Don't underestimate the importance of DIY washing machine safety or the dangers of electricity

Even if you are already competent to work with electricity, you should find useful tips and reminders here (Remember, complacency is dangerous). Over the years, I've heard about many diy enthusiasts, and even trained domestic appliance service engineers getting electrocuted and killed. Electricity can kill, so you should never work on a washing machine while it is still plugged in. You should also make absolutely sure that it is in fact unplugged.

Please, even if you feel confident with electricity, read the following points which will almost certainly contain something new to bear in mind. (For example, some new washing machine modules can now give an electric shock even after the washing machine is unplugged!)

Washing machine safety issues

• Is it dangerous attempting to repair my own washing machine?
• What is the best way to help someone who is getting an electric shock?
• Is there anything I should never do?
  • The following subjects are on DIY washing machine repair safety (part 2)
  • I've turned the washing machine off at the socket or its own on off switch - I can't get a shock now can I?
  • What do I need to watch out for after repairing or installing a washing machine?
  • What about other safety issues (non electrical)?

 

Is it dangerous attempting to repair my own washing machine?

If you don't respect the power of electricity to kill, then YES, it can be. Please, always make sure that you never work on a washing machine while it is plugged in. If you aren't qualified and competent to work with electrical appliances then don't even think about taking the lid and back panel off.

The most important thing to watch out for is becoming distracted, or so involved in the battle to fix the washing machine, that you forget it is plugged in (especially if you are constantly having to plug and unplug the machine while working on it and testing it.)

Before touching anything that could electrocute, always double check that the washing machine is unplugged. Also, don't rely on another person to unplug the washing machine - especially if the plug is inside a cupboard or otherwise out of your sight.

Examples of personal near misses.

1. I once asked a customer to unplug the washing machine as I was about to replace the main program timer, which he did. Fortunately, a sixth sense made me double check, and I found he'd unplugged the tumble dryer instead.
2. While with a colleague, and talking to the customer, I once tested down the 13 amp plug to see if there was a circuit between live and neutral (which there was) Fortunately, before touching the wires inside, I realised I had tested the customer's kettle and the washing machine was still plugged in!
3. I've had electric shocks and they are not pleasant. I was lucky to just get wake up calls. I've always had shocks when I was distracted or I had assumed power wouldn't be present at particular wires when due to a fault, or a redesign by the manufacturer, the wire was live.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

YOU SHOULD NEVER TRY TO GET VOLTAGE READINGS FROM A LIVE WASHING MACHINE!

In order to see if electricity is flowing through components we use continuity test meters which put harmless DC voltage through. Testing down the plug and checking where this harmless voltage goes (and stops) is the way to trace faults.

Testing across the pins on motors for continuity with a continuity test meter is the proper way to test. Trying to get readings from a live machine is both crude and dangerous!

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What is the best way to help someone who is getting an electric shock?

What to do in case of an Electrocution & Electrical Injuries (Please report if this link gets broken or changes its content - Contact me)

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Is there anything I should never do?

• Never leave a washing machine plugged in with the top or back off while you leave the room. Someone in the house (or even a pet) could touch a live wire.
• Never turn a washing machine upside down. Access to parts underneath is gained by laying the machine down on its back or front.
• Never leave a safety device such as a door interlock, fuse or TOC by-passed.
• Never just pull a washing machine out without checking the fill hoses at the back are long enough. Many hoses aren't long enough to pull the washing machine fully out and the plastic connectors could snap off spraying water everywhere.
• Never leave a washing machine on and unattended after doing a DIY repair. Always test it properly and thoroughly for leaks or faults.
• Never ever work on a washing machine that is plugged in

YOU SHOULD NEVER TRY TO GET VOLTAGE READINGS FROM A LIVE WASHING MACHINE!

In order to see if electricity is flowing through components we use continuity test meters which put harmless DC voltage through.

Testing down the plug and checking where this harmless voltage goes (and stops) is the way to trace faults.

Testing across pins on motors and across terminals (while unplugged) for continuity is the proper way to test.

Trying to get readings from a live machine is both crude and dangerous!

DIY washing machine repair safety (part 2)

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