Rarely an apartment owner does not know how much misfortune comes from flooding an apartment due to an open tap in the kitchen or bathroom, as well as water leaks in the water supply and heating systems. A flood in an apartment entails colossal material losses and unpleasant disputes with neighbors living on the floor below. Apartment walls flooded with water can cause failure hidden electrical wiring and defeats electric shock. Developed and implemented mass production Flood protection kits will allow you to avoid and forget all the problems associated with this. Next, we will look at how protection against water leaks in an apartment works, and also provide an overview and comparison of the systems that are most popular today.
Operating principle and components
The protection system kit consists of the following elements:
- Control block.
- Water leakage sensors.
- Taps for automatically shutting off the water supply in the water supply and heating system of the apartment.
It is not difficult to understand how protection works. Sensors are installed in areas where leaks are most likely to occur. As a rule, they are installed under bathtubs and washbasins, washing machines and water heating devices, as shown in the diagram below:
When they come into contact with water, a signal is removed from them and sent to the control module (controller), which performs the functions of a dispatcher. Having received a signal about the presence of water in the controlled area of the leakage protection system, the controller sends a command to the electric drive of the ball valve or to the electromagnetic quick-closing valve, which emergency shut off the water in the water supply or heating system of the apartment.
Review of modern flood protection systems
The possibility of equipping an apartment with protection from flooding is not a prospect for the distant future. This is one of the real steps that you can take today towards introducing it into your home. high technology"smart home" systems. Nowadays, several complexes that protect apartments from leaks occupy a dominant position on the market. Ready-made kits of the following types are in well-deserved demand:
- "Neptune"
- "Gidrolok"
- "Stop the Rainbow Flood"
Often, the average consumer, faced with the choice of protection, finds himself in a difficult situation and simply does not know which one is best suited to ensure the safety of his apartment from leaks and prevent flooding. The analysis of the operating technical capabilities and characteristics of the listed devices will allow us to compare their advantages and disadvantages, on the basis of which a choice can be made required device protection.
Neptune
A product of Russian development, which was the first to appear on the Russian market back in 2000. The Neptune brand, according to the Moscow Business Times, is the most popular water leakage control system on the Russian market. The company's product range includes a solution for any budget - from an affordable kit costing less than 10,000 rubles to an ultra-modern one with control on a smartphone. Protection against water leaks Neptune can be installed not only on water supply pipes, but also on heating and heated towel rails, which also pose a risk of water leaks.
The product line includes ready-made apartment kits, as well as individual components, which will allow you to assemble a kit specifically for your needs. In addition, Neptune leakage sensors work not only on wires, but also via a radio channel, which allows you to install protection against water leaks at sites with completed renovations, where it is no longer possible to hide the wires.
The warranty for Neptune water leakage control systems is up to 6 years for all elements of the system.
It is worth noting that protection against water leaks Neptune is already long years is equipped with world-famous Bugatti ball valves, which are made in Italy. The peculiarity of these faucets, in addition to a strong brand in the world of plumbing, premium sealing materials, and electric motor power, is that the electric drive has manual emergency control, that is, the faucet can be opened/closed without electricity.
To choose a suitable Neptune leak protection kit, you need to consider three main points:
- Have repairs been completed at your site? If the repair is just beginning, then you can choose any Neptune kit, since all control modules support wired sensors. At the stage of renovation of a room, they are usually used, since it is cheaper than wireless sensors and there is no need to change batteries from time to time. If the repair has already been completed and it is impossible to hide the wires from the sensors, then only kits that support radio sensors are suitable - these are Neptun Bugatti ProW+ and Neptun Bugatti ProW+ WiFi
- Diameter of water supply, heating or water heated towel rail pipes. Ready-made Neptune kits are equipped with ball valves of a certain diameter. For example, the most common size of faucets for an apartment is ½ inch. Check this with your facility or your specialist.
- The budget allocated for the purchase of the Neptune water leakage control system. The set of options that the consumer will receive depends on the budget.
Neptune Aquacontrol– the most accessible system protection against leaks, since the cost is less than 10,000 rubles per set for an apartment (control module, two taps and two sensors). This kit is equipped with the Neptun Base module - this is a very simple and reliable control module that will shut off the water in case of leakage and once a month will automatically turn the taps against souring.
