Light flickers when washer on

Each time that happens there is significant inrush as compared to the intelligent VFD control system. You are literally turning a single phase line voltage AC motor on and off several times a second. Location Ann Arbor, Michigan. I would also assume that the power company supply is a split phase center tapped transformer secondary. The claim is " every light in her condo flickers".

If we assume that lights are equally distributed between the two phases, and that probably none are on the washer circuit, then on this assumption if all lights flicker dim, then this could only occur from a power company transformer primary side problem. If some lights brighten while others at the same time dim, then there is a neutral problem from power company transformer to the main panel.

If the spin cycle does not stop and start the motor, then it is doubtful that current changes great than 10 A occur during spin. You can use the min-max mode of a current meter to monitor the washer current. Also use a min-max voltmeter to monitor both incoming phases to neutral at the main panel. At my home main panel an approximate change of 10 A causes about 0. This voltage change I can not easily see when looking at an incandescent bulb on the same phase.

The other phase to neutral read about 0. This is consistent with what I would expect. The difference in the two readings is because the unloaded hot phase wire has no current change and only the neutral current change is seen. I would expect you have several volts change for the ordinary person to notice flicker. Also note that the loaded side dims with an increase load, while the unloaded phase brightens. Unchanging absolute load on either phase has no affect on flicker. Last edited: Aug 8, Even older washers that have constant speed motor and reverse via a transmission will still see current level cycle up and down each time it stops and then reverses the driven load.

Did you check the voltage at the service disconnect on the outside at the incoming line side terminals? Yes, Robert, thanks. I attempted twice to load photos. But bad reception where I am now. Will do so later. Most likely a loose neutral somewhere, including the possibility of the service neutral.

This same thing happened to me a couple years ago, I checked every neutral in the panel, and the receptacles for that circuit, and it ended up being a disconnected neutral at the pole!! But yet it was only noticeable when the washing machine was agitating, and almost every light in the home was dimming. Not a ground issue. Point of Termination. Question: How far away is the distribution panel from the laundry room?

Is the washer dryer on lighting circuits? Should be on dedicated circuit. Read this article. This one stumped me, but I found a thread about a fellow who had this issue with a different unit:. Select the Start button, type snipping tool in the search box on the taskbar, and then select Snipping Tool from the list of results. Images below. Robert, are you seeing 20 amp receptacles in houses? Very Common above kitchen counters in my neck of the woods.

At times in utilitarian rooms. I thought maybe it was a Canadian code thing. Around here 20 amp duplex receptacles are much more expensive so no one uses them in a house. Apparently this is how new washers work. Our previous washer had for over 20 years never caused the light to flicker on the same circuit.

When this happened with the new washer, I checked our house lines and even tried to plug the washer into a different breaker line and the light on that circuit also flickered. I even tried a new breaker. I called in a Maytag repair service. Everything apparently is OK with the washer. As per the service repairman, the government regulations have caused this issue.

Safety regulations, reduced water usage regulations, and reduced electrical usage regulations are the cause. Washer machines now need to be on a dedicated circuit. Lights will flicker if they are on the same circuit as the washer.

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