Whirlpool Compactor Modification

[barrywayne]

I have a Whirlpool trash compactor model # TU800SPPQZ.
My question is : can I modify this compactor by adding
switches, etc. to gain the extra pack feature of the more expensive
models? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

[HayZee518]

my thoughts are that if there were extra travel in the ram you might be able to modify it but you'd be compromising the safety of the unit. a term I have grown to respect is "if it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

[barrywayne]

Would it be possible to add a switch that would have the ram stay in the extended position (ram down) once it stalls until I decide (by switching back) to allow it to return to home position?

[HayZee518]

send me the schematic of the unit.

[barrywayne]

Thanx for the replies Hayzee518. I am unable to supply any schematics.
They didn't come with the product and the internet has yielded nada.
I have a background in basic electronics and was hoping that someone
knew the (what I assume are ) the minor differences between the compactors
that stop at motor stall (extra pac) and the basic ones that reverse motion
at stall. I feel there isn't a whole lot involved here. Will keep looking. Thank you.

[HayZee518]

I'm only speaking from experience with hydraulics in those large compactors you see at industrial places. I'm assuming they are more less the same. On some you have a multi section piston, some have a full length piston. there's a pressure switch in the hydraulics that trip after a number of psi detected. there's also a current relay set for the current draw [at stall] of the motor. In simple machines there's a lever type microswitch at the end of ram travel. if your unit is of the screw type then a current relay and a rotary limit switch would be employed. I'll do some checking, maybe I can find out something.

[HayZee518]

I went searching at [www dot repairclinic dot com] for your model and a general description of a trash compactor. Most the ones I seen use two lead screws on a ram. they are powered from a motor that looks similar to one used in a washing machine. RPMs might be less, however. They use a drive chain off the motor to the lead screws. There is a limit switch that indicates to the motor that the ram is at its uppermost length of travel. I didn't see any down limit travel switches, so I'd have to assume there is a current specific relay used. At repair clinic - look at stock number 680208 - for $16.95 they have a service manual.