Sparks under the washing machine during washing

It can be concerning to see sparks under your washing machine while it is in cycle. Nobody anticipates it, so you might be left wondering what went wrong and if it’s safe to keep using the appliance.

Sparks could appear for a number of reasons, from small problems to more significant electrical issues. Determining the cause—whether it’s a straightforward fix or an indication that you require professional assistance—is essential to figuring out the next steps.

Let’s examine the typical reasons behind sparks under washing machines and the safe solutions for them.

How this technical anomaly manifests itself and when it is normal?

In the event that sparks appear beneath the washing machine while it is operating, you must immediately unplug the appliance from the power source. It is risky to operate the machine in such a scenario, let alone leave it hooked up to electricity. Once the power supply is disconnected, you can start the diagnostic process. Sparks typically indicate issues with the washing machine’s operation and can appear in various locations.

• Almost always, sparking occurs when washing or spinning is actively in progress. Then sparks during washing will appear under the drum in the back of the washing machine, where the electric motor is located. Not only will the crackling be louder than in normally functioning equipment, but if you turn off the light, the eye will even see a small firework. In addition to the crackling, the phenomenon can be accompanied by a sharp smell of burnt plastic, and sparks can even appear behind the drum, which can be noticed through the glass of the machine door.
• Much less often, sparks can appear in the upper part of the "home assistant", where the control panel is installed. After this, the device most often turns off, stops responding to any commands, and an unpleasant smell of burnt is formed in the room.

Sparking can happen as a result of an electrical short circuit, normal wear and tear on components, and damage to the wiring. Sparks can have many different causes, so it’s best to call a repairman right away if you see them because only an expert in home appliance repair can accurately identify the issue.

Never use a washing machine that is sparking because this can seriously damage the appliance, the home’s wiring, and start a fire.

Only in two situations can you independently determine that sparks and crackling are acceptable.

• If the automatic washing machine has recently been repaired, the electric motor or its brushes have been replaced;
• The washing machine is new, so it is just beginning to enter normal operating mode.

The machine’s motor’s grinding brushes are the cause of sparking in both of the scenarios mentioned. The parts are assembled and repaired correctly, but a brief grinding session is necessary for the collector and brushes, which is when the infamous sparks and crackle appear.

Spin only at medium speed and wash with a partial load to expedite the bedding-in process.

Bedding-in typically takes a few washes, but under certain circumstances, it can take up to ten working cycles. However, if sparks during washing appeared on old household appliances that have not been fixed and the brush motor has not been replaced, then the machine most certainly has a malfunction.

There is a problem with the motor brushes

The majority of washing machines have collector motors that are fitted with graphite brushes to guarantee that the lamellas are in contact. The brushes will wear out more quickly the faster they rotate and the greater the load. They are the ones that become worn down from frequent use, cease to make regular contact with the collector, and eventually start to spark.

The brushes are probably the issue if the washing machine sparks from below, makes an audible crackling sound, and looks like fireworks in the dark. Sparks from the washing machine’s electric motor can be seen if you take off the side or back cover while the machine is sparking, depending on whether it is loading vertically or horizontally.

You must first purchase new brushes and then replace the damaged components in order to fix this malfunction. It is preferable to contact a service center specialist for this operation so that he can replace the machine’s parts. Because these brushes are hidden in the motor, which you will need to disassemble with your hands if an old washing machine sparks from below, this procedure can be challenging to perform on your own. There won’t be as many issues with the new "home helpers" since you won’t need to disassemble the motor.

Peeling off the motor lamellas

Lamellas are the collector’s contact surfaces that come into contact with the brushes. They rotate, heat up quickly, and eventually lose their smoothness while being washed. Washing continuously, even with too much laundry, causes the contact surfaces of the lamellas to seriously overheat, which causes the parts to deform and fail.

These plates are susceptible to carbon buildup in addition to wear and tear. The issues mentioned above cause the washing machine motor to spark, the brushes to make poor contact with the collector, and the brushes to knock against the lamellas. Simply use your hands to rotate the electric motor’s shaft to diagnose the problem. You will hear clicks and other unusual noises that are absent from an electric motor of the machine operating normally if the lamellas are severely damaged.

When washing and spinning at maximum load, the equipment may spark, crackle, or even loudly knock if the cause is in the lamellas.

Either cleaning the lamellas or replacing the engine entirely will solve this issue. The plates’ surfaces can be gently treated with sandpaper and then felt if the damage is not too severe. By doing this, the parts will regain their uniformity in the contact field and smoothness. Since equipment manufacturers do not sell individual spare parts for repair, you will need to purchase a new washing machine motor if the lamellas are severely damaged and cannot be repaired.

While sparks beneath the washing machine can be concerning, they typically indicate a problem that needs to be fixed right away. Ignoring the problem could result in fire hazards or even more significant damage.

It is imperative to promptly address the root cause, be it a foreign object lodged inside or an issue with the wiring or motor. To evaluate the situation, unplug the machine, turn it off, and speak with a specialist.

Careful use and routine maintenance can stop these problems before they start. You can make sure your washing machine operates safely and smoothly for many years to come by maintaining it.

During a cycle, if you see sparks under your washing machine, it’s a serious problem that needs to be fixed right away. Ignoring it could result in dangerous circumstances or expensive repairs. This could be the result of worn-out parts, electrical problems, or even debris caught in the motor. In order to stop further damage or potential hazards, it is imperative that you stop using the machine immediately and look into the cause.

Video on the topic

Sparks from under the washing machine.

🔴Live. Sparks from under the machine. Replacing brushes.

The washing machine sparks and crackles, simple repair!

Lapping in the washing machine motor brushes. Required after replacing the motor brushes!

Washing machine grinding (and about the heating element)