If an electric oven or washing machine is running when the power goes out, several things may happen depending on the specific appliance and its design:
Electric Oven:
- Loss of Heat: In the case of an electric oven, the heating elements will stop receiving power, resulting in an immediate loss of heat. The oven will start to cool down rapidly, and the temperature inside will drop unless the oven has good insulation.
- Loss of Cooking Time: If you were in the middle of cooking or baking, the loss of power will disrupt the cooking process. You will need to monitor the food and make adjustments once power is restored.
- Electronic Controls: Most electric ovens have electronic control panels. When the power goes out, the control panel will turn off, and any digital displays or timers will reset. You may need to reprogram the oven once the power is restored.
Washing Machine:
- Stalled Cycle: When the power goes out, the washing machine will immediately stop operating. The cycle will pause, and the machine will remain in its current state until power is restored.
- Locked Door: Some washing machines have a safety feature that locks the door during operation. If the power goes out, the door may remain locked until power is restored or until you manually release the lock using the manufacturer's instructions.
- Water and Detergent: If the washing machine was in the middle of a wash cycle, water and detergent will remain in the drum until power is restored. The clothes will soak in the water, and the detergent will continue to dissolve until the cycle can resume.
It's important to note that once the power is restored, you may need to manually reset or reprogram the appliance and evaluate the status of the ongoing process. It is recommended to consult the appliance's manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions on handling power outages and resuming operations.