Modern sewing machines use electricity to power the sewing machine. This power is channeled to the machine through an electrical cord plugged into the wall socket. This cord is designed in series with a sewing machine foot control which is actually a variable on off switch. Press down on the foot control and the electricity causes the sewing machine to operate. A slight push down results in a slow start and go. The firmer the push the faster the sewing machine sews.
A properly working foot pedal enables you to created wonders with your sewing machine.
The sewing machine pedal may be a resistance device, an electronic device, or a air pressure device. Each one works differently. Associated problems are specific to the type of device.
A resistance pedal uses a Bakelite or other resistance material and slides a connector over it from less to greater resistance. The typical problems associated with resistance foot controls include cracks in the Bakelite, shorts in the connective wires, and wear of mechanical parts in the pedal.
Integrated circuits, capacitors, and resistors are used in electronic pedals to control voltage to the sewing machine. Typical problems can involve electrical contact, shorts, and surges causing the electronic devices to fail.
Some sewing machines use pressure sensitive switches in combination with electronics and an air ballast foot control to control the flow of electricity. Potential problems include ballast leaks, electronic failures, and electrical contacts.
When the sewing machine does not start when you press the foot pedal check out some of the obvious problem sources first. Is electricity flowing to the sewing machine? Is the electric plug plugged into the house plug? Is the power cord and my sewing machine pedal cord plugged firmly into my sewing machine? Is my sewing machine power switch turned on? Is my sewing machine light on? When I press down on my sewing machine pedal, what happens?
Here are some tips on how to repair a pedal.
First, I must find out what is wrong. This requires a series of tests and checks. Inspect the foot control to determine what type it is. Depending on whether it is a resistance, electronic, or pressure type; proceed to inspect for possible causes of the foot control failure. What happens when I press down on it?
Is there any sound at all from my foot control or from my sewing machine? If there is no sound, that is good. If I hear a popping or crackling sound, unplug it immediately. If I shake my sewing machine pedal, do we hear anything rattling inside?
When you service a sewing machine, one of the primary diagnostic tools at your disposal is listening. Hum, buzz, crackle, rattle, and pop are bad sounds that indicated broken or worn parts inside the foot control. Failure of the sewing machine to operate can be an indication of electrical breakdown.
The back of resistance pedal usually slide off giving you access. Some resistance and electronic foot pedals have screws to remove in order to access the insides of the foot control.
Now we need a tester. There are a few different types that will work. A TVOM, Continuity Tester, Circuit Tester, or Resistance Testeris now needed. Set the tester to test Resistance in Ohms. Place one probe on one wire going to the sewing machine pedal. Place the other probe on the other wire going to my sewing machine pedal. When we press down on the sewing machine pedal, what happens on the meter?
If you have a resistance based foot control, use a TVOM or other tester to check resistance. Check for solid electrical connections.
The sewing machine foot control affected by sewing machine power cord. Even when it is separated from the power cord, its cord is an issue. To Fix a Sewing Machine pedal requires fixing its electrical cord. Electrical connections inside the sewing machine foot pedal must also be checked and repaired as needed.
Inspect the pedal for any broken pieces. Look for loose wires. Look for burn spots. If we see loose wires, reconnect the wires properly. Retest the foot control by connecting the probes of the meter to the two terminals inside. If there is still no needle action, the sewing machine foot pedal is no good. In rare instances, I can see where a wire has been broken off or some minor problem exists. But in most cases, to Fix the Sewing Machine foot pedal , we need to replace it. - 15246
A properly working foot pedal enables you to created wonders with your sewing machine.
The sewing machine pedal may be a resistance device, an electronic device, or a air pressure device. Each one works differently. Associated problems are specific to the type of device.
A resistance pedal uses a Bakelite or other resistance material and slides a connector over it from less to greater resistance. The typical problems associated with resistance foot controls include cracks in the Bakelite, shorts in the connective wires, and wear of mechanical parts in the pedal.
Integrated circuits, capacitors, and resistors are used in electronic pedals to control voltage to the sewing machine. Typical problems can involve electrical contact, shorts, and surges causing the electronic devices to fail.
Some sewing machines use pressure sensitive switches in combination with electronics and an air ballast foot control to control the flow of electricity. Potential problems include ballast leaks, electronic failures, and electrical contacts.
When the sewing machine does not start when you press the foot pedal check out some of the obvious problem sources first. Is electricity flowing to the sewing machine? Is the electric plug plugged into the house plug? Is the power cord and my sewing machine pedal cord plugged firmly into my sewing machine? Is my sewing machine power switch turned on? Is my sewing machine light on? When I press down on my sewing machine pedal, what happens?
Here are some tips on how to repair a pedal.
First, I must find out what is wrong. This requires a series of tests and checks. Inspect the foot control to determine what type it is. Depending on whether it is a resistance, electronic, or pressure type; proceed to inspect for possible causes of the foot control failure. What happens when I press down on it?
Is there any sound at all from my foot control or from my sewing machine? If there is no sound, that is good. If I hear a popping or crackling sound, unplug it immediately. If I shake my sewing machine pedal, do we hear anything rattling inside?
When you service a sewing machine, one of the primary diagnostic tools at your disposal is listening. Hum, buzz, crackle, rattle, and pop are bad sounds that indicated broken or worn parts inside the foot control. Failure of the sewing machine to operate can be an indication of electrical breakdown.
The back of resistance pedal usually slide off giving you access. Some resistance and electronic foot pedals have screws to remove in order to access the insides of the foot control.
Now we need a tester. There are a few different types that will work. A TVOM, Continuity Tester, Circuit Tester, or Resistance Testeris now needed. Set the tester to test Resistance in Ohms. Place one probe on one wire going to the sewing machine pedal. Place the other probe on the other wire going to my sewing machine pedal. When we press down on the sewing machine pedal, what happens on the meter?
If you have a resistance based foot control, use a TVOM or other tester to check resistance. Check for solid electrical connections.
The sewing machine foot control affected by sewing machine power cord. Even when it is separated from the power cord, its cord is an issue. To Fix a Sewing Machine pedal requires fixing its electrical cord. Electrical connections inside the sewing machine foot pedal must also be checked and repaired as needed.
Inspect the pedal for any broken pieces. Look for loose wires. Look for burn spots. If we see loose wires, reconnect the wires properly. Retest the foot control by connecting the probes of the meter to the two terminals inside. If there is still no needle action, the sewing machine foot pedal is no good. In rare instances, I can see where a wire has been broken off or some minor problem exists. But in most cases, to Fix the Sewing Machine foot pedal , we need to replace it. - 15246
About the Author:
Find out more with Author David Trumble's Sewing Machine Repair Manuals. He includes a wide range of subjects like Repair sewing machine foot control and a free beginner's course.
