The size of these bumps and the spaces between them determines how long various cycles last and how long the pauses between them are. Speed Control and Temperature Control In terms of speed and temperature control, most washing machines use a simple switch system that when switched to different positions manually open or close sets of contacts. This is because it is turning a set of gears attached to a small motor. Cycle Switch You'll notice that the dial on a machine cycle switch dial takes a bit of force to turn. Washing machine programs usually have nothing to do with computers unless you're talking about modern and high tech machines.

These gears have a large degree of gear reduction and thus the dial turns slowly. Up toward the top of the switch, in the back part of the dial that the user turns, there are a series of bumps that, as the machine turns, raise and lower metal pieces to make electrical contacts. All the "programming" that goes into standard style washing machines is of a mechanical/electrical nature. Let's take a look at what's going on when you turn the dial (also called a cycle switch) on an ordinary older style mechanical washing machine.

When switched one way, only hot water supply solenoid.