Washing Machine Not Getting Power? Check This First
A washing machine that's completely dead is almost always a tripped GFCI, a tripped breaker, or a lid switch issue that only looks like a power problem. Here's the order to check things in before you assume the machine itself has failed.
Written by Steven Rotan
Licensed Journeyman Electrician — Oregon #883LR
⚠️ Before you start
- Never run a washing machine on an outlet that isn't GFCI-protected.
- Unplug the machine before inspecting its power cord for damage.
- If a GFCI won't hold a reset with the washer unplugged, don't keep resetting it.
- Keep the area around the outlet dry.
🧰 Tools you'll need
- Non-contact voltage tester (optional)
- Lamp or phone charger for outlet testing
Start at the outlet, not the machine
Laundry rooms have been required to have GFCI-protected outlets for years now, and a tripped GFCI is by far the most common reason a washer suddenly seems dead. Look for the outlet the washer plugs into, and press RESET firmly on every GFCI outlet you can find nearby.
If the washer comes back to life, you're done - though if it trips again soon after, don't keep resetting it blindly.
Check the breaker next
Go to your panel and look for a breaker that's tripped. Push it fully to OFF first, then back to ON.
Rule out the lid switch trick
Many washers have a lid switch that cuts power to the motor when the lid is open. If your washer's display lights up but the machine won't run, that's not a power problem at all - check that the lid closes fully.
What a truly dead machine tells you
If the display is completely dark, check the basics: is the machine plugged in fully, has the cord been visibly damaged?
If the outlet tests fine with a lamp plugged in, and the washer's cord looks intact, the fault is likely internal to the machine.
When to call a pro
If GFCIs won't hold a reset with the washer unplugged, or a breaker trips with nothing connected, the problem is in your home's wiring - call a licensed electrician. If the outlet and breaker test fine, that points to an appliance repair technician instead.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a licensed electrician if a GFCI won't hold a reset with the washer unplugged or a breaker trips with nothing on that circuit. If the outlet tests fine but the machine stays dead, that's an appliance repair call instead.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my washing machine's display light up but the machine won't run?
This is almost always the lid switch, not a power problem. Check that the lid seats and closes completely.
Why does the GFCI keep tripping every time I run the washer?
This often points to moisture getting somewhere it shouldn't inside an aging washer, especially if it trips during fill or drain.
Is a laundry room outlet supposed to be GFCI protected?
Yes, in most homes built or rewired after the early 2000s, laundry area outlets are required to be GFCI protected.
How do I know if it's the outlet or the washing machine that's broken?
Plug a lamp into the same outlet. If that works fine, the problem is inside the washer. If the lamp doesn't work either, the problem is with your home's wiring.
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