It might be a little tingle or a zap but you need to take it seriously. Even a mild electric shock from a washing machine could turn into a bigger problem down the road.
If you’ve received mild electric shocks from appliances, disconnect them immediately. This means switching them off at the wall and unplugging them completely. They shouldn’t be used again until they have been tested and confirmed safe to use with electrical test tags.
If you receive an electric shock from a washing machine (or any other appliance) it may be because it has not been earthed correctly. Earthing happens in most large appliances through a wire in the cable that is connected to the wall socket. Connection to the earth is paramount for safety. The energy needs a path to the earth, otherwise it stays inside the appliance and shocks the next person to touch it.
The longer this problem is left unchecked, the more lethal it becomes.
Washing Machine Earth Leakage
There are a few components that need to be tested to determine whether the appliance has a leakage problem. Ask a professional appliance tester to take a look at:
- the outlet
- any extension cords or power boards that are connected to the device
- portable appliance testing
A safety testing technician will user a portable appliance tester to measure your washing machine. This includes earth leakage tests. If earth leakage is detected, it can usually be repaired quite easily. The disconnected earthing wire can be reconnected or replaced so that you don’t have to purchase a new appliance.
Earth Leakage Protection
To prevent an electrical shock from a washing machine, you can invest in earth leakage protection. Residual current devices (or RCDs) are designed to detect earth leakage and have replaced the original earth leakage circuit breaker (or ELCB) that was previously used.
If a fault occurs, and causes the electrical current from an appliance to flow to the earth (perhaps through a person) the earth leakage sensor will be triggered by the imbalance and cut off the power.
If you have to have one of your appliances tested, it may be a timely reminder that your RCD should be inspected as well. Having a functional RCD will save lives. This fast-acting detection system is second to none and essential in every building.
Professional Testing and Tagging Services
If you receive an electric shock from a washing machine, stop using it immediately. Seek medical attention and make sure you are okay first.
After that, you need to contact a professional electrical safety technician to take a look at your appliance. That’s where we come in.
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we are experts in electrical safety. We test and inspect appliances for people all around New Zealand. Our businesses are fully mobile so our technicians can come to you.
If a fault is detected in one of your appliances, many of our technicians are trained in repairs. It is likely that we will be able to fix your appliance (if it is possible to do so) and restore it to working order in no time. We also test and inspect RCDs.
What are you waiting for? Contact us now.
Fill in the online form or give us a call for a free quote.
