Question

I recently cut the power to my home and when I turned it back on, my washer and dryer had stopped getting power. The test and reset button won’t click either. What happened and how do I fix it?

Answer 1

If your washer and dryer are not receiving power and the test and reset buttons on the electrical outlets are not responding, it's possible that the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet or circuit breaker responsible for providing power to these appliances tripped when you cut the power to your home. This can happen as a safety feature to protect against electrical hazards.

Here are the steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Locate the GFCI Outlet: First, identify the GFCI outlet that supplies power to the washer and dryer. GFCI outlets have two buttons in the center - a "Test" button and a "Reset" button.

2. Press the Reset Button: Press the "Reset" button on the GFCI outlet firmly. If it clicks and stays in, power should be restored to the washer and dryer. If it doesn't click or pops out immediately, there might be an issue with the outlet or the circuit.

3. Check Other Outlets: If the GFCI outlet doesn't reset, check other GFCI outlets in your home. Sometimes, multiple outlets can be on the same circuit. Look for any other GFCI outlets that might have tripped and press their "Reset" buttons as well.

4. Check the Circuit Breaker: If you can't find any tripped GFCI outlets, check the circuit breaker panel. Look for a tripped breaker, which will be in the "OFF" position or slightly in-between the "ON" and "OFF" positions. Reset the breaker by turning it fully to the "OFF" position and then back to the "ON" position.

5. Test the Outlets: After resetting the GFCI outlet or circuit breaker, test the outlets to see if power has been restored to the washer and dryer. Plug in a different electrical device to verify if the outlets are working correctly.

6. Check for Other Issues: If the GFCI outlet won't reset, and the circuit breaker is functioning correctly, there might be an electrical issue with the outlet or the circuit wiring. In this case, it's best to contact a qualified electrician to inspect and resolve the problem safely.

Remember, dealing with electricity can be dangerous, and if you are not comfortable or experienced with electrical work, it's crucial to seek help from a professional electrician to avoid risks and ensure proper repairs.