Induction stove does not work – causes and repair with your own hands

The utilization of metal components to generate heat in an oscillating magnetic field has been employed in household applications for over four decades. Kitchen appliances used for culinary purposes feature contemporary aesthetic designs, superior ceramic coatings, and exceptional efficiency, all thanks to the direct heating of metallic cooking vessels.

Induction stove with one burner

Despite the many advantages that induction heating devices have over traditional electric stoves, repairing such products is not always feasible for individuals.

The complex microprocessor-based induction control system used in these devices requires a high level of expertise from the repair technician. The absence of direct heating of the element emitting the magnetic field greatly reduces the likelihood of malfunctions such as a "burned out conductor." So, if there are any significant issues with the operation of this device, or if it won’t turn on at all, and you want to attempt to repair it on your own, you will need:

• Basic knowledge of electronics;
• Diagnostic tools, soldering iron, and soldering materials;
• Having a significant amount of free time is important when it comes to handling the repair of an induction stove.
• Mental preparation is crucial, as attempting to fix such a sophisticated device can lead to irreparable damage.

When it comes to addressing the issue, the initial step is to identify the primary reasons behind the malfunctioning of contemporary induction stoves.

Unlike a traditional electric stove, an induction appliance contains a control unit that can often malfunction due to liquid entering the internal components.

While not every device failure is the result of a short circuit, it is important to diagnose the issue and gather a detailed "anamnesis" before attempting any repairs.

If your induction stove stops working suddenly, there are a few common breakdowns to be aware of. Some possible causes of malfunction include:

• Incorrect usage of the appliance
• Factory defects
• A short circuit caused by liquid entering the device’s body

If you have used the induction stove correctly and it malfunctions within the warranty period, the best course of action would be to get in touch with a service center for warranty repair. For all other scenarios, you can attempt to fix complex household appliances on your own. This article will delve into the most common issues with household induction stoves and provide some troubleshooting tips.

Insufficient power

If the induction stove doesn’t produce the rated power while it’s operating, the cause may not always be the device itself. Frequently, the reduced power of this electrical appliance can be attributed to the following:

• An inconsistency in the voltage supplied by the household electrical network;
• The usage of improper cookware;
• Activation of electronic protection due to overheating of the winding.

If there are significant deviations in the 220 V mains voltage, the induction hob can not only operate unstably but also fail completely. If it’s known that the voltage is frequently unstable in the area, it’s recommended to install a voltage stabilizer specifically designed for induction cooktops. When choosing a voltage stabilizer, opt for a model with a power rating that exceeds the rated power of the cooktop by at least 10%.

When cooking, it is essential to make sure that the cookware is precisely positioned at the center of the cooking surface. If the cookware is displaced from the center of the induction field, it will not only result in a noticeable decrease in power but also amplify the negative effects of magnetic radiation on the human body.

The stove is also equipped with built-in safeguards to prevent the heating of the winding, although the occurrence of such a function triggering and power reduction is extremely rare. All induction stoves are equipped with a reliable forced ventilation system that effectively handles this task. However, overheating of the winding can happen if the stove is not installed on a solid surface. In this situation, the stove may buckle under the weight of the cookware and its own weight, which will inevitably obstruct the air intake holes in the stove’s body.

If the power of the induction cooker is reduced due to hair, thread, or fishing line getting wound around the motor shaft and causing a decrease in fan speed, you can trigger the protection system. To fix this issue, all you need to do is dismantle the appliance and thoroughly clean the fan blades and shaft, removing any dirt or debris.

The hob does not turn on

If the decrease in power of this device cannot always be detected at the time the fault occurs, then when the electric stove does not turn on, it is clearly necessary to immediately inspect the device for significant violations.

Fortunately, cases where the electrical appliance’s main magnetic field-emitting element does not initiate are not always connected to a malfunction of the household device itself.

Reasons for the induction stove not working properly:

• The power cord is not secured.
• A fuse has blown.
• The coil control module is not secured.

Power Unit

When there is a defect in the power cord, the indicator glow is completely absent and there are no signs of life from the household appliance. In such a situation, it is necessary to dismantle the device and use a multimeter to test the cable from the plug to the terminals on the power filter board.

If a resistance of zero is detected on any of the conductors, the wire should be inspected first at the point where it enters the device housing. This is especially common in portable single-burner models, as they are often moved from one place to another, which can result in mechanical damage to the copper conductor.

The plug is the second most common location where the electric current supplying device can fail. This issue is particularly prevalent in inexpensive stoves that use smaller diameter conductors in order to save money.

Both problems related to conductor integrity can be easily solved. In the first case, to fix the breakage, you need to:

• Disassemble the household appliance.

Stove taken apart

Disassembled plug

If the device is not working due to a faulty power cord, you can use it as intended again after reassembling it.

If the problem is caused by a burned wire in the plug, you must also cut it off and replace it with a collapsible three-pin product.

The induction stove may not turn on at all due to a blown fuse. To replace the fuse, you’ll also need to disassemble the appliance, but the repair process itself won’t take much time. To diagnose this type of breakdown, it’s enough to test the part with a multimeter or tester.

If a circuit breakage with the fuse is detected during the diagnostic process, simply replace the fuse, reassemble the appliance, and then use the stove in the standard mode.

The stove turns on, but does not start the operating mode

Back view of the power module

If there is a defect in the control module or touch panel, the most common solution is to replace it with a board that is already known to be faulty. In cheaper models, there may be a malfunction in the IGBT transistor, which is responsible for converting direct electricity into alternating current.

To inspect the transistor, simply disconnect the power board on which it is mounted, flip it over, and use a multimeter to test the component.

Before engaging in diagnostic procedures, it is imperative to discharge the high-voltage capacitors found in the power board of the device.

To prevent any harm to the internal contacts of the device, it is advisable to carry out this procedure using a high-resistance resistor. Once any remaining electrical charge has been removed, if the transistor is found to be damaged, just acquire a new electronic component and replace the burned part.

Once the board has been taken apart, it is essential to check the diode bridge, which is in the form of a four-pin chip. This can be done by conducting a ring test. If the diode bridge is faulty, it must be replaced. Once the necessary repair work has been carried out, the board can be reassembled, and the wires that were previously disconnected can be reconnected to their respective connectors.

Conclusion

It is possible to perform a DIY repair on a modern induction stove at home using basic soldering materials, a soldering iron, and a multimeter. Before attempting a complex repair, it is advisable to first check for simpler problems that may be affecting the appliance. If soldering of components is required, it is important to proceed with caution. Inadequate soldering can result in the stove shutting down, making it more challenging to identify the root cause of the issue. In general, with accurate diagnosis, 90% of appliance malfunctions can be resolved through personal efforts.