Electric shocks?

Question

i have recently bought a new washing maching and twice now i have unplugged it as have needed socket for other things but i have had 2 shocks from it 1 just now and i dont know y i didnt have wet hands or damp, also turned switch off before taking plug out and i only get shocks when unplugging machine. could you tell me what might be doin this? thanks

Answer 1

This could also be static discharge , do you have house shoes with plastic soles and dose the  washing machine stand on nylon carpet ? if no then get the power line looked at.

Answer 2

You should never get a shock from touching metal parts or appliances. If correctly installed all metal and appliances are connected to the electrical system Green Wire and then connected to the earth. Any accidental short circuit would then short out to the electrical system and be turned off due to a ground fault.

The rule is now days laundry, circuits must have a GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter on the circuit like kitchen and bathroom receptacles.

Having one installed by a licensed electrician would be a good investment and he or she could find the source of the  electrical shock at the same time.



Without a tester its hard to tell where the problem is. The washing machine may only be supplying a good "ground" a return path for the electricity to go.

Do you have a cut in the cord?



To help find these problems I use a tester that lights up when it gets near electricity. It can be found at Home centers for under $20.00.

When working properly the tool will light up when put against a cord (that hasn't been soaked in water) and any metal parts that are accidentally energized with electricity and not grounded properly.

Again a Licensed contractor should be called to fix your problem.

The opinions expressed above are my own and in no way shall I be held responsible for someone else's decisions.

Answer 3

There should be 3 prongs on the plug. If not, problem. Inside the machine, one of the wires should be attached to the body of the machine. On the plug side, the receptacle must be grounded also. Because you are getting shocked, one of the power wires is ether wet or touching exposed metal. You best get an electrician in before someone dies.

Answer 4

The washer is not grounded or the grounding strap is missing.