Using trash compactor bags is a practical way to remove your waste. Because compactors use such high pressure to compress the waste, using compactor bags designed to handle the force are a necessity. ...
This is a top limit directional switch for a trash compactor. The directional switch reverses the motor direction when the trash compactor has reached the top of the drawer. If your trash compactor is...
The foot pedal on your trash compactor is located at the bottom of the unit. This part, when compressed, allows the container drawer on the trash compactor to slide in and out. If your current foot pe... No Longer Available
This power nut assembly is made to be used in conjunction with your trash compactor. It comes with five pieces that include the two mounting pins, two clips, and the new power nut. For this repair, yo... No Longer Available
If your trash compactor is jammed or stuck with the ram in the down position, you may have a faulty or damaged drive gear. The drive gear is located at the bottom of your compactor, and helps the driv...
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Gina
January 2, 2020
The trash compactor's motor is continuously running, how do I stop it?
For model number GCG1580R0SS
Hi Gina,
Thank you for your question. If your trash compactor won’t stop running, you may need to troubleshoot the top limit/ directional switch. This part is activated by a metal tab on the ram, and controls the direction of the ram by powering the motor. The top limit function of the switch is to stop the motor when the ram reaches the top of its travel. If this aspect of the switch fails, it means the compactor will continuously run even when its cycle is complete. First, disconnect the power source and remove the unit from your cabinet. This part is located at the top of the compactor; remove the mounting brackets and top panel to access the directional switch. Make sure the switch actuating lever is aligned properly so that it comes in contact with the ram at the end of its cycle. Remove the ram, being careful not to disturb the lever, and disconnect the wires from the switch terminals. Usually there will be terminals marked C and NC. Consult the electrical schematic for your compactor to make sure you are checking the correct terminals. Test these terminals for continuity using a multi-meter. When the switch lever is activated, there should be no continuity. If there is continuity, the switch will need replacing. If the directional switch checks out fine, you will need to check the start switch. This part supplies power to the motor to begin the compactor cycle. The start switch can be a rotary switch, pushbutton, or rocker. It is usually placed on the control panel, or if the model is foot-powered, on the bottom drawer opening. The start switch has electrical contacts which, when activated, will close to start the motor. These contacts can become worn over time and can even become welded closed, which means the motor will not stop running when it’s supposed to. Turn off power to the unit before beginning this repair on your trash compactor. Remove the compactor from your cabinet for easier access. Consult the electrical schematic for your model to find out which terminals to test for continuity using a multi-meter. Disconnect the wires from these terminals, which are usually marked C and NO. If their normal position, the switch should not show continuity. When in the start position, the switch should have continuity. If the switch has continuity in both positions, it means it is defective and needs to be replaced. It is important when troubleshooting foot pedal-operated models to make sure that the actuator is not stuck in place, causing the switch to stay closed. We hope this helps. Thank you and have a great day!
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Mark
April 2, 2022
I have to hold the foot pedal in up position to complete a compaction cycle. The motor starts but if we release the pedal it stops. I tested the direction switch and the limit switch and both tested ok. Since i ordered a new direction switch i replaced it anyway. Still wouldn’t compact without holding pedal up. Could it be centrifugal switch in motor? If so can this be purchased without buying a new motor?
For model number GCG1580R0SS
Hello Mark, thank you for writing. The centrifugal switch cannot be purchased separately. The Drive Motor and Gear Kit is part FIX2359919. If you need help placing an order, customer service is open 7 days a week. Please feel free to give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you.
I asked a previous question about needing to keep foot pedal held up to complete compaction. If i release the pedal the motor stops. I replaced the direction switch to no avail. I also asked if it could be centrifugal switch in motor. Please let me know if that is the likely problem. I don’t want to spend over $350 for a new motor if it’s not likely to fix the issue. Thanks!
For model number GCG1580R0SS
Hello Mark, thank you for writing. We are very sorry as we do not have this kind of information for your unit, as this would certainly be an issue for the manufacturer to address. For more specialized assistance or to speak with someone about this, we would suggest calling the manufacturer. We hope this helps!
First I removed the trash compactor from the cabinet and transported it to the garage to avoid scraping the kitchen floor....I then removed the the sheetmetal cover enclosing the motor by removing several sheetmetal screws. To remove the motor, I then removed the compactor drawer and tilted the compactor onto its front (the side you pull the drawer in and out of). This allow you to get to the bottom of the compactor. I then removed 3 sheet metal screws attaching the bottom cover of the compactor. After removing the bottom cover, I could then access the 4 mounting nuts that hold the motor in place. I disconnected the wiring harness to the motor, removed the motor and replaced it. The motor plate allows you to adjust the chain tensioning and gear lash of the drive motor. I adjusted and tightened the plate to provide close gear lash, and chain tension of about 1/2" play. Re-installed the motor cover and bottom plates, plugged the compactor into a wall socket, re-installed the compactor drawer and tested for several cycles. All is well. FYI - I do not think the motor itself was bad; however, there is a centrifugal switch built into the motor assembly...that is what I believe failed. The motor and centrifugal switch come as a one assembly.
I noticed that one of the holes that the foot pedal was attached to on the drawer assembly, had opened up so that the pivot pin wouldn't stay seated in it. I ordered a complete drawer assembly which included the metal trash container, drawer slides, and foot pedal assembly. The old front of the cabinet is removed by unscrewing about 8 screws. The front then slides up and off of the old assembly. The front panel is then slid over the new drawer assembly and the screws are tightened down.
Removed compactor from opening. Using screw driver unthreaded 4 screws from top and then removed the on/off dial. Face plate came off easy and provided access to relay switch bank. Unscrewed two screws which allowed both relay switches to be removed and replaced. Recommend replacing both relay switches. Reassembled and compactor worked fine. Very easy job. If your compactor is making a machine gun noise during the return cycle then this will solve your problem.
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