Dual voltage consumer appliance oddity

  • Thread starter Thread starter JT Smith
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
The discussion centers around a travel hair dryer with a non-functional voltage selector switch, raising questions about its design and safety features. Users express confusion about the purpose of the switch, which appears to serve no real function, and speculate on the implications of using the dryer at different voltages. Concerns are raised about the combined speed and heat settings, with suggestions that using high heat with low airflow could lead to overheating. Participants also discuss the challenges of modifying the appliance for desired performance, noting that many hair dryers do not allow independent control of heat and fan speed. Ultimately, the conversation highlights frustrations with misleading marketing and product design that compromises functionality.
  • #31
I finally got around to finishing my hair dryer project. After completing the modifications I put it back together and discovered that what I had originally concluded about the "dummy" voltage select switch isn't exactly correct. The voltage switch *does* have a function. While it has no direct electrical connection it has a small plastic slot that interlocks with a plastic tab on the main speed/heat switch. This interlock prevents one from selecting both 250V and HIGH simultaneously. FWIW.
 
Reply
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes Tom.G, DaveE and berkeman
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #32
Rive said:
I think there must be some other, more proper ways to run a 12V DC motor from 120V AC mains... o_O

Maybe. Like what? The original design is the motor (with a full wave rectifier) in series with a resistor. I just wanted a bigger resistor.
 

Similar threads

Window fan: Bypassing thermostat with a button
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
How can an appliance work better when the AC Mains stabilizer is removed?
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
3K
Design of a CW multiplier circuit
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
4K
How to demonstrate the linearity of resistance of water vs. test voltage?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
DIY Electric Heating System for Camper Van | Low Noise, Low Voltage, High Output
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How are step-up/step-down transformers wired?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
16K
Looking for a two leaf low voltage switch
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Long distance electrical transmission
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Trying to determine true power of household devices
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Understanding relationships in Induction Heating circuits
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K