Does it infuriate you to see the washing machine causing lights to flicker when running? Well, the same is the case with most of us. According to the Department of Energy, only 11% of electricity is consumed for residential use, whereas the other 17% accounts for power consumption by appliances such as washing machines or refrigerators.
If your home lights are operating and you switch on the washing machine you might experience power fluctuations from washing machine. This issue is usually not associated with old washing machines but with the hefty power consumption of appliances like washing machines or refrigerators.
When you see lights flickering when washing machine is on it could be due to undersized house wiring that needs upgradation, a circuit overloading, inadequate power supply from utility transformer, extra power draw on initial turn on of washer or an electrical issue with washing machine.
Scroll down to find out the reason why the washing machine causing electrical flickering and how to fix power fluctuations from washing machine. So let’s dive in!
5 Reasons Why Washing Machine Causing Lights to Flicker when Running
If the washer causing lights to dim or flicker then you should expect that there are certain underlying reasons behind it. Though there are numerous reasons, here we have compiled 5 of the most common and potential reasons that cause lights flickering during laundry cycle.
It could either be due to loose wire connection or and undersized circuit, or a single circuit is working for both appliances and home lights or the start-up of washer is causing the lights to flicker temporarily. Or there could be an electrical issue with washing machine and an inadequate power supply from utility company.
Read on to learn about these potential causes in detail that results in lights flickering when washing machine is on!
Undersized House Wiring
First on our list is an electrical issue with the house wiring. If you are living in an old house that has an undersized house wiring then it is common to experience power fluctuations. Most frequently when a high-consumption appliance like a refrigerator, washing machine, or air conditioner is operating. This occurs due to a thin or slightly loose wire connection that is unable to accommodate the power needed to drive high-voltage appliances.
This results in overheating of wire and eventually grows into a short circuit if left unchecked. You must have to call an electrician to upgrade the undersized house wiring that is attached to the circuit to operate appliances.
Another reason similar to this is the installation of overly sensitive LED lights. Sometimes poor quality LED lights can also flicker due to fluctuations in voltage. So in order to avoid washing machine flickering lights, make sure to swap overly sensitive lights with a better brand of LED lights.
Circuit Overloading
If you have a circuit that has a connection for both lights and appliances you can experience washing machine electrical interference. In order to check the circuit load you can switch off the breaker and see if both light and appliances go off or not. If yes, you might need to make some changes to the circuit and upgrade it.
However, there should be a dedicated circuit that can only work for the major appliances and does not interfere with home lights. If the fuse is installed in the circuit it can also cause lights flickering during laundry cycle. Most of the house circuits with fuse do not have the capability to accommodate hefty power surges needed to operate appliances or electrical equipment.
Inadequate Power Supply from Utility Transformer
If you see the washing machine causing electrical flickering, the underlying cause could be an inadequate power supply from utility company. When you see dimmed lights while the washer is running, this indicate the lack of electrical flow. If your utility transformer is supplying too many households, power supply can decrease drastically while switching on appliances.
Also if you switch on two appliances at the same time that pull a hefty amount of power then you must switch on one at a time. A washing machine usually requires 20 amp circuit to run, but in case the electricity to your residence is lacking, then you can experience washer causing lights to dim or flicker. Contact the utility company to send electrician to inspect the transformer and find out the underlying cause.
Extra Power Draw on Initial Turn On
When you switch on appliances that pull a significant amount of electricity then an initial turn-on can cause flickering or dimming of light. The extra power draw disturbs the power distribution throughout the circuit and the motor of the appliance pulls all the power to start up. In turn, it results in lights flickering when washing machine is on.
However, it’s not a big problem because there is just a sudden flickering of lights and then the lights go back to normal when the washing machine starts running. This is just a momentarily fluctuation of power and you don’t have to worry about it unless it gets worse.
Electrical issue with washing machine
Before you panic about the undersized circuit or inadequate power supply, make sure to look for any loose plug connections. If the washing machine is not plugged properly it can also result in lights flickering when washing machine is on. The loose plug connection can also increase the likelihood of unpredictable dimming or flickering of lights.
The best way to cope with the electric shock and inconsistent power flow is to plug the washing machine into a wall socket instead of an extension or adapter. Also make sure that the wires don’t come in contact with water in the laundry area, to reduce washing machine electrical interference.
FAQs About Washing Machine Causing Lights to Flicker when Running
Why do the lights in my house flicker when my washing machine is running?
There are several potential causes behind the home lights flickering including house wiring, circuit overloading, the hefty power draw on start-up, inadequate power supply from the utility company, and loose plug connections of the washing machine.
Is it normal for lights to flicker when a washing machine is in use?
No, it’s not normal for lights flickering during laundry cycle. There must be an underlying cause that is causing power fluctuations in the circuit. Either overly sensitive LED lights are installed in your house or there is an issue in the circuit or house wiring.
What could be the potential causes of lights flickering when the washing machine is running?
Just like we mentioned above, there are various reasons behind washer causing lights to dim or flicker. Potential causes include circuit overload like you have two or more appliances running at the same, inadequate power supply from the transformer and loose neutral wire or poor ground connection.
How does the operation of a washing machine affect the electrical system in a house?
When the washing machine starts it draws a huge amount of power from the circuit, which leads to the withdrawal of power from the electrical system. If there is another running appliance it will also start to show power fluctuation and lights are the first to get affected.
Can the electrical wiring in my house be the reason for lights flickering during washing machine operation?
Yes, if you are living in an old house with undersized wiring, you just need an upgrade for it. Undersized wiring is unable to bear the load of appliances that need a significant amount of power.
Are there any specific electrical requirements for running a washing machine without causing lights to flicker?
Certainly. If you are running a washing machine, make sure that you switch all the other appliances that are causing significant power draw from the circuit. Also, make sure to use a dedicated circuit that has no connection with any other electrical equipment in your residence. This helps the washing machine to run smoothly without any power fluctuations.
Is it safe to continue using the washing machine if lights flicker occasionally?
No, you must not ignore the occasional light flickering while washing machine is running. You must do a proper inspection for the underlying cause that is causing power fluctuations. Because if left unchecked it can lead to short-circuit and eventually grow into a fire.
Wrapping Up
Most of the time appliances cause a sudden light flickering when they are turned on, but if this keeps going this is an indication of an underlying issue. You must do a thorough inspection and see if any of the above mentioned reasons are causing it. If you are unable to point out, it is your time to call an electrician so he can inspect your house for any electrical issues. As it’s better to be safe than sorry, you don’t want all this to result in a dangerous situation!
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Written By Hugo Wanders
Hugo is a knowledgeable writer in the field of vacuums, cleaning supplies, and washroom products. He has a wealth of experience in this industry and is always up-to-date with the latest cleaning technology and techniques. Hugo's writing is practical and informative, and he provides useful advice and recommendations to help his readers make informed decisions about which cleaning products and equipment to purchase. He has a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean and hygienic environment, and he shares his expertise to help his readers achieve this goal. Hugo's writing covers a wide range of topics, including vacuum cleaners, cleaning chemicals, washroom supplies, and more. His writing is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to keep their home or business clean and well-maintained.
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