Power Cut During Washing Machine Cycle: Panic Averted!

A power cut during a washing machine cycle can turn an ordinary day into an unexpected adventure. One minute, your clothes are spinning and rinsing, and the next, everything comes to a sudden halt.

What do you do when the lights go off and the machine stops? This article will guide you through these surprising situations.

We’ll uncover why power cuts happen and what steps you can take when your laundry plans are suddenly paused. Get ready to learn some useful tips and fascinating facts!

Power Cut During Washing Machine Cycle: What Happens?

If your washing machine experiences a power cut during a cycle, here’s what typically happens:

• Cycle Interruption: Your washer will stop and pause. It’ll wait for the electricity to come back on.
• Auto-Lock Feature: Expect the washer to auto-lock for around five minutes, even if you don’t turn it off or unplug it.

Depending on your washing machine’s model:

• Old Models: Machines with a mechanical timer won’t lose the cycle’s progression.
• New Models: Most remember the phase they paused at; some might not.

Generally, a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet powers your machine which helps ensure safety during power outages.

Can a Power Surge Damage My Washing Machine?

When a highly unexpected power surge occurs, it can be harmful to your washing machine.

Here’s what can happen:

• The surge may overwhelm electrical components, potentially leading to a burnt-out motor or a damaged power cord.
• If there is a power surge during a cycle, the sudden spike in electricity might cause significant damage to internal machinery.

To protect your appliance:

• Consider using a surge protector; it acts as a buffer between the power supply and your washing machine.
• Unplugging your washer during an outage can prevent damage when the power comes back on.

Safety is paramount, ensuring your home is equipped with a modern circuit breaker can reduce risks.

These breakers automatically shut off electricity when they detect a surge, preventing potential damage to appliances.

In case a power surge occurs, here’s what could happen:

• The fuse in your washing machine may blow to halt the surge, requiring replacement for the machine to operate again.
• Persistent low voltages, often from brownouts, can damage the motor by causing it to hum without turning.

Protection measures include:

• Unplugging appliances from outlets during brownouts
• Using voltage relays for under-voltage protection

In short, while a plain power outage is usually harmless, surges and brownouts carry a risk. Especially for older models, your washing machine could be at risk if not properly protected.

How Do You Reset a Washing Machine After a Power Outage?

1. Automatic Reset.

Your programmable washing machine likely includes a reset function to address errors from power interruptions.

To reset your machine follow these steps:

1. Ensure Power is Off: Start by making sure the power button on your washing machine is turned off.
2. Adjust Knob (if applicable): If your machine has a knob, turn it to a different setting and then back again.
3. Select a New Wash Program: Choose a new program for your wash.
4. Activate the Washer: Press the power button to turn on the washer.
5. Clear Errors: If your machine has a ‘Cancel’ button, press it to clear any error messages.
6. Final Reset Step: Press the ‘Pause’ or ‘Stop’ button to complete the reset process.
7. Consult Manufacturer’s Website: If you are unsure about the steps, visit the manufacturer’s website for your specific model’s manual and follow the detailed resetting procedure.

2. Manual Reset.

Here are the steps that you should follow while performing the manual reset.

1. Unplug the Machine: Begin by unplugging your washing machine from its power source.
2. Wait Period: Wait approximately one minute before plugging it back in.
3. Door Opening Sequence: Open and close the machine’s door six times within 12 seconds to send a reset signal to the machine’s components.
4. Adjust Mechanical Timer (if applicable): If your machine has a mechanical timer, turn the dial to any setting other than ‘Final Spin’.
5. Set Button Controls (if applicable): For machines with button controls, select any program other than ‘Spin’ and turn the circuit breaker back on.
6. Consult User Manual: Check your user manual for model-specific instructions, as reset procedures can vary.
7. Additional Steps for Some Models: For some models, after restoring power, you might need to repeat the door opening and closing sequence to effectively reset the motor.

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