How to connect a washing machine to the power supply

One of the most crucial stages of washing machine installation is connecting it to the power supply. Some people associate connecting a washing machine to the power supply with simply plugging it into an outlet. This isn't true; if the washing machine isn't properly wired, the risks associated with its operation increase tenfold. Let's discuss how to properly connect a washing machine to the power supply.

Preparatory stage

When renovating a bathroom or kitchen, be sure to include electrical wiring, including the washing machine, in your plan. Doing this correctly once will save you from having to ruin the interior finishes, blocking the walls for wiring, and then wasting money on caulking and sealing everything. What components will we need to prepare the electrical wiring?

• Wires. It is absolutely forbidden to save on wires. Based on the average power of an automatic washing machine, you'll need a three-core copper wire with a cross-section of 2-3 mm and high-quality insulation. For more information on wire specifications, see our table.
  
• Emergency shutdown devices. Also known as residual-current circuit breakers, these are designed to protect your washing machine from power surges and your home from fire. Such a device will save the electrical circuit if, for example, water spills on exposed wires.
• Automatic circuit breaker. Protects the washing machine from short circuits and abnormal voltage drops. Combined with an emergency shutdown device, the circuit breaker will protect your machine from all electrical hazards.
• Additional components – terminals, cable channels, clamps, etc.

Once you've purchased everything you need, you should carefully study the washing machine connection instructions to avoid any problems later. Generally, experts recommend against attempting this type of work yourself. If you don't have experience with electricity, it's best to call a qualified electrician. So, here are the connection rules.

1. Use only reliable washing machine connection diagrams developed by specialists.
2. Do not twist copper or aluminum wires.
3. For wiring, use only electrical wires of suitable cross-section (preferably copper).
4. Do not ground the electrical circuit using water pipes, radiators, etc.
5. Use reliable sockets with a ceramic base.
6. Do not attempt to connect the washing machine to remote outlets using an extension cord. Also, do not use adapters (from European plugs to Russian sockets).
7. Do not connect the neutral wire to the ground wire.
8. Before installing electrical wiring, calculate the number and rated power of electrical appliances that will be connected to it in addition to the washing machine.

Electrical wiring diagram for a washing machine

Now let's look at a high-quality washing machine wiring diagram. How do you properly connect a Samsung washing machine, or any other, to protect it from most risks? First, you need to run a separate, appropriately sized cable directly from the electrical panel, incorporating a circuit breaker, emergency shutdown device, and grounding.

If chasing the wall directly from the electrical panel, which is located either in the hallway or in the entryway, isn't an option, you can take a simpler approach and connect to the electric stove outlet (if available). The electric stove's wiring can easily handle the additional load. Run a three-wire cable from the outlet.

Remember! Connections between wires made of different metals must be made using terminals. Twisting such wires is strictly prohibited.

Next, as in the previous case, we connect the circuit breaker and emergency shutdown device according to the diagram, remembering to connect the ground wire. Finally, the three wire conductors should meet in a European-style ceramic socket with a ground wire connection. Here's the schematic diagram.

Try to conceal wires as much as possible in cable ducts, and the circuit breaker and emergency shut-off device in plastic or aluminum boxes. Firstly, this looks much more aesthetically pleasing, and secondly, it reduces the chance of wires coming into contact with moisture, which is certainly undesirable.

The above wiring diagram can be simplified slightly if you properly use a circuit breaker with a built-in emergency shutdown system. This will eliminate the need for one device, but high-quality circuit breakers of this design are still few and far between on the CIS market. But as they say, the future is still to come.

When installing electrical connections, pay special attention to the outlet to which the washing machine will be directly connected. Be sure to choose a high-quality outlet with moisture protection, For example, a Legrand electrical outlet would be ideal. Then you can connect the washing machine to the water supply and sewer system. For information on the best way to do this, read the article aboutinstallation of a washing machine.

How to protect your washing machine from malfunctions?

Proper grounding will effectively protect your Samsung washing machine and any other brand of appliance from power surges. Unfortunately, only recently, with the advent of a proliferation of energy-intensive household appliances, has grounding electrical outlets become a popular consideration. If you live in a house that's over 20 years old and haven't touched the electrical wiring before, you likely don't have properly grounded outlets.

Let's take the first step: grounding the outlet that will be used to connect the washing machine. This can be quite a hassle in an apartment, but in a private home it's perfectly fine. Follow these steps.

• Run the wire intended for grounding the outlet to the outside wall of the house so that its end reaches the foundation.
• Drive a piece of rebar into the ground to a depth of about 2 meters so that its tip sticks out 30 cm from the ground.
• Strip the insulation from the end of the wire and remove any dirt and rust from the end of the rebar protruding from the ground. Wrap the exposed wire tightly around the rebar; for added security, you can use a small amount of cold welding to secure the connection.
• Wrap the connection point between the wire and the fittings thoroughly with electrical tape, then place a piece of rubber hose of a suitable diameter on the fittings.
• The grounding is prepared correctly, now you can connect the wire to the socket, it will be reliable and safe.

In conclusion, connecting a washing machine to the power supply is a very important task, but it's not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. The main thing is to follow the rules outlined by experts and use only proven connection diagrams, which we've described in our article. Good luck!

   

1 reader comment

1. January 27, 2017 at 1:44 PM

   Peter:

   Electrical Installation Codes (PUE) prohibit the installation of sockets in bathrooms without a potential equalization system.
   A 6mm2 cable with a power rating of 8.5 kW. Where can I find such household washing machines?

   Answer