If the power goes out while the washing machine is running, the specific consequences will depend on the type of washing machine and the stage of the washing cycle at the time of the power outage. Here's what generally happens in different scenarios:
Traditional Washing Machines:
- Power Restored Before Spin Cycle: If the power comes back before the spin cycle, the washing machine will likely resume its operation from where it left off once the power is restored. You may need to restart the cycle manually if the machine doesn't resume automatically.
- Power Restored During Spin Cycle: If the power outage occurs during the spin cycle, the washing machine will stop immediately. In this case, you may need to manually drain the water from the drum and re-start the wash cycle from the beginning once the power is restored.
Modern Washing Machines with Memory Function: Some modern washing machines have a memory function that stores the cycle progress. In case of a power outage, these machines will remember the last state of the cycle when the power is restored and resume from where they left off.
High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machines: Some high-efficiency washing machines may have specific settings or features that are designed to handle power interruptions. In these machines, the control panel may display an error code or a specific message indicating the power loss, and they might have a "Resume" or "Start/Pause" button to continue the cycle once the power is back.
To avoid any potential issues or damage to the washing machine, it's generally a good practice to follow these steps if the power goes out:
Turn Off the Washing Machine: If the power goes out, switch off the washing machine to prevent any unexpected behavior once the power is restored.
Wait for Power Restoration: Wait until the power is restored before attempting to resume the washing cycle.
Check for Damage or Blockage: After the power comes back, inspect the washing machine to ensure there are no water leaks, blockages, or any other issues that might have occurred during the power outage.
Restart the Machine: If the washing machine has a "Resume" or "Start/Pause" option, use it to continue the cycle from where it left off. Otherwise, restart the washing cycle from the beginning.
Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and the user manual for your specific washing machine model for the most accurate and detailed instructions on handling power interruptions during operation.