DIY washing machine repair safety

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 several 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?
• Is there anything I should never do?
• (More FAQ's on right column)

 

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 the washing machine still live! He'd unplugged the tumble dryer instead.
2. Whilst with a colleague, and talking to the customer, I once tested down the washing machine's plug to see if there was a circuit between live and neutral (which there was). As I'd just had the washer's plug in my hand I knew it was safe to touch the wires inside the washer but fortunately, before touching the wires inside I realised I had actually tested the wrong plug - and the washing machine was still plugged in!
3. I've had many 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 but due to a fault, or a redesign by the manufacturer, the wire was live.

 

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 and be electrocuted.
• Never turn a washing machine upside down, water can run onto electrical parts. 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 that the fill hoses at the back are long enough. Many hoses aren't long enough to let you 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

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 with the machine UNPLUGGED, which puts harmless battery powered low amperage and low voltage through. Trying to get readings from a live machine is both crude and dangerous!

Testing down the plug and checking where this harmless voltage goes (and stops) is the way to trace faults. Components are tested for continuity and resistance readings.

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!

More on next column ...

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