CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ACCESS DOOR

A control system is provided for operating a washing machine through a cycle of operations and for ensuring that an access door is closed and locked during predetermined portions of the cycle and for ensuring that sensor switches are properly operable. A microcontroller-based programmer controls the washing machine through the cycle of operations. A first switch is actuatable by the access door for enabling energization of the washing machine upon movement of the access door to the closed position and a latch mechanism is energizable by the programmer for positioning the latch mechanism to effect the locking of the access door in the closed position if the first switch is closed. A second switch is in circuit with the programmer and is operable from a first to a second posture upon locking of the access door to provide a door-latched signal to the programmer. The programmer is further operable for effecting a signal to the second switch and for receiving a verification signal with the second switch in the first posture to confirm the proper operability of the second switch upon receiving the door-latched signal. The programmer is operable for verifying the second posture of the second switch throughout at least preselected portions of the cycle of operations and is operable for terminating operation of the washing machine upon detecting an inoperable second switch or an unlatched access door.