The main reasons and what to do in case of electric shock from the washing machine
Today, almost every home has a washing machine that is used to wash clothes or laundry. Over time, this technique can cause problems. Often people are faced with the fact that the washing machine has a strong electric shock.
Main reasons
There are several reasons that can lead to the machine starting to shock.
Lack of PE wire
The main reason for the equipment to beat with the current is the lack of grounding in the household wiring. Some people think doing this is optional, but it's not. Even modern models of washing machines are calculated on the fact that part of the current will flow from capacitors to the grounded system. Without grounding, electrical current will accumulate on the enclosure. If you touch such a structure, you may feel a tingling sensation.
Unit malfunction
Most often, the problem appears due to malfunctions in the washing machine itself.
Violation of the insulation or integrity of the wires
Sometimes when connecting equipment, low-quality wires are used, which are easy to damage. If the integrity of the wiring is broken, there is an electric shock when you touch the case. Therefore, before using the washer, you should carefully inspect the insulation of each wiring. If mechanical damage is found, the damaged wire must be replaced with a new one.
Power button or control unit is shorted
All modern washing machines are equipped with special control units that simplify the operation of equipment. If you use the washing machine for a long time, the control unit and the buttons on it begin to shorten. This leads to the fact that a voltage appears on the metal case.
To get rid of the problem, you will need to disassemble the front panel and repair the short circuit.
Defective mains filter
There are times when problems with the machine appear due to a breakdown of the mains filter. It may break due to sudden power failure or due to temperature changes. To fix the malfunction, you will need to disassemble the filter and look for a breakdown of it. You can also replace a broken surge protector with a new one.
Heating element failure
It's no secret that hot water is sucked into the drum of the washing machine, which is heated with a heating element. Sometimes this heating element breaks and people feel tingling when they touch the surface of the machine. We will need to disassemble the back panel and replace the heating element with a new one. You can do it yourself or seek help from a specialist.
engine failure
This is a serious malfunction that occurs most often with older model typewriters. If a breakdown of the motor appears, the equipment begins to beat with an electric current only after the start of washing.Some people repair a burned-out motor, but this is expensive work, and therefore it is easier to repair. install a new motor or buy a modern washing machine.
Problems with the socket connection
It is known that all washing machines are powered by an electrical source and are therefore plugged into electrical outlets. Some people do not connect the plug to the socket correctly, which causes electric shock to the body of the equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to check in advance whether the machine is securely connected to the outlet and whether the contact is broken.
Methods for solving the problem with the washing machine
There are several effective methods to eliminate problems with washing equipment.
Residual current device
To prevent current leakage, it is recommended to use special devices for power supply protection shutdown. Experts recommend using such devices in homes with three-wire wiring. In this case, the RCD will work several times less often.
If the house has old wiring, it is recommended to install the RCD in the socket to which the washing machine is connected.
Potential equalization system
For reliable protection against electric shock when using a washing machine, a special potential equalization system is created. Its principle is to organize the electrical connection of the conductive parts of the room with earthing. Thanks to this, all metal structures will equalize the potential and reduce the likelihood of receiving an electric shock.
How to Check Soil Integrity
Make sure that the earth is intact, because the machine can shock you even if it is earthed. When checking, carefully examine the surface of the wire insulation. If damage has been found, it is necessary to replace the damaged wires with intact ones.
What you should not do
Before proceeding with the repair, you should familiarize yourself with what you do not need to do.
Return the plug
Some people recommend turning the plug over when connecting equipment. However, it is not worth doing this, as it will not solve the problem and the machine will still be electrified when connected to a power source.
rubber mat
If the washer is electrified, people decide to put a rubberized mat under it. However, using a floor mat like this will not solve the problem.
Disable line filter
Many experts advise turning off the mains filter in the washing machine so that it does not direct an electric shock to the metal casing.
This method will only reduce the risk of injury, but will not eliminate it.
ground conductor
A common method to fix the problem is to run a ground conductor to a radiator or riser. However, such grounding is considered dangerous because it is unreliable and does not protect a person from electric shock.
Removing a separate PE wire
Some people decide to remove a separate ground wire from the shield, but this is contraindicated. To organize proper protection, you need to remove the three-conductor wiring and connect a new socket to it for connecting the equipment.
Rules for using a typewriter
There are the following rules for the operation of washing machines equipped with an automatic system:
- it is necessary to load the drum so that the machine does not idle;
- washing should be carried out at a water temperature of forty-five degrees;
- the machine should not work more than 3-4 hours.
Conclusion
Many people have a washing technique that makes the washing process easier. Sometimes a washing machine connected to the network begins to shock people. There are several methods for eliminating such a problem, which should be familiarized with before using washing equipment.