How to choose a surge protector for a washing machine

Complex household appliances, which include a washing machine, are afraid of power surges, because one such surge and it can fail. This is why experts recommend protecting equipment with special surge protectors. It is the network filter that smoothes out differences, protecting the machine from repairs.

What is a surge protector for an automatic machine?

What is a surge protector for an automatic machine? Many people understand this phrase as an extension cord with several sockets and a built-in surge protector. But in reality this is not entirely true. Such a device, of course, can be used to protect a washing machine, but it is also suitable for any other equipment.

A washing machine surge protector is a device that has a shock-resistant and non-conductive housing, inside which all the parts are hidden. The filter itself is located inside the washing machine. The picture shows an example of such a device.

Let us briefly describe what its work is and why it is needed. The principle of operation of this device is that all oscillations with a frequency of 50 GHz traveling through the electrical network pass through the filter, and if they are more or less, they are blocked.

In addition, the surge protectors built into most modern washing machines capture the reverse current surges supplied by the induction motor, passing them to ground. And this is very important because such jumps are also dangerous for machine parts.

Very important! The surge protector protects not only the washing machine itself from voltage surges in the electrical network, but also other household appliances from the washing machine.

If the electrical network is unstable and there is no such filter in the car, the following parts are susceptible to combustion and failure:

• heating element;
• asynchronous motor;
• CPU;
• touch control panel.

The surge protector protects parts not only from voltage surges above normal, but also from sudden voltage surges below normal, which is especially important for a machine engine. When the surge protector fails, as a rule, the operation of the machine is completely blocked. Sometimes a filter breakdown is accompanied by program malfunctions and spontaneous transitions from one program to another.

Types of such a device

Based on the connection method, all network filters can be divided into two groups:

1. internal filters;
2. extension filters.

The internal filter is factory installed. If such a surge protector breaks down, it cannot be repaired; it must be replaced. Different models of washing machines may have different filters. They have not only external differences, but also different technical characteristics. These characteristics determine the level of protection of the washing machine, they include:

• rated current and voltage;
• voltage drop threshold;
• reaction time;
• maximum current;
• maximum load.

The extension filter also has the following characteristics, depending on which extension cords can be divided into three types:

• filters with basic protection;
• filters with advanced protection;
• filters with professional protection.

The extension filter can have a different number of sockets from 3 to 8.As well as such additional functions as child protection, power on and off buttons on each individual outlet.

Maