When the washing machine is working, it smells of burning wiring

A clue that something is wrong with your washing machine is if it smells like burned wiring while it’s operating. Burnt smells can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to pay attention to them. This smell could be a sign of a problem with the electrical parts of the machine, which could be dangerous.

This smell could be caused by a number of things, such as a worn-out belt or more significant electrical issues. Knowing the possible causes will enable you to decide whether you need to call in a professional or if you can handle it yourself.

Timely resolution of this matter is essential for both the longevity of your washing machine and the security of your house. We’ll look at some potential causes of this burnt smell as well as solutions in the sections that follow.

Possible Causes Actions to Take
Overheating motor Turn off the machine and let it cool down. If the smell persists, contact a technician.
Burnt electrical components Unplug the machine and check for visible damage. Seek professional repair if necessary.
Faulty wiring Stop using the machine and have it inspected by a qualified electrician.

A list of possible reasons

How should I act in this situation? As soon as you detect Gary’s smell coming from the machine, de-energize it and cut off the apartment’s electricity supply. Subsequently, examine the network cord’s plug and outlet closely. You need to check the contacts and replace the plug if the plastic melted. This is where you should "examine" the laundry room if everything is in order. A burnt smell does not always indicate a machine malfunction. He might show up:

  • When starting only a bought washing machine. The first few cycles, the machine may smell like burnt plastic when heated, this is a normal option. But if the equipment has been working for several months – this is definitely not the point;
  • when using a powder not suitable for an automatic machine. In this case, insoluble granules settled on the pipe of the heating element, provoking a burning smell. To remove the adhering particles of the product, just “drive away” the high -temperature washing program.

To identify the issue with the automatic machine, a thorough diagnosis must be carried out if these explanations are ruled out. The laundry machine has a burning smell to it.

  • if the contacts of the network filter or heating element are damaged;
  • if the tracks on the main control board are burnt;
  • if the wiring is short-circuited;
  • if the drive belt is frayed;
  • if there is a short circuit caused by water getting on the electric motor;
  • if the pump is overheated;
  • if the heating element is dirty, if foreign objects get on the heating element spiral.

When a washing machine emits a burning smell, it should not be used as it poses a risk to safety.

You could try to identify the issue on your own. Together, we will determine where to look for a breakdown and where to begin diagnosing a washing machine.

Moisture got on the motor, problems with the brushes

When the machine is operating, water can get on the engine and cause the machine to smell like burned wiring. However, worn brushes are typically the exact cause of the burnt "aroma." It’s not hard to replace them; even a novice can do it. In order to replace the collector motor’s brushes, you should:

  • turn off the power to the machine, turn off the water supply tap;
  • unhook the drain and fill hoses from the housing;
  • remove the top panel and the back wall of the housing;
  • remove the drive belt from the pulley;
  • find the motor – it is located under the tank;
  • disconnect the wiring from the engine;
  • unscrew the two screws securing the electric motor in the housing;
  • remove the motor from the machine;
  • unscrew the brush bolts and remove the parts;
  • install new electric brushes, fix them in place.

Even if one graphite tip is fully intact, the electric motor brushes need to be changed in pairs.

Check the winding on the motor. It shouldn’t show any indications of damage. If carbon deposits are discovered, use a multimeter to check for a short circuit or breakdown. Examine the plastic tank if everything else, including the brushes and winding, is in working order but the burning smell is unmistakably coming from the motor. Water can seep through even the smallest crack and onto the engine. As soon as a hole is found, it should be fixed.

When your washing machine is operating and emits a smell similar to burned wiring, there may be an electrical problem that could result in a fire. This smell typically indicates that there are overheating parts or damaged wiring inside the machine, which need to be fixed right away to stop additional harm or danger. Unplug the machine right away, keep it out of service until a professional can examine and fix the problem, and make sure your house is safe.

Let"s inspect the drive mechanism

Using our sense of smell to diagnose is the most accurate method. Take off the machine’s rear wall and take a whiff. The damaged element will release a potent "aroma" of burning. As an alternative, the drive belt can break. A worn-out bearing unit could cause the tank pulley to "skew." Consequently, the drive belt ages. It will smell like burnt rubber while spinning vigorously, and the washing machine might even release black smoke.

Check the drive belt and replace the rubber if it is damaged if the machine smells like it is burning while it is spinning.

To swap out the drive belt:

  • de-energize the machine, remove the top cover of the case and the back panel;
  • remove the damaged rubber from the pulley;
  • pull the new belt first onto the engine pulley, then onto the "drum" wheel.

Replacing the rubber by itself won’t cut it if the belt has worn out as a result of worn bearings. After some time, a new part will sustain damage as well. In this instance, new seals and bearings are required. In order to accomplish this, you will need to take the machine apart almost entirely, split the tank in half, remove the tank, open the drum to the interior, remove the worn-out rings, and reassemble the parts.

It’s critical to act right away if you smell burned wiring while your washing machine is operating. Ignoring this smell could result in more serious damage or even a fire. It is a clear warning sign that something is wrong.

Overheating components, malfunctioning wiring, and motor problems are common causes. To avoid more risks, it is imperative that you unplug and stop using the machine. While self-checking the machine can help spot obvious problems, calling a professional is the safest course of action if you’re unsure or can’t find the problem.

You can maintain the safety and efficiency of your washing machine by giving it regular maintenance and paying quick attention to any strange sounds or smells. Proactive maintenance can prevent costly repairs or the need to replace the machine entirely.

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Dmitry Kuznetsov

Technical consultant and blogger. I have always been passionate about technology and enjoy learning how various equipment works. On this site I share my knowledge about washing machines, offer advice on caring for them and talk about new products on the market.

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