Neptune Bugatti Base– this is excellent value for money. As in the previous kit, a simple Base module is used, but the ball valves are already made in Italy by Bugatti with a large margin of safety. The Neptun Base module does not have backup power - if this feature is important to you, then pay attention to the ProW series modules.
Neptune Bugatti ProW is a kit with advanced functionality that works on wired sensors. Additional features ProW module:
- Protection of taps from souring (automatic rotation of the tap 2 times a month).
- Power supply voltage on taps –12 VDC
- Built-in backup power supply.
- Addressability – the ability to indicate leaks along 4 lines.
- Possibility of connecting warning systems, security systems and integration with a “smart home” (presence of a low-current relay).
- Indication of the state of the ball valve (open/closed).
- Indication of backup power status.
- Possibility of opening and closing the ball valve manually (button on the module).
Neptune Bugatti ProW+ similar to the ProW module, but has the ability to work not only with wired, but also with radio sensors - this is an ideal choice for those who have already completed home renovations.
Neptune Bugatti ProW+ WiFi– this is the most modern and functional interesting control module. Here's what he can do:
- Control of the security system via smartphone. To do this, just install the free application and synchronize your mobile phone.
- Timely notification of an accident. In addition to the fact that the module produces sound and light warning on the front panel, additional information about the occurrence of a leak appears on the screen of your mobile phone. A very important function, especially if no one is at home at that time.
- Monitoring hot and cold flow readings cold water. Now it is not at all necessary to manually take readings every month by opening the cabinet with meters, which is located in the bathroom or kitchen. Just open it mobile app and view the readings in it. This is a very convenient feature for those who rent out an apartment.
- Backup power supply for the protection system. Even if the power supply to your apartment or house is turned off for a long time (up to 36 hours), the Neptun ProW+Wi-Fi module will work. The developers have included batteries in the design, which will serve as a source of backup power. By the way, the application will notify you in advance about the need to replace these batteries.
- Indication of the position of ball valves. You can not only monitor the taps remotely, but also, if desired, automatically control them (close and open). If, while on vacation, you forgot to play it safe and turn off the water, you can always do this through the app.
- Function of automatic turning of taps. It is a self-cleaning mode for ball valves that prevents “souring” of shut-off valves. Automatic rotation is carried out every 15 days.
- The Neptun ProW+Wi-Fi control module can be connected to the Smart Home system and burglar alarm residential building. A special exit is provided for this.
The table below shows a comparison of the Neptune models.
How flood protection works using the Neptune kit as an example is shown in the video:
Summary:
- Over the years, the Neptune system has earned customer recognition, as evidenced by sales data - it is the most popular protection against water leaks in Russia (source: Moscow Business Times).
- Each buyer can choose their own system based on budget and options. The most affordable kit costs less than 10,000 rubles.
- The Neptune system is equipped with Italian Bugatti cranes.
- There are very interesting solution Neptun ProW+ WiFi controlled by smartphone.
In preparation of this material Our readers were kindly given a 15% discount on the entire range of the Neptune store. Website: systemneptune.rf. Promo code: saelectric.
Hydroloсk
Products Russian company"Hydroresource". If we compare it with the Neptune device, it can be noted that the principle of its operation is the same; the package includes water sensors, a controller and electric ball valves. The company has developed and put into production several models of leakage protection systems, the basic version of which is “Hydroloсk Standard”.
Additional options for Hydrolock water leakage protection models:
Gidrolock is equipped with three sensors, technical capabilities of this device protection against water leaks provide for the connection of 20 wired and up to 100 wireless sensors. Emergency water stop time up to 30 seconds. The manufacturer guarantees 10 thousand operating cycles and general guarantee The performance of the protection complex is 3 years.
An overview of the Hydrolock kit is demonstrated in the video:
Russian development from the Supersystem company. The operating principle and equipment are the same as the two previous analogs. Thanks to the introduction of cranes into the design innovative materials the effort to overcome friction is significantly reduced; emergency closure of taps when a leak is detected in an apartment occurs in 3 seconds with minimum cost electricity.
Compared to other systems, Aquawatch operates at an operating voltage of only 5 Volts. The degree of automation of the control system does not require human intervention. It is equipped with four sensors, both wired and wireless options are possible. Manufacturer's warranty 4 years.
