Does your washing machine keep blowing fuses left, right, and center? Then in this article, you’ll find out what’s causing it to go off the deep end and how you can repair it.
If your washing keeps blowing a fuse do this:
- Do not use an extension cord
- Check the power supply
- Repair the plug wiring
- Disconnect other appliances from the circuit
- Relocate it to a warm, indoor space
- Repair the door safety lock
- Replace the mains filter
But how can you be sure which solution will fix your washing machine? To find out, check out the extended guide below. There, I’ll show you how you can pinpoint the problem with your washing machine and start repairing it.
7 Ways to Fix a Washing Machine That Keeps Blowing a Fuse
Does your washing machine keep blowing fuses? Is this happening so often that you wonder whether you will have to fork out for a new white appliance?
Before you start looking for replacements, there’s something you can do. In fact, there are 7 things. Take a look at the upcoming guide that will show you 7 reasons why your washing machine is blowing a gasket and what you can do to repair it.
#1 Do Not Use an Extension Cord
Your washing machine needs a lot of power, way more than your extension lead can handle. Using one can lead to short circuits and could even be a major fire hazard. That’s why you should never plug your washing machine into an extension cord. You should also never plug one into a multi-plug adapter.
Once you have plugged your washing machine out of the extension cord, it should stop blowing fuses. But if it doesn’t, move on to the next step in this article.
#2 Check the Power Supply
If your washing machine keeps blowing fuses there could be a problem with your power supply.
To ensure that your power supply is not the root of the problem, do the following:
- Remove the power cord from the mains supply
- Plug another appliance into that same power socket. (Preferably a large consumption appliance such as a hair dryer or a kettle.)
- Test the appliance to see if it works properly. If it doesn’t, you will need to have the power supply checked by an electrician. If it does, move on to the next step in this article. In the meantime, plug your washing machine into a different power socket.
#3 Repair the Plug Wiring
Does your washing machine blow a fuse as soon as you turn it on? Then you should make a thorough inspection of your plug wiring and cables to try to find the source of the problem. Here’s what you should do:
- Inspect the plug wiring and cables for any signs of damage. If you see any damage, you will have to replace the cables.
- Check for blown cables and blown plug tops. If you see any, you will have to replace them too.
- After you have checked and fixed the wiring, you can test the washing machine again. If it continues to blow fuses, move on to the next section in this article.
#4 Disconnect Other Appliances From the Circuit
We all like to have our washing machine and tumble dryer in the same vicinity. This makes it easier for you to wash and dry clothes in one dedicated space. But if your washing machine and tumble dryer are on the same fuse circuit, you could have a problem.
Both a washing machine and a tumble dryer are large, energy-thirsty appliances. If they are connected to the same circuit and used at the same time, they could make one of the appliances blow a fuse.
But it is not just washing machines and tumble dryers that should not share a circuit. Many household appliances need a lot of energy and cannot share a fuse. So, if your washing machine is sharing a fuse circuit with another large appliance, do this:
- Disconnect the washing machine from the shared fuse circuit
- Put it on its own dedicated circuit
- If you don’t see any improvements after moving the washing machine, move on to the next section in this article
#5 Relocate It to a Warm, Indoor Space
Washing machines are a little fussy. They simply aren’t made to be in cold or overly humid environments. When exposed to extreme cold or humidity, your washing machine may trip a fuse while it runs.
Why does this happen? Because rooms without heating are prone to dampness in the winter. Dampness from the room can seep into the washing machine and affect its components. It is not uncommon for it to work its way into low-voltage components and even into the control modules and motors.
To avoid these issues, do not install your washing machine in the following places:
- Outdoors
- Conservatories
- Outdoor buildings (such as garages, sheds, or outhouses)
Has your washing machine been exposed to a damp environment for a long time? Then you may need to have it checked by an electrician. Damp could have already worked its way into the components of your appliance. If it has, you may need to replace them before the washing machine can work properly again.
If you have always maintained your washing machine in a heated, dry room, check out the following tips in this article.
#6 Repair the Door Safety Lock
Most modern washing machines are built with a door safety lock. This lock prevents you from opening the washing machine door while it is mid-cycle. If your washing machine blows a fuse as soon as the door locks, this could indicate that the door has a fault.
Your washing machine door could have one of the following issues:
- The door lock is arcing internally
- The door has an electrical fault or an RCB unit trip
- The interlocking system is making the washing machine trip
If you suspect that your washing machine door is the root of the problem, you will need to call an electrician. They will be able to inspect the door and replace some of its automatic safety components.
#7 Replace the Mains Filter
The final issue we will consider today is the faulty mains filter (aka interference suppressor). This component is manufactured to stop your washing machine from affecting other electrical appliances in the circuit.
But how can you know whether a faulty mains filter is the reason why your washing machine keeps blowing fuses? If your interference suppressor is bulging or covered in burn marks or liquid, it could be faulty. You will need to replace the mains filter for the washing machine to work again.
Conclusion
Your washing machine is flying off the handle. It is blowing fuses and is not able to perform any commands before it trips your whole system. What should you do? With the help of this article, we have seen 7 reasons why your washing machine blows fuses and what you can do to fix it. I’m sure these tips have helped you to get your machine on the road to repair.
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Thanks for reading, and have a great day!
Cheers,
Craig