[DonnaNi4os]

Several of my neighbors have contacted me to say that the recent storms have damaged their washers. For each one it was simply a circuit breaker. The washer has its own GFI so just push it and flip it back (using a bit of force as they are a bit harder to switch). In each case I was able to restore power to their washers. The GFI is to protect the appliance. Save yourself a service call for something you can easily fix yourself.

[coffeebean]

I haven't had any problems with my Whirlpool Duet front loader washing machine but.....where is the GFI switch on the machine? I had no idea the washer had a GFI switch.

[villagetinker]

I believe the OP is talking about a GFCI breaker in the garage circuit breaker panel. It appears the newer homes are using the GFCI breakers where the older homes (ours is 2013) has GFCI outlets in various locations in the house. Since a surge can come in via the water pipes, it appears to be reasonable that this could trip the GFCI breaker.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

I haven't had any problems with my Whirlpool Duet front loader washing machine but.....where is the GFI switch on the machine? I had no idea the washer had a GFI switch.

My washer is plugged into a wall outlet that is a GFCI outlet and it has a reset button on the outlet. It did trIp once and I had to push the reset button. I don't think the washer has it's own GFCI switch. The primary purpose of a GFCI outlet is to protect the user from being electrocuted by a short in the washer that can cause current to flow through the metal washer enclosure. If your washer stops operating, you may need to use a mirror to see behind the washer to determine if the GFCI outlet has tripped. If so, the outlet will no longer display a green light on it. GFCI devices are designed to protect people, not machines.

[Battlebasset]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I believe the OP is talking about a GFCI breaker in the garage circuit breaker panel. It appears the newer homes are using the GFCI breakers where the older homes (ours is 2013) has GFCI outlets in various locations in the house. Since a surge can come in via the water pipes, it appears to be reasonable that this could trip the GFCI breaker.

You are correct. The first time it happened to me, I couldn't figure it out. Then I went out to the box and realized the issue.

Another thing I ran into. Our dishwasher stopped working after a couple of years. Nothing I could do would bring it back. Decided to pull it out and take a look before calling a repairman. It was plugging into an outlet, and had come loose. Every other place I have ever lived hard wires kitchen appliances. Not here. Tightened up things and still using the dishwasher today.

Live and learn.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

My washer is plugged into a wall outlet that is a GFCI outlet and it has a reset button on the outlet. It did trIp once and I had to push the reset button. I don't think the washer has it's own GFCI switch. The primary purpose of a GFCI outlet is to protect the user from being electrocuted by a short in the washer that can cause current to flow through the metal washer enclosure. If your washer stops operating, you may need to use a mirror to see behind the washer to determine if the GFCI outlet has tripped. If so, the outlet will no longer display a green light on it. GFCI devices are designed to protect people, not machines.

Thank you and also to Tinker for the explanation. I misunderstood the OP.