If cutting off the power to your entire home caused issues with the washing machine and dryer not powering on, there could be several potential causes for this problem. Here are some possible explanations:
Tripped circuit breaker: Your washing machine and dryer may be connected to a specific circuit in your electrical panel. When you cut off the power to your home, it's possible that the circuit breaker for that specific circuit tripped due to an overload or a fault. Check your electrical panel to see if any circuit breakers are in the "OFF" position and reset them by flipping them back to the "ON" position.
Blown fuse: If your home's electrical system uses fuses instead of circuit breakers, a blown fuse in the circuit that powers your washing machine and dryer could be the issue. Locate the fuse box and check the relevant fuses. If you find a blown fuse, replace it with one of the same type and rating.
Damaged outlet or wiring: The electrical outlet where your washing machine and dryer are plugged in might be damaged, or there could be an issue with the wiring. This can happen due to overloading the outlet or wear and tear over time. In such cases, the reset and test buttons on the outlet might not function as expected. To address this, you may need to have an electrician inspect and repair the outlet or wiring.
Appliance issues: It's also possible that the washing machine and dryer themselves have experienced a malfunction or failure coincidentally, and it's unrelated to cutting off the power to your home. In this case, you might need to have a technician from the respective appliance companies inspect and repair the units.
To troubleshoot the problem, start by checking the circuit breaker or fuse box to ensure the appropriate switches are in the correct position. If you don't find any issues there, inspect the electrical outlet and the power cords of the washing machine and dryer for any visible damage. If you can't identify the problem yourself, it's best to contact a qualified electrician and appliance repair professional to diagnose and fix the issue safely. Electrical work can be dangerous, so it's important to let trained professionals handle any repairs involving electrical systems.