Review of the Aqua Watch kit:
Stop the flood "RaDuga"
A characteristic feature of this protection system is that all sensors are wireless and operate in the mode of supplying radio signals, the power of which allows them to remain operational at a distance of 20 meters from the controller in conditions apartment building. The product package includes 1 solenoid valve, 4 sensors. The control unit is designed to connect 9 sensors.
Compared to protection systems, Aquastop is just a mechanical device developed by Russian and Italian specialists. Prevents the room from flooding with water in the event of a rupture in the filling hose of the washing machine. Installed in front of the hose using threaded connection, as shown in the diagram below:
If the hose leaks and the pressure in the system drops, Aquastop will shut off the water in a matter of seconds, which will stop further leakage. The operating principle of the aquastop is demonstrated in the video:
Cost comparison of kits
Finally, we present to your attention a comparison of the cost of the provided apartment flood protection systems:
| Leak protection system | Approximate cost (cu) |
| "Neptune" | 148-351 |
| "Hydroloсk" | 219-383 |
| 223-368 | |
| “Stop the flood “RaDuga” | 0 ) Dislike( 0 )
Finding a puddle of water under your washing machine is extremely unpleasant, because you will not only have to repair the machine, but also pay for repairs to the neighbors whom you flooded. However, in case of water leakage, there is special protection and an Aquastop system for the washing machine. It is worth considering the methods of such protection in more detail and understanding the disadvantages of each of them.
Protection options
All washing machines, depending on the presence of a protection system, can be divided into three groups:
- cars without protection;
- cars with partial protection;
- machines that are completely protected from leaks.
Most machines in the low and mid-price category are not equipped with leakage protection. What does this mean? And the fact that water is supplied to the machine from water pipe through a regular flexible hose with special nuts at both ends. The bottom of such machines, as a rule, is missing or closed plastic panel. And if the inlet hose ruptures, then all the water in such a machine will flow out onto the floor. IN multi-storey building This situation leads to flooding of the neighbors below.
Therefore, in this case It is recommended to close the water supply tap after turning off the machine or install an additional protection system yourself in the form of inlet hoses with valves, we will talk about them further. In some washing machines high-class protection is already installed. For example, complete protection against water leakage is available in cars under the following brands:
- Asko;
- Ariston;
- Bosch;
- Siemins;
- Miele;
- Zanussi;
- Electrolux.
Partial protection against leaks
What is partial protection, let's figure out how it works. Machines with such protection against leaks are equipped with a special tray, for example, like the one in the figure.
A float equipped with an electric switch is installed inside the pan. The tray is made of plastic or metal, the float is made of polystyrene foam. When water flows inside the machine, it falls into the pan, with a certain amount of water the float rises and the switch is activated. At its signal, the machine switches to emergency mode, the washing process stops, the pump operates and pumps out the water.
Important! In such a situation, an error code is displayed on the machine display, different models different designations, for example, in an LG car the code E1 will appear, and in a Samsung car - E9.
If water leaks into the pan, you need to pour water out of it, and then look for the cause of the breakdown and fix it. About everyone possible reasons and eliminating leaks, you can learn from the article about why a washing machine leaks.
Inlet hoses with valves
Washing machines with partial protection are called so because the protection is activated only when water flows into the machine. But if the hose breaks in some place outside, then flooding cannot be avoided. In this case, it is worth considering inlet hoses equipped with protection. They come in three types:
For your information! The Aqua Stop inlet hose is designed for a pressure of 70 bar, which is 7 times more maximum pressure in the pipeline.
Complete protection against leaks - Aqua Stop system
Washing machines with complete protection against water leaks have not only a tray with a built-in float, but also a hose with a solenoid valve, which we described above. In other words, if you connect such a hose to a partially protected car, then it can be called fully protected.
Such protection against leaks is considered the most reliable. Undoubtedly, cars equipped with the Aqua Stop system have an advantage over conventional cars. Having overpaid several thousand rubles for it, you don’t have to look for a high-quality inlet hose and figure out how to connect it correctly. The entire system has already been debugged by the manufacturer.
It should be noted that the “Aqua Stop” protection is triggered in cases of leakage of the washing machine tank, damage to the pipes, increased foaming and foam escaping.
