Unstable high and low voltages damaging components such as the motor or electronics inside the washer and a lost incoming electrical feed are reasons why it won’t work after a power outage.
The main problem with power outages is the unstable voltages that tend to occur before the power goes out.
This can include unusually high and low voltages which the washer isn’t designed to handle.
High and low voltages experienced even momentarily can cause problems for your washer as I will explain below.
This post I will explain three reasons why a washer won’t work after a power outage, its likelihood and viability of fixing.
Washer Wiring & Fault Finding
A washer depending on the model contains electrical components such an electric motors, relays, control circuits and electronics.
All of these are susceptible to changes in voltage.
A washer will be plugged into a wall socket. This wall socket provides a standardized voltage which differs between countries. For example, the USA standard voltage is 120 volts at 60 Hertz. In the UK/AUS/NZ this is 230 volts at 50 Hertz.
The cable goes from the wall socket to the switchboard where it is connected to circuit protection devices such as a MCB (miniature circuit breaker) which protects the circuit from overloading and short circuits. The cable will also be connected to an RCD which protects anyone from getting a fatal shock from the circuit.
The law says that the incoming voltage and frequency (from the powerlines) must be kept within a set range. When a fault occurs on the electrical network the voltage can change or an entire electrical feed (or phase) can be lost. Let’s look at how this affects washers.
Washer Not Working After Power Outage? – Reason #1
High Voltage Surge
Likelihood: High – In our experience, a voltage surge is a common reason why appliances with electronics and motors are damaged. This is common before an outage. Contact your local company that manages the electrical distribution for more information.
Fixable? In many cases, damage to electronics and the motor might not be economical to get repaired unless replacements can be found online.
Washers are designed to operate with a standard voltage and frequency. Every component inside the washer needs this steady voltage to function properly.
When the voltage is too high it can affect many components in the washer including motors, relays, contactors, control circuits and electronic boards.
If the voltage becomes high enough it can do a lot of damage to these components leaving signs such as dark ashy marks and burnt smells behind the washer.
When the voltage gets too high it causes capacitors to fail by shorting out.
Capacitors are components found in electronics and single phase motors. These can only work within a very narrow voltage range. When it is exceeded they short out. Often in a spectacular fashion. Other electronic components like resistors, inductors and semiconductors fail with high voltage.
The windings in a motor can short out when the voltage gets too high depending on what the windings are rated to handle. This results in the washer motor being unable to work after the outage.
Washer Not Working After Power Outage? – Reason #2
Low Voltage
Likelihood: Moderate – an unusual low voltage will burn out a motor if the washer is running during the fault. Contact your local company that manages the electrical distribution for more information.
Fixable? Yes, replacing a motor for the washer is possible depending on the brand.
If an electrical fault results in low voltage on the network it can cause problems for motors. If a washer was running during this low voltage period, the motor could burn out.
This happens because the motor starts to draw more current to compensate for the low voltage.
This generates additional heat which it isn’t designed for and eventually burns out the windings inside the motor. Replacing the motor should be possible depending on the particular brand.
Washer Not Working After Power Outage? – Reason #3
Lost Electrical Feed (Lost Phase)
Likelihood: High – likely if your home is on three phase power. Contact your local company that manages the electrical distribution for more information.
Fixable? Yes, wait for the electrical feed to come back online.
If the property is on three phase power it is possible that one phase (or electrical feed) is still offline. This offline phase would normally power the wall socket connected to the washer. Because this phase is still offline the washer won’t work.
Once this phase comes back online it should resolve the problem. You could also find an outlet that is currently working and plug the washer into that via an extension cord. This will help determine whether the washer is working or not.
Get Surge Protection
Surge protectors help protect appliances from voltage surges.
As most modern appliances including washers, wifi and fridges contain electronics a power outage can be very expensive.
A surge protector diverts high voltage when it occurs and discharges it to the earthing system safely.
Surge protectors are circuit breaker sized devices that are located in the switchboard. They can also be found on devices such as multi-boards thereby protecting all appliances plugged into it.
Electricians Perspective
A high voltage spike is the most likely reason why the washer isn’t working after an outage in our experience. This spike is likely to damage several components, especially the electronics. Installing a surge protector will ensure that this doesn’t happen in the future.
We Fix Faults is an electrician blog dedicated to finding and resolving electrical faults. If you have any topics you’d like us to cover please send a message above.