What is an aqua sensor in a dishwasher?

New generation dishwashers are equipped not only with a standard set of programs but also with additional programs and features. One of these is automatic dishwashing, enabled by the built-in Aquasensor. Many people wonder what this is and how it works. We'll answer these questions in this article.

The principle of operation and its necessity

Translated from Latin, “Aqua Senor” literally means water sensor. In a dishwasher, this sensor determines the turbidity of the water based on the presence of small particles of dirt, food residue, etc.This allows you to change the program's course: its duration, water consumption, which helps save energy.

The dishwasher's aqua sensor is an infrared photodiode and phototransistor located opposite each other on a shared circuit board. The circuit board is protected by a light-tight housing, shaped like a curved "U." An infrared beam emitted by the photodiode passes through the water and strikes the phototransistor. When the water is clean, a signal is sent to the control board, and the washing program is adjusted: clean water is reused, no new water is added, and the additional rinse cycle is canceled.

If the water is contaminated, the beam intensity is insufficient to trigger the phototransistor. In this case, the Aqua Sensor system's microprocessor sends a signal to the control module indicating the absence of a signal from the phototransistor, which is interpreted as water turbidity. After each rinse cycle, the sensor is calibrated and the water's purity is determined. This automatic dishwashing method allows you to save up to 4 liters of water per wash, while maintaining excellent cleaning quality.

Important! The sensitivity of the dishwasher's turbidity sensor's photocell also depends on scale buildup and detergent residue in the water.

The water purity sensor is located at the bottom of the dishwasher. It can be accessed by removing the left cover. The water purity sensor is plugged into the circulation pump connector, making it easy to replace if it malfunctions.

Which dishwashers are equipped with a water sensor?

Bosch and Siemens were the first to implement water purity detection technology in their dishwashers. While this sensor isn't found in low-end dishwashers, it is found in mid-range and high-end models. For example, in these popular models:

• Bosch SPV 53M00 is a narrow, fully built-in model;
• Bosch SMV 50E10 is a full-size, fully built-in model;
• Siemens SR 66T090 – narrow dishwasher;
• Bosch SPV 63M50 is a narrow, fully integrated machine with extended functionality.

Please note: Even a compact countertop dishwasher from Bosch or Siemens may have a built-in water purity sensor.

A little later, a water purity sensor appeared in expensive dishwashers from other manufacturers; its name was slightly different from the one invented by Bosch engineers. So, dishwasher manufacturers Miele called this sensor the “Eco sensor”, and the manufacturers Hotpoint-Ariston call it Sensor System. Here are some examples of dishwashers:

• Electrolux ESL 98810 RA;
• Miele G 4960 SCVi;
• Kuppersbusch IG 4407.0 GE;
• De Dietrich DVH 1120 J.

Thus, a dishwasher's water purity sensor is an example of a new technology that allows you to monitor the quality of dishwashing. Thanks to this sensor:

• the number of rinses of dishes is regulated, which leads to water savings;
• is declining dishwasher safe time;
• energy consumption is reduced.

   

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