Intermittent On-Off Problem Solved In CASTOR Induction Cooker-CT-DIVA60
This induction cooker (hereinafter referred to as IC for brevity) belonged to the Grocery-Vegetable-Bakery shop situated opposite to my house. It was brought to me by the lady assistant mentioning that it gets off and on and sometimes did not heat. You can perhaps observe the condition of the cooker from the second picture above.
Even the centre portion, where the vessels are kept was as dirty as the cellophane paper that covered other areas! I opened the IC and cleaned inside thoroughly, which was a mess of cobweb, dust and dirt:
The last picture above is that of the two AC IN wires which were found to be charred with burning marks on the board. After a thorough cleaning of the inside, the fan, board, control panel etc., I looked for the trouble making components.
Though it looked like intermittent or insufficient contact (which means straining current flow) of the AC in wires, on further investigation, there were plenty of trouble making components in the board. After removing, cleaning and resoldering the AC in wires, I combed the primary and secondary of the board and replaced the electrolytic capacitors, the large Black capacitor across the coil, high value resistors apart from 8050/8550 transistors. Then retouched both the main board and control panel board and checked/re-checked for any man-made shorts. Cleaned the boards thoroughly and connected the coil and kept it on a ceramic top, which I use for testing purposes. When powered on, I noticed that the fan was not freely rotating even though I had opened its seal and lubricated. So, replaced that also, upon which the IC passed the bench test, as per picture proof produced below:
I had already cleaned the top so thoroughly that it looked and shined like a new IC, thereby getting a chance to pat myself! (LOL).
After testing it in my kitchen a few times, it was delivered to the shop, where it was demonstrated to their satisfaction. Mission accomplished, which got qualified for an entry into the satisfaction bag.
I did not collect the charges then and there, but opted to deduct it from the monthly bill of the account we had with them, to give a guarantee for satisfactory function of the IC, which the shop owner accepted very reluctantly!
This article was prepared for you by Parasuraman Subramanian from India. He is 76 years old and has more than 30 years’ experience in handling antique equipment like Valve Radio, Amps, Reel Tape Recorders and currently studying latest tech-classes conducted by Kerala State Electronics Technicians’ Association. He has done graduation in BBA degree, private diploma in Radio Engineering and retired as MD of a USA company. Presently working as Consultant to Hospital and other institutions.
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Albert van Bemmelen
August 29, 2026 at 10:42 pm
Another exccellent repair with a satisfying mutual benefitting result. That IC sure looked like a new cooker afterwards! If I understood you right this time the 8050/8550 transistors were not replaced?
Parasuraman S
August 30, 2026 at 11:27 am
I did replace. Please read this sentence: "I combed the primary and secondary of the board and replaced the electrolytic capacitors, the large Black capacitor across the coil, high value resistors apart from 8050/8550 transistors." Looks like you have not read the article fully before making comments. Many thanks, dear Albert!
Albert van Bemmelen
August 30, 2026 at 2:40 pm
The apart from the transistors logically suggested otherwise dear Parasuraman!
Which translated means.... Except for (Excluding): Means leaving something out.
Parasuraman S
August 30, 2026 at 5:39 pm
Oh! I understand. But when we use "apart from", the next is also included and it is not excluded. >>>> Apart from the fact that we found something was wrong, we also noticed that there was some truth in it" The usage was like this. "Apart from my regular duties, I also had to face other tasks today" This is the kind of usage, I am accustomed with! Many thanks, dear Albert!
Mark J
August 30, 2026 at 2:07 am
Parasuraman great job. The Induction Cooker looks like new after you cleaned and repaired it. I have never had the opportunity to work on one yet. Thank you for sharing.
Parasuraman S
August 30, 2026 at 11:28 am
The best way is to get one from the scrap collectors and try to make it work, so that your long pending wish can be fulfilled. Many thanks, dear Mark.
Vincenzo Gaetano Coppola
August 30, 2026 at 2:10 am
It is so much pleasure to see your passion to repair electronics us still as strong as it was many years ago when I first read a repair by you! Keep it up and i hope im still around to help you celebrate your 150th time around our sun! Bless
Parasuraman S
August 30, 2026 at 11:30 am
Many thanks for your wonderfully charging comments! It helps me a lot!
Imoudu.O
August 30, 2026 at 4:40 am
Well,well,another good fix,ur bag is elastic accommodating all good repairs, like an ocean accepting waters from rivers without getting full,thanks sir
Parasuraman S
August 30, 2026 at 11:31 am
Vow! Good comparison! Many thanks, dear Imoudu!
Philip
August 30, 2026 at 10:16 pm
Thanks Eng. Parasuraman. I often have little trust for what I here (photos) presume to be driver transistors. I have not had a good view of the board circuit, but I'm of the assumption that the '8050' and '8550' are driver transistors for some components. When left intact, the transistors, among other components, if faulty, may cause damage elsewhere. So I always find it wise to substitute components that may emerge with unbecoming behavior when subjected to a load. Given that such components are a walk in the park to come by, there is little reason to offer them an extra chance to serve. There is a capacitor that I have always tended to replaced just to clear doubt and end suspicion beforehand, the 50v 1 microfarad is it. Reason; no multimeter reading for the mini capacitor ever shows up whatsoever, so its integrity becomes quationable. So rather than wait for strange characteristics caused by such components, its only a worthy consideration to have them substituted, for the replacement may pay dividents.
Parasuraman S
August 31, 2026 at 3:28 pm
Unlike a professional technician, who has to live with the income solely from the service, we do not want any set come back to us after service. For me it is really an irritation and frustration. I ensure that it goes to its own house and stay there healthy and serve the master. Many thanks for your detailed comments, dear brother!
Yogesh Panchal
August 31, 2026 at 5:07 pm
Good Fix! Sir
Parasuraman S
September 1, 2026 at 10:11 am
Many thanks, dear Yogesh Bai!
Muykit
August 31, 2026 at 5:33 pm
I also write, and my linguistic potential by any measure is wanting, and my limited technical capabilities wont hold me back or tie me down
Parasuraman S
September 1, 2026 at 10:12 am
Keep progressing, never loosen or relax until objectives are achieved. Many thanks for your comments!
Adam S
September 1, 2026 at 6:52 pm
Another excellent repair, Parasuraman, but I'm afraid I wouldn't ever want to buy any food from a shop that let their cooker get into that sort of filthy condition!
Parasuraman S
September 2, 2026 at 1:35 pm
Spot on! I fully agree with you. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. You are a very keen person. Many thanks for your comments.
Muykit
September 3, 2026 at 8:07 pm
In MANY restaurants its mostly forbidden by the management for clients to even peep in the kitchen. You might hate yourself for the regreatable mistake, dear Adam.