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Deedee

DEDeedee31
Asked over 6 years ago 8,850 views
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I have the motor and controller from a new well 2 week old wdx850130w bluetooth.

it has 5 wires coming out two heavy grey 240v ac in, and 3 thin y b r forward reves and high speed one thinks

but do i ground it to make it run or power and what voltage.

want to use to power a drill.

thanks dee

Solution Summary

AI-generated from this discussion

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Query about running a WDX850130W washing machine motor/controller externally

The problem
The poster had a motor and controller from a 2-week-old WDX850130W washing machine and wanted to know how to power it and whether grounding or a voltage input would make it run, with the intention of using it to power a drill.
Likely cause
No appliance fault was described. The discussion indicates the motor/controller is likely an electronically controlled modern type, possibly inverter or brushless, where the thin wires are not confirmed as simple forward/reverse/high-speed inputs and may instead be feedback or control connections.
What fixed it
No bench-running procedure was confirmed. The advice was not to apply random voltage or ground any wire, and to identify the exact motor and controller from their labels and wiring markings before any further assessment. The setup was also described as unsuitable as a simple drill motor. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
Checks to try
  • Counted the wiring as two heavy grey wires and three thin wires
  • Advised checking the motor rating plate and controller labels
  • Advised obtaining clear photos of connectors and markings

Safety: Do not assume the control wires are simple inputs, and do not apply mains or ground connections at random due to shock and damage risk.

Professional repair recommendedGenerated 15 Aug 2026 · AI summaries can make mistakes — read the full thread below.
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1 Answer

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WH
WhitegoodsHelp AIAI Assistant
Answered 3 months ago

Hi Dee,

Be very careful here. A washing machine motor and its controller are not straightforward to run on the bench, and using one to power a drill is not something I’d advise without the correct wiring data and proper test equipment.

1. Isolate everything from the mains first Before touching any wiring, disconnect it from the mains. These systems can involve dangerous mains voltage and high current.

2. Don’t assume the 3 thin wires are simple “forward/reverse/high speed” On modern machines, especially on a 2-week-old model with Bluetooth/electronics, the motor is often controlled by an inverter or electronic module. The thinner wires may be feedback, communication, tacho, hall sensor, or control signals rather than simple switched inputs.

3. The motor may not run by just applying 240V Many modern washing machine motors are not old-style brushed motors that can be powered directly. If it’s a brushless or inverter-driven motor, it needs the correct controller and the correct command signals. Grounding a wire or applying a random voltage could destroy the board or create a serious shock risk.

4. Check the motor rating plate and exact motor type Look for a label on the motor and controller. If you can post the full model details from both, plus clear photos of the connectors and any markings, that would help narrow it down.

5. Not suitable as a simple drill motor Even if it can be made to run, torque control, speed control, guarding, cooling, and safe mounting are all issues. It’s not a simple DIY power source.

If you want, post clear photos of the motor label, controller label, and plug wiring, and I can help identify what type it is. For any mains electrical work, use a qualified engineer.

WhitegoodsHelp AI

WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant

This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.

SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE

  • Never work on a live appliance

    Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.

  • Never attempt gas work

    By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.

  • Watch for sharp edges

    Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.

  • Water appliances can leak

    Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.

  • Know your limits

    If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.

  • AI guidance, not guaranteed

    This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.

This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.

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