In addition, complete protection against leaks is accompanied by an emergency water pumping system. It is triggered if for some reason the main and safety valves do not operate. The main valve is the machine valve to which the inlet hose with Aqua Stop protection is directly connected. You can read about how the main valve works and how to replace it in the article “Intake Solenoid Valve.”
Thus, the protection of the automatic machine from water leaks can be complete or partial. How to protect your premises from flooding is up to you. However, it is better not to skimp on safety, and at least independently install an “Aqua Stop” hose with a solenoid valve on the washing machine. Believe me, it's worth it!
A leak is not only an unpleasant phenomenon, but also a dangerous one, capable of causing harm to health and property, leading to conflicts and litigation with neighbors affected by flooding and always associated with a considerable loss of nerves and finances. And all that’s worth installing is protection against leaks!
Leaks are dangerous in any home, but only a smart home can “take care” of safety and stop the leak at the very beginning, blocking the flow of water. Of course, this will not save you from a wet floor, but the amount of damage will be minimal. For this purpose in smart home Leakage protection systems are designed, produced by different manufacturers, but operating on the same principle.
Operating principle of the leakage protection system
The design of most leakage protection systems on the market today consists of four main elements:
- sensors signaling the appearance of water
- servo-operated taps that shut off the water supply
- alarm device notifying about the appearance of leaks
- controller that processes the information received from the sensors and activates the system
The system can be supplemented with a GSM module that transmits a distress signal to a mobile device.
In order for the protection system to work, the sensor must become wet. A few drops of water or contact with a damp mop is not sufficient. Water should wet the surface of the sensor, closing its contacts and creating conditions for transmitting a radio signal to the controller.
The controller, upon receiving a radio signal from the sensor, activates the servomotor that closes the taps and turns on a leak alert.
Place of installation of leakage sensors
Install sensors in places where leaks are most likely to occur: under the washing machine, on the floor behind the toilet, bathtub water and sink. The connection of sensors to the control unit can be wired or wireless. Wireless ones are more convenient, but their performance cannot be controlled. Wired sensors are connected to the wire control unit, which can create some inconvenience, but the controller “sees” the sensors and will send a warning signal if they are lost.
The control unit is placed on the wall in any convenient place, trying to reduce the length of wires used during installation.
Shut-off valves are installed at the water inlet into the apartment immediately after the meters. The system can operate from normal electrical network 220V (which is considered unsafe) or (preferably) from a 12V power source.
Which protection system should you choose?
Leak protection systems are produced by many companies, but in our country the most widespread are Aquastorozh, Aquastop, Neptun and Gidrolock.
Aqua guard
Aquaguard - an innovative system of protection against water leaks The Aquastorozh leak protection system is included in the delivery package
- Main control unit
- Flood sensors
- Two taps with drives for cold and hot water
- External power supply
A distinctive feature of the controller is its expandability. In this case, the device is assembled like a construction set. So, for example, by adding a panel of sensors, you can increase their number to the desired quantity, by purchasing a radio unit, turning a wired system into a wireless one, and adding GSM module, receive messages about leaks on your mobile phone. However, you can be content with the basic version and what is included in the package.
The device is equipped with a source uninterruptible power supply on ultra storage devices, so you can be sure that in the event of a leak, the taps will be turned off even with discharged batteries. Moreover, to restore the water supply, you do not need to urgently change the power source; you just need to press the start button on the controller, and then calmly go for new batteries.
Connection of wired sensors parallel to each other. Their number can be any. A nice feature is the unlimited warranty on sensors from the manufacturer and the possibility of free replacement of three sensors that fail.
The Aquaguard system uses low-friction ball valves, which require only a slight force to close. The valve is closed using a metal gear (in earlier models the gears were made of plastic) driven by an electric motor mounted on the valve body and connected to the controller.
To put the engines into operation and close the taps, a radio signal from the control unit is required, sent by the leakage protection system when a corresponding signal is received from the water sensors.
The sensor design is quite simple and reliable: the body and plate with contacts are made of fiberglass, and the contacts are coated with immersion gold to protect against corrosion. To increase the reliability of the system, you can use a sensor with wire break protection, which allows the controller to more accurately determine the status of the sensors and promptly inform about problems in the system.
The sensor only triggers if the water level is above 1 mm. Protection against erroneous operation is a 1mm gap between the bottom of the sensor housing and the floor surface.
