How to replace the plug on a washing machine yourself

Although changing the plug on a washing machine might seem difficult, with the correct technique, it’s actually quite doable. It can save you time and money to replace your own plug, whether it is broken or just old.

You can safely and effectively replace a washing machine plug by following the instructions provided in this guide. You’ll discover what equipment you’ll need and how to work with the wiring to guarantee a job well done.

You won’t need expert assistance to change the plug on your washing machine if you follow these easy instructions.

Repairing the plug of the cord

It is advised to confirm that the Euro plug is damaged before opening and replacing it. To achieve this, the car wire’s plug is taken out of the socket, and the wire and its body are examined. The presence of carbon deposits, melting, or a burning smell will indicate that repairs are necessary.

You’ll need pliers, a screwdriver, and a sharp knife for the task. The following is the action algorithm:

• cut off the old element;
• remove the upper insulation from the cord by a few centimeters;
• stripping each wire;
• twisting and cutting the internal cores so that one centimeter of uninsulated wire remains;
• bending the wire ends with pliers;
• inspecting each wire. A standard cord usually comes with three wires – blue or light blue leads to zero, yellowish-green indicates grounding, a black, brown or pink wire is assigned to the phase;
• the wires are connected to the new plug, while the "ground" is brought out to the contact located in the center.

To ensure that the cord is firmly secured in the necessary seat, it is still necessary to clamp it using a plastic jumper. Next, we reassess the clamps, put the plug body together, and tighten the main screw.

Repair of a simple old plug

Modern automatic washing machines come with a Euro plug for each machine. However, if you’d like, you can swap out the European model for the outdated Soviet model by simply inserting a new plug. If the electrical circuit in your apartment does not have a ground wire, it is advised that you perform the same work. Though all the operations are essentially the same as in the past, there are still some features that allow you to change the plug:

• cut off the plug, unscrew the body;
• remove the upper insulation by a few centimeters;
• we strip each wire a couple of centimeters, cut off the excess length with scissors;
• at the end of each wire we make a ring;
• connect to the contacts "zero" and "phase", while the polarity can not be specified. If the machine cord has a ground wire, simply cut it off – in the old-style plug, its installation is not provided.

We clamp the body part, tighten the screw, and verify the strength of the connections. Once the cord is inserted into the socket, it is advised to observe its actions for a while. The machine’s power cord needs to be de-energized in order to identify the malfunction’s source if melting on the plug or a burning smell is detected.

Can the cord be replaced?

Frequently, a short circuit that has occurred can be used to explain a malfunctioning power cord plug, while the root cause of the issue may be hidden elsewhere. For instance, there can be a malfunctioning power cord. Crushing by heavy objects causes a similar issue, and external damage from a nail or sharp angle causes damage. In light of this, wait to disassemble the plug until you have thoroughly examined the cord for bends, fractures, or signs of burning.

Using a multimeter is the simplest way to ensure that the machine’s power cord is functioning properly. You can ring the cord once the prepared tester is in the "buzzer" mode. The device will sound a loud signal as soon as it detects an electrical leak.

Preparing a second wire and adding it to a single circuit is advised when testing a circuit longer than two meters. Connecting the "zero" and "phase" wires at one end of the cord is an alternative if there isn’t an extra conductor. The measuring device’s probes are brought to the closest contacts. It should be mentioned that there are some benefits to this testing strategy:

1. in one step, the probability of a leak on both cores connected in series in a common circuit is checked;
2. there is no need to search for a proportionate conductor and build up the circuit.

If you don’t have a multimeter, you can use a DIY universal device to check the conductor’s integrity. A 3.5 V lightbulb, a battery with a marginally higher capacity, a connector, and two connecting wires are required for this task. The components are linked in the following order:

1. a light bulb is connected to the positive contact of the power supply element;
2. a ​​flexible wire equipped with a clamp is brought to the second contact.

It is advised to first examine the assembled device on the cord’s functional portion. This is accomplished by attaching the clamp at any point, and if the circuit is correctly put together and the wires are carrying current, the lightbulb will illuminate. A break in the wire is indicated by the absence of glow.

It’s simple to replace a washing machine’s plug on your own, and it can save you money and effort. You can quickly and safely replace a damaged plug with a few simple tools and a little perseverance, so your washing machine will be operational again soon.

Comparing a detachable and cast plug

Because the second option has tight connections to the pins, it is more dependable. Cast plugs are made via spot welding, soldering, and crimping. Such a plug is also hermetically sealed.

Sadly, it is not possible to dismantle a plug like that for maintenance purposes. The cast plug needs to be removed and a collapsible model needs to be installed if the power cord’s base is frayed. The machine’s cord can be replaced in its entirety, but partial disassembly is required.

However, since a similar new plug is more likely to function reliably, it is preferable to replace the failed cast plug if you are not afraid of challenges.

If you take the proper precautions, changing the plug on a washing machine can be an easy task. You can quickly get your machine operating again if you have the necessary tools and a little patience.

Always put safety first, and unplug the machine before beginning any work. It’s worth spending a few more minutes proofreading your work to avoid problems down the road.

In addition to saving money, doing the replacement yourself gives you some do-it-yourself experience that will come in handy for other repairs down the road.

Video on the topic

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How to connect a Euro plug for a washing machine.

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How to change a plug on a cord with grounding (with 3 wires)