Electric Insect Killers are an extremely efficient way to remove insects from both domestic and commercial environments, whether it be to reduce the annoyance that insects cause in the home, or eliminate the risk of contamination in commercial settings, especially in food-based operations. With an appliance as important as this, it is important to know the best practices when it comes to cleaning and maintenance.
How do Electric Insect Killers work?
Electric Insect Killers are made up of two components to create an efficient system to eliminate insects. It is widely known that insects are attracted to light, and many of us have been subjected to the frustration of insects getting in to the area, but seeming to be reluctant to leave again. This is why most if not all Electric Insect Killers are fitted with UV Tubes, to attract insects to the appliance, for them to then be electrocuted by the electrical grid inside the appliance.
Replacing Faulty UV Tubes/Starters
It is important to note that any maintenance or repair work should be carried out by a manufacturer engineer or a qualified electrician.
The first critical step is to disconnect the appliance from any power before performing any work, safety always comes first.
If only one of the two UV Tubes is functioning correctly, the problem could be to do with the starters. To troubleshoot this problem and figure out which component is malfunctioning, remove the starters and switch their positions over. If the UV Tube that was working previously now does not light up, then the starter needs to be replaced, if the originally faulty tube continues to malfunction, then a new tube will need to be installed.
To replace the tube, after removing the rear grille, simply hold the defective tube and rotate it 90 degrees anti-clockwise to loosen it, then carefully remove the tube vertically from the slot and replace it with a new tube. Turn the new tube 90 degrees clockwise to lock it in to place, then reassemble the appliance.
If you find yourself in a situation where both UV Tubes are failing, check if there is a problem with the fuse.
Note: If these instructions differ from the instructions given by the manufacturer, please refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to clean an Electric Insect Killer
Different components of an Electric Insect Killer require different cleaning methods, some which require standard methods, others which require more care and vary from model to model. The first step is to always disconnect the appliance from the power source and remove it off of the Mounting Bracket.
When it comes to the tray that collects the exterminated bugs, they are often made from materials that can be cleaned using warm soapy water. The important thing to remember is to ensure that the tray is completely dry before placing it back in to the Insect Killer, to eliminate the risk of electrical hazards.
The cleaning process of any of the metal components, especially those that have current running through them, is very dependent on the model of Insect Killer that is installed.
Some models can be cleaned using warm soapy water or a soft cloth and kitchen spray/degreaser, but it is important to read the manufacturer's instructions extremely carefully, as some models are very strict about the appliances contact with water. With models such as these, you can find specialized brushes to clean any components of your Insect Killer.
Electric Insect Killers are considered an essential product when it comes to hospitality settings, but can be just as much of an asset in domestic properties.