works.
Inspect the power cord for any visible signs of damage, such as cuts, frays, burns, or kinks. If the power cord is damaged, you may need to replace it or repair it with electrical tape.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the power cord. A multimeter is a device that measures electrical voltage, current, and resistance. To test the continuity, you need to set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting (usually indicated by the symbol Ω) and touch the probes to the two ends of the power cord. If the multimeter shows a low resistance (close to zero), the power cord is good. If the multimeter shows a high resistance (infinity or OL), the power cord is bad and needs to be replaced.
Check the Outlet
If the power cord is good, but the toaster is still not turning on, the next thing to check is the outlet. The outlet may be faulty, tripped, or controlled by a switch. To test the outlet, you can do the following:
Check the circuit breaker or fuse box for the outlet. If the circuit breaker is tripped or the fuse is blown, you need to reset the breaker or replace the fuse. Be careful not to overload the circuit with too many appliances or devices.
Check if the outlet is controlled by a wall switch. Some outlets are connected to a switch that can turn them on or off. Make sure the switch is in the on position before plugging in the toaster.
Use a multimeter to test the voltage of the outlet. To test the voltage, you need to set the multimeter to the highest AC voltage setting (usually indicated by the symbol V~) and touch the probes to the two slots of the outlet. If the multimeter shows a voltage between 110 and 120 volts, the outlet is good. If the multimeter shows a voltage lower than 110 volts or higher than 120 volts, the outlet is bad and needs to be repaired by a professional electrician.
The thermostat is the part that controls the temperature of the toaster. If the toaster is not heating up, heating up too much, or heating up unevenly, the thermostat may be faulty, dirty, or misaligned. To test the thermostat, you can do the following:
Remove the outer cover of the toaster by unscrewing the screws at the bottom or the back of the toaster. Be careful not to touch any live wires or components inside the toaster.
Locate the thermostat, which is usually a small metal disc or rod attached to a wire near the heating elements. The thermostat may have a knob or a lever that you can adjust to change the temperature setting.
Clean the thermostat with a soft cloth or a wire brush to remove any dust, crumbs, or grease that may interfere with its function.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermostat. To test the continuity, you need to set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the two wires connected to the thermostat. If the multimeter shows a low resistance, the thermostat is good. If the multimeter shows a high resistance, the thermostat is bad and needs to be replaced.
Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature setting by turning the knob or the lever. You may need to experiment with different settings until you find the one that toasts the bread to your liking.
Check the Heating Elements
The heating elements are the parts that produce heat and toast the bread. If the toaster is not heating up at all or heating up unevenly, the heating elements may be broken, burned out, or loose. To test the heating elements, you can do the following:
Remove the outer cover of the toaster by unscrewing the screws at the bottom or the back of the toaster. Be careful not to touch any live wires or components inside the toaster.
Locate the heating elements, which are usually thin metal wires or coils that run along the slots of the toaster. The heating elements may have metal clips or terminals that connect them to the wires from the power cord and the thermostat.
Inspect the heating elements for any visible signs of damage, such as breaks, burns, or corrosion. If the heating elements are damaged, you may need to replace them or repair them with soldering or welding.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the heating elements. To test the continuity, you need to set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the two clips or terminals of each heating element. If the multimeter shows a low resistance, the heating element is good. If the multimeter shows a high resistance, the heating element is bad and needs to be replaced.
The timer is the part that controls the duration of the toasting cycle. If the toaster is popping up too soon or too late, the timer may be faulty, dirty, or misaligned. To test the timer, you can do the following:
Remove the outer cover of the toaster by unscrewing the screws at the bottom or the back of the toaster. Be careful not to touch any live wires or components inside the toaster.
Locate the timer, which is usually a small mechanical or electronic device attached to a wire near the lever or the button that activates the toaster. The timer may have a dial or a slider that you can adjust to change the toasting time.
Clean the timer with a soft cloth or a wire brush to remove any dust, crumbs, or grease that may interfere with its function.
Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the timer. To test the continuity, you need to set the multimeter to the lowest resistance setting and touch the probes to the two wires connected to the timer. If the multimeter shows a low resistance, the timer is good. If the multimeter shows a high resistance, the timer is bad and needs to be replaced.
Adjust the timer to the desired toasting time by turning the dial or the slider. You may need to experiment with different settings until you find the one that pops up the bread at the right time.
Conclusion
Testing a broken toaster is not a difficult task if you know what to look for and how to use some basic tools. By following the steps above, you can identify and fix the most common problems that affect toasters. However, if you are not confident or comfortable with working with electrical appliances, you may want to consult a professional or buy a new toaster instead. Remember to always unplug the toaster before testing or repairing it, and to be careful not to touch any live wires or components. Happy toasting!
