Reliability Testing of Triacs

A laboratory testing program which was conducted on triacs used in a prototype all-solid-state household dishwasher is described. This testing program was deemed necessary after an inordinately high number of failures of the triacs were encountered in field testing, even though the triacs were being operated well within their published specifications. The operation of triacs, the specific appliance application, and a comparative triac testing plan are described. The test results which led to the selection of a triac which met the high-reliability criteria are given, as well as some specific recommendations for the use of triacs in appliance applications.