The radio sensor can be installed in two types: a simple one, which is triggered only when there is a leak, and a remote sensor, by pressing the button of which you can turn off the taps at any time.
Neptune
The Neptun leakage protection system is a Russian development, produced by the Special Engineering Systems company.
The principle of its operation is similar to that of the Aqua Watchman: the delivery set also includes a control unit, two ball valves with servos and wired sensors. The difference is that the system only works when constantly connected to a 220 V power supply.
Operation of such a system is only possible if the outlets are grounded.
A nice addition to the Neptune system is the cleaning mode, which allows you to wash the floor for 45 minutes. big amount water without worrying about leakage protection, as well as the ability to choose sets with taps not only ½ inch, but also ¾ inch.
Aquastop - protection against leaks
Aquastop uses unusual way leak detection. It does not have sensors in which contacts close under the influence of water. But there is a sensor installed that detects water pressure. This sensor works on the principle of a pressure gauge - the higher the pressure, the stronger the effect on the valve. When the pressure in the hose or line is stable, the influence of the sensor is compensated by the internal spring and the valve is open. When a hose breaks or a pipe bursts, the pressure in the device drops and a spring shuts off the water supply until the pressure is restored to normal.
The operating principle of this device is simple. Special shape The internal channel of this device reduces the throughput, due to which the pressure during normal water consumption (up to 10–12 liters per minute) remains virtually unchanged. When the hose suddenly breaks, the water supply increases greatly, the pressure at the outlet of the device drops sharply, however, remains unchanged at the inlet. This causes the valve to operate. The valve response time does not exceed 10 seconds. This allows you to shut off the water, prevent a flood and the troubles it causes - damage to the floor, walls, furniture and conflict with neighbors below.
Aquastop is used as one of the elements of protection against water leaks. The low throughput of this device does not allow it to be installed at the entrance to the home water supply network. If you open several taps,
Aquastop will work and shut off the water supply. Therefore, it is used to protect end consumers - washing machines and dishwashers. This device is not afraid of water hammer and can withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres. For his efficient work water pressure must be at least 2 atmospheres. If the water pressure is less, then the pressure difference will not be enough to operate the valve.
The cost of the device starts from 180 rubles. It is produced in both plastic and metal (most often steel) cases. There is a thread cut at both ends of the device - internal at the inlet, external at the outlet. Thanks to this configuration, it is installed without any modifications into the gap between the pipe adapter and the hose suitable for the washing machine or dishwasher. Aquastop in a plastic case is used for inserting into polyethylene pipes. It is equipped with standard fittings at both ends, so all you have to do is cut the pipe, put Aquastop on it and tighten the fixing nuts.
Gidrolock
The Gidrolock leakage protection system also includes two ball valves, water control sensors and a control unit.
If desired, you can choose a version of the protection system specifically designed for use in an apartment, in country house, in public or industrial building, in a hotel or warehouse. The difference in the kits is the number of water sensors and the number of connected taps.
The manufacturer's warranty on Hydrolock systems is 4 years.
As you can see, it’s not difficult to protect yours from leaks, and yourself from troubles associated with emergency situations in the house, you just need to choose the right system are protected.
How to choose a washing machine?
The reason for writing this article was the frequent and repeated questions that washing machine users usually ask our craftsmen. And this is quite understandable, because the master knows everything about washing machines first-hand. We will provide the interpretation of these questions and the answers given by professionals. Among all this, you can emphasize for yourself useful information, which will help you when choosing a washing machine.
For greater clarity, we presented both types of automatic washing machines (hereinafter referred to as SM) - these are washing machines with front-loading and vertical loading of laundry.
Both SMs are approximately the same in all properties and qualities. Let's compare them.
