Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:28 pm
It can be frustrating when you wake up one day and merely discover that one or two of your appliances aren’t functioning.
There are possibly tons of reasons they could cease functioning, and power surges that induce abnormal voltages, usually higher, could be one reason. Is it possible that power surges damage appliances like washing machines?
A power surge can damage your washing machine, provided it’s connected to the mains. High voltages in power surges cause an arc of electrical current, and the heat generated in the arc can furthermore cause damage to the washing machine’s circuit board. It can also lead to frying circuits and melting components.
Are Power Surges Bad For Appliances?
Power surges certainly are not healthy for your appliances. Most appliances generally have underlying insurances for cases like a surge. When the surge gets past the inherent insurances and built-in protections, a wide range of issues can occur.
The power surges may cause motors, wirings, and switches insulation breakdowns. Consequently, other components may also develop faults and eventually stop functioning. Note that common causes of power surges like electrical overloads can harm your appliances. Don’t let the misconception of ‘minor power surges’ deceive you!
Electrical overloads can lead to dangerous power surges. Dangerous such that overwhelmed circuit may receive a massive spike in current due to excessive power being drawn. Always avoid cases of power surges!
What Does a Power Surge Do to Appliances?
Power surges usually induce voltages that are above appliances’ ordinary working voltage. This voltage flood can cause an arc of electrical current within the device. Furthermore, the heat that this arc produces can harm the electronic circuit boards and other components of appliances.
Additionally, surges can harm or destroy connected electrical appliances. When the electricity that flows through appliances at once is too much, components may overheat, break down, or burst into flames. This uncontained arc, which creates heat, could dissolve or erode your appliance components.
An extreme surge could even start a fire! Most of the divider outlets in our homes run on a 120-volt framework. However, this doesn’t mean that a steady stream of 120-volts goes through your home.
What happens is, there’s an alternating electrical flow that ascents and tumbles from 0 volts to a peak voltage of 169 volts. Most gadgets and appliances that we use can’t deal with voltages over 169.
Yet, when a power surge happens, a progression of power that spikes over 169 volts occur, bringing about an arc of electrical flow. This arc creates heat that causes harm to electronic parts and circuit sheets.
Do Washing Machines Need Power Surge Protectors?
Washing machines, like any other home appliance, need power surge protectors. Occurrences of power surges that may damage your washing machine beyond repair are bound to occur at any given point in time.
Getting a surge protector for your washing machine is like purchasing extra security. You can never tell when a terrible power spike may come along and suck the electrical life away from your costly electric washer.
Although you’ll always need a power surge protector for your washer, you may ignore getting one for yourself in some cases. For example, you may overlook the purchase of a power surge protector if you hardly use your washing machine.
It could be that You have a laundry shop nearby your house, and you make use of your washing machine less than ten times a year. It’s also possible that you only need to wash all your clothing once a week or longer.
You have so much apparel in your closet that it would take more than three full months for you to wear every one of them. In these scenarios, you scarcely make use of your washing machine, so buying a power surge would be a misuse of cash, to some extent. I’m not saying getting a power surge will be useless.
It’s still advisable after all other appliances could even utilize the power surge when the washer is not in use. Getting a surge protector for your washing machine is more economical than considering replacement costs initiated by a surge. Make a move now!
You should get surge protection not just for your washing machine but for all significant electrical appliances at home, especially if you live in an area that’s inclined to power surge causes like power outage and lightning.
How Do You Reset A Washing Machine After Power Outage?
It’s very straightforward. Most clothes washers have a button that you merely need to push to reset their engine. Contrary, some machines may not have reset buttons. In such situations where there are no reset buttons, turn off the washer and afterward plug it back in. That serves as the reset.
If your washing machine doesn’t have a reset button, and you wish to reset it, consider leaving it off for about 30 seconds to 55 seconds, contingent upon the machine’s model or directions in the proprietor’s manual.
For washing machines with a knob control, turn the dial clockwise to any cycle other than “Final Spin.” Similarly, select any cycle other than “Spin.”
Also, check that the water to the washing machine is on, then turn the breaker back on. Do so to the washing machine too. Some devices require that you open and close the lid six times after connecting the clothes washer to reset the motor.
Clothes washer resetting techniques vary by manufacturer and model. For example, some models turn the knob to reset with the power button “off.”
In other cases, if the machine has a “Cancel” button, push it to clear any error, and then press the “Pause” or “Stop” button to reset it. Always consult your washing machine manual for the appropriate processes that apply to your model.
Conclusion
Power surges are indeed a threat to your home and its appliances like washers. Always unplug your washing machine when incidents like power outage occur, and invest in power surge protectors in case any form of power surge attempts break out. Trying options like resetting your washer isn’t a bad idea, but you should just be careful to avoid the risk of electric shocks!