Last updated on November 11th, 2022 at 01:18 pm
Those unexpected power outages experienced are sometimes frustrating; they interfere with specific activities, leaving you stuck on what to do.
So, you wonder if you should check the circuit breaker of the ground-fault circuit interrupter outlet if it just tripped off or if you should check if the machine is faulty.
When a power outage occurs in this style during a washing cycle, you’re stuck on what to do or how to continue the process.
It would be best to wait for the power to return, and the machine will start from where it stopped during the outage. If the power outage is prolonged, you should reset the washing cycle to get a proper and good wash. If the door refuses to open, turn off the washing machine and unplug it; wait for about five minutes before you open it.
What Happens If Power Cut During Washing Machine?
When the power is cut during the washing machine cycle, the washing stops and pauses until power is restored.
Then, without switching off the machine or unplugging from the electrical circuit, the system retains its auto-lock for about five minutes.
With old-model washing machines having a mechanical timer, you don’t have to worry about losing time set for the cycle.
Newer washing machines also remember where they stopped the process and why some do not, depending on the type.
The GFCI outlet is commonly used in every house, so your machine is sure to be safe if the power cut is dangerous.
Can a Power Outage Damage My Washing Machine?
A power outage won’t damage your washing machine, and the return could damage your machine.
Reduced power availability in the form of a power cut called a ‘brownout’ can damage the washing machine.
If there’s a ‘power surge,’ there is a possibility of damaging your washer and other appliances plugged in.
Brownout damage will happen to your washing machine and other appliances with electrical motors, sometimes when the power is restored at low volts.
Which causes your motors to hum and not turn; switching your washing machine and other appliances from their outlets is best.
It is the most basic way to prevent electronic damage; you can also tell a low voltage by dimming the washing machine.
The inadequate supply of brownouts is scarce to damage washing machines and other appliances.
In addition, a brownout won’t damage most modern/newer washing machines with high-quality built components and well-built electronics.
Your old washer is at more risk of this damage, though; the use of good circuit breakers eradicates brownouts.
Electronic damages depend on what caused the outage. For example, brownouts are known for burning out motors; motors can sometimes be protected by under-voltage relays but sometimes are not.
When the inductor motors get low voltage, they’re obstructed; most appliances/machines sometimes make you the user responsible for under-voltage protection.
Generally, power outages will not damage your washing machine in normal circumstances, except for a voltage spike during a washing cycle.
However, the condition of your washing machine matters too, and when your washer has been around for years, it is likely to get damaged.
The damage happens because some components, like the motors, might have weakened, leaving the machine liable to break down.
How Do You Reset a Washing Machine after Power Outage?
Press the reset button; if it doesn’t work or there isn’t such a button, unplug or turn the circuit breaker off for one minute. After that, you plug back the power cord into the outlet or turn the circuit breaker back on and wait for about one minute. Then you clear the display by pressing the cancel, pause or stop button twice and press the power button.
Generally, when you want to reset a machine or device, you unplug it and plug it back in before putting it on. Unfortunately, the washing machine is not convenient to unplug; preferably, it’s the circuit breaker you can switch off or unplug.
Resetting a washing machine has many ways to do, and it also depends on the type of washing machine you have. So first things first, before you touch any button or touch the power cords or circuit breakers, make sure your hands are dry.
Due to some errors or faults caused by a power outage or a spike, sometimes you decide to reset your machine after a power outage to get a proper wash. With the various reasons for doing a reset, there are multiple ways to do a reset.
Most newer washing machines come with a reset button that allows you to reset the washing cycle. However, some high programmable washing machines might have a reset function and not necessarily a button to reset a programming problem.
At the same time, those without it can also reset by just unplugging it and plugging it back to the outlet.
So, in essence, You can reset a washing machine automatically by pressing a reset button or manually by unplugging and plugging back.
And following some procedures to reset it safely, these two methods will be explained below.
1. Automatic Reset.
Most newer programmable washers have a reset function; this reset function clears a sudden error such as a delay to start.
For example, when the power is cut, the washing cycle might refuse to start, which you can use the command and reset controls.
As earlier said, the method of resetting varies by type and model; in some models, you turn the knob to reset with the power button off.
After turning the knob, you can select a new program, then press the power button again to restart the washer.
In other models, the machine may have a ‘Cancel’ button, push it to clear the error, and push the ‘Pause’ or ‘Stop’ button to reset it.
You can find washing machine helpful handbooks and troubleshoot on the manufacturer’s website. You should look up the handbooks for the best process of resetting to follow that applies to the type of model you have.
2. Manual Reset.
The manual reset method has to do with finding a way to get the motors in the machine to pick up from a stop.
To perform this type of Reset, you carefully unplug the washing machine from the power outlet and leave it unplugged for about one minute.
Plug back the power cord back into the outlet, open and close the washing machine’s door six times within 12 seconds.
The opening and closing of the door is a way of sending a reset signal to all the components due to the inconvenience or easy access to the washing machine’s power plug to reset the washer.
You can leave it off for about one minute, depending on the model you have and the instructions in the guide. In some washing machines with a knob control, you turn it clockwise to any cycle other than ‘Final Spin.’
You select any cycle other than ‘Spin’ with button controls and turn the circuit breaker back on. Some machines require that you open and close the door six times after plugging the machine in to reset the motor.
Conclusion
When there is a power cut, you should switch off your circuit breaker to avoid power surges or Brownouts.
Nowadays, washing machines are built with components that could protect the washing machine from electrical damages. And also with programs that make washing cycles safe and easy.