SM front loading |
Front loading washing machines They are more practical and, as a rule, are slightly cheaper than vertical machines of a similar group, and the cost of repairing a washing machine (if necessary) will be lower than that of top-loading machines, since vertical washing machines are a little more difficult to maintain than front-loading ones. The front SMs have a transparent viewing glass for the hatch, which more than once allowed many users to see and save their driver’s licenses, money, plastic cards, passports and much more, which they accidentally forgot to remove from things before washing. Rubber compressor the hatch (hatch cuff) of the front SM does not break as often as many would think. Damage to the hatch cuff occurs mainly due to careless handling. The fact that the drum of a front-loading washing machine has one mounting axis is in no way inferior in strength washing machine with vertical loading having two axes. For those who have little space in their apartment, the big advantage of front-facing washing machines is that the SM can be used as a bedside table and put some things on it. And in a top-loading SM, the top cover must always be slightly open to avoid the appearance of mold fungus and therefore it will not be possible to use the SM as a bedside table. |
| Top loading washing machines Vertical SMs are usually more expensive than frontal SMs. This is due to the design features of vertical machines, because the process of assembling them is a little more complicated. The fact that a vertical machine has drum bearings located on both sides does not provide any advantages. Moreover, in such a design it is more difficult to achieve coaxiality of the two axes of the drum. Due to the fact that the drum of vertical washing machines has flaps for loading laundry, one part of the drum becomes heavier and therefore there is a need to balance it. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers balance the drum perfectly, which sometimes results in increased vibration of the washing machine during operation. It is worth mentioning a specific and unpleasant malfunction of vertical machines - this is the spontaneous opening of the drum flaps during operation, which sometimes leads to a fatal malfunction of the device. Vertical SMs are good because working space and the area they occupy is smaller (compared to full-size frontal machines), and the design of some vertical washing machines allows, if necessary, to open the drum at any stage of the wash to remove or reload laundry, without changing the course of the program. |
 SM top loading |
In general, as we said, both types of washing machines are almost the same in all properties and qualities. Each type of washing machine load has its own pros and cons, so choose the type of machine that you like and is most convenient for you.
 The world's first wall-mounted washing machine "Daewoo" |
Front washing machines. In terms of height and width, front-facing washing machines are almost the same, but the loading depth is divided into: full-size (60-65 cm), narrow (40-45 cm) and ultra-narrow (up to 32 cm). There are a number of washing machines that have a compact design, which allows them to be installed under special sinks. As a rule, ultra-narrow and compact models of washing machines have a maximum load of 3-3.5 kg of dry laundry. Vertical washing machines. On November 21, 2012, specialists from the Russian office of the South Korean company Daewoo Electronics presented the world's first wall-mounted mini washing machine, DWD-CV701PC. The weight of the washing machine is only 16 kg, the maximum load of laundry is 3 kg. |
Don't confuse the tank with the drum! Drums - all washing machines (with the exception of some Asian brands) are made of of stainless steel. But the material of the tank is different. Today, SMs have steel (stainless) and plastic tanks (they have different brand names, for example “Carboran” from Electrolux), and at the dawn of the development of washing machines, tanks were made of enamel-coated steel. The general trend is that there are more and more cars with plastic tanks. Asian SM manufacturers do not make stainless steel tanks at all. And in Europe they are mainly made only by MIELE and ASKO, other companies too, but the share of such tanks in their products is small. Plastic tanks are good because the heated water during washing retains its temperature longer, and accordingly, energy consumption is reduced. Plastic tanks They absorb noise well, both inside and outside. The disadvantage of plastic tanks is fire resistance and impact resistance. In general, if nothing bad happens to the washing machine, then you will not understand why you need a stainless steel tank.
What is a silent washing machine?
A silent washing machine is distinguished not only by the presence of inscriptions and stickers on the body that indicate noiselessness. This class of washing machines is primarily noise insulated, i.e. inner part The housing is covered with thick noise-insulating material. Along with this, special three-phase asynchronous motors drum drives, whose noise level is an order of magnitude lower than that of standard commutator motors. As you understand, you have to pay for such silent comfort, which inevitably affects the cost of the washing machine.
If you do not have the time or opportunity to dry your laundry naturally, then a washer-dryer The best decision for you. This SM combines all the functions of an automatic washing machine and has an additional unit for drying clothes with a stream of heated air. However, it should be borne in mind that such a washer-dryer can dry only half of the clothes from the maximum load of the drum, and drying can take about 2 hours (sometimes much more). But if possible, it is better to buy a separate dryer. By the way, no connection is required (only a power outlet). Such a machine can dry all the laundry washed in SM at one time. Modern dryers and washer-dryers, thanks to electronic system controls, finish drying clothes based on a signal from the residual humidity sensor, and not on a timer (as was the case in most washing-drying machines more early years release) - thus eliminating the risk of drying out the laundry.
What spin speed is best?
Everything is simple and clear here: the higher the spin speed, the drier you get your laundry after washing, but also the higher the price of the washing machine. Whether higher speeds are needed and what residual moisture content of the laundry suits you is up to you to decide. A regular washing machine has speeds of up to 1200 per minute. There are machines, for example ASKO, which have a drum rotation speed of 1800 and even 2000 rpm. Please keep in mind that for small-sized models SM (Candy, Electrolux. Zanussi, Euronova, Eurosoba) at the same spin speed, the laundry will be less dry. This is due to the small drum radius of compact models.
In description technical characteristics In some washing machines, you can find a leak protection feature. This is a very useful function that, in the event of an emergency in the washing machine, will help you avoid water leakage and prevent flooding of the room. The leakage protection system is called differently by different manufacturers: Aqua stop, Aqua safe, Aqua alarm. Leak protection is a complex technical devices provided structurally by the manufacturer. This system is not installed in all brands and models of washing machines. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to purchase a washing machine with protection against leaks, then you will not regret it.
How much does a washing machine cost?
The average cost of a good washing machine as of 2012 is approximately 17,000-20,000 rubles. Of course, there are washing machines that are half the price. Are they worth buying? You need to decide based on the capabilities of your budget. But keep in mind that basically, the ratio of price and quality has a direct relationship; the more expensive, the more reliable and better. Buying a cheap washing machine does not always help you save money, since the service life of such machines is shorter and you may have to repair it more often, or buy a new washing machine again. For some consumers, expensive and so-called luxury equipment from brands such as: Miele, AEG, Kuppersbusch, Gaggenau, Neff is an indispensable attribute that emphasizes their status and they do not buy cheap equipment. The cost of some washing machines of these brands can reach up to 250,000 rubles and they already belong to a number of professional devices. If an expensive washing machine does not break down (high-quality washing machines break down less often), then you will think that such machines are better than cheap ones. But are you ready to pay as much for repairing an expensive washing machine as a new, inexpensive washing machine costs? I think everyone should find the answer to this question themselves.
Which brand of washing machine should I choose?
Today, the market situation household appliances Unfortunately, it doesn’t change at all better side. Manufacturers have become smarter and are doing everything to increase the sales volume of their equipment and components, so the service life of most washing machines famous brands became lower. When choosing a washing machine, pay attention to the country of manufacture. Today, so-called “clones” of European and Asian manufacturers are assembled at Russian factories. In Russia there are factories for assembling washing machines of such brands as: Ariston and Indesit (Lipetsk), Candy (Kirov), Whirpool and Vestel (Alexandrov), Zanussi (St. Petersburg). Such washing machines are inexpensive, but they are not of the highest quality.
In the table, we present a hierarchy of the most famous brands by class level:
Class level |
Trademarks (their affiliation with concerns is indicated in brackets) |
| Top | Miele, Asko, Neff (Bosch),Gaggenau (Bosch), Kuppersbusch,AEG (Electrolux) |
| Top middle |
Electrolux,Bosch,Siemens (Bosch), Brandt,Gorenje,Whirpool |
| Bottom middle |
Zanussi (Electrolux), Candy, Ariston and Indesit (Indesit company), Ardo,Beko,Samsung,LG,Hansa |
| Bottom | Russian and Chinese “clones” of European and Asian manufacturers |
This table will help you navigate a little when choosing trademark washing machine.
We do not cooperate with trade organizations and will not engage in their advertising, but will give only a few valuable tips:
1. Purchase equipment only from trusted, large and reliable stores;
2. Be vigilant! Always check the product, at least for the presence of external damage and defects, and also check the accessories included with the washing machine, check for the presence of a warranty service book (it’s even better to check the serial numbers of the warranty book with the number on the nameplate of the washing machine, they must match);
3. Be careful when purchasing a washing machine through distance selling stores, so-called online stores. Take advantage of large online stores that have been on the market for a long time.
4. You should not purchase equipment from sellers who are mobile and do not have a permanent outlet;
5.Always save the goods and cash receipts, and for the first 14 days, save the packaging of the washing machine. According to the law of “protection of consumer rights”, this will help you exchange or return low-quality, defective equipment that does not suit you within the period established by law.
