Surge Protection
Hi there, I've just bought a new Bosch washing machine and as we've been having thunderstorms lately wondered whether surge protection is needed?
Thanks
Solution Summary
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This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Advice on surge protection for a new Bosch washing machine
- The problem
- The owner of a new Bosch washing machine asked whether surge protection is needed during recent thunderstorms.
- Likely cause
- No appliance fault was reported. The discussion only suggests that mains electrical surges can theoretically damage washing machines, including electronic control boards.
- What fixed it
- The accepted advice was that surge protection may be worth considering, although surge damage was described as likely to be rare. If using a surge protector, it should be checked that it is suitable for the higher current drawn by a washing machine, stated as at least 10 amps and more.
- Checks to try
- Check whether a surge protector is rated for the high power/current draw of a washing machine
- Check for a surge protector suitable for at least 10 amps and more
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Surge protector rated for washing machine load
Safety: Do not use any protective device unless it is correctly rated for the appliance load. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
Good question Dan. Most washing machines run software like a mini computer so theoretically it should be possible for surges to damage them. In the past I've seen cases where electrical surges in the mains have even blown washing machine's with no chips or software but just normal electronics in PCBs. To be honest it's not something most people ever give a second thought and I expect it's likely to be very rare for anything to happen but surge protectors seem to be a lot cheaper these days so it might be worth looking at.
The main thing I would check though is that they are ok for the high power washing machines draw. It may be the surge protection market is all geared up for computers and TVs etc which draw much less power so you'd need to see if they are available to protect appliances drawing much more power (at least 10 amps and more).
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