April 19, 2023

Trash Compactor: Why does my trash compactor run constantly with its ram in the up position?

A broken top limit and directional switch typically causes the motor to run constantly after the ram reaches its upper travel limit. Because the motor doesn't shut off, you'll typically hear a banging or hammering noise as the motor continues to run with the ram fully lifted.

Pull the trash compactor out of the cabinet and unplug the power cord. Remove the top panel and replace the top limit and directional switch. Reassemble the trash compactor, plug in the power cord and reinstall the trash compactor in the cabinet.

trash compactor

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TRASH COMPACTOR PROBLEM

JC-TC-Replace-the-trash-compactor-top-limit-and-directional-switch

Replace the trash compactor top limit and directional switch

The top limit and directional switch stops the drive motor when the ram reaches its top travel limit. This switch also controls supply current going to the motor start windings to turn the motor clockwise to lower the ram and counter clockwise to lift the ram. Replace the top limit and directional switch if you hear rapid tamping when the ram returns to the top and the motor continues to run. You may also need to replace the top limit and directional switch if the motor won't start or the motor won't reverse directions when the reaches its bottom travel limit.

Trash compactor top limit and directional switch

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Most common symptoms to help you fix your trash compactors

Choose a symptom to see related trash compactor repairs.

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Most common repair guides to help fix your trash compactors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your trash compactor.

How to replace a trash compactor power switch

How to replace a trash compactor power switch

If the trash compactor won’t power up, use the steps in this repair guide to replace the power switch....

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a trash compactor momentary start switch

How to replace a trash compactor momentary start switch

The momentary start switch starts the motor when you lift the foot pedal. This repair guide shows how to replace the swi...

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a trash compactor motor centrifugal switch

How to replace a trash compactor motor centrifugal switch

If the trash compactor ram won’t return to the top position, replace the motor centrifugal switch by following the instr...

Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your trash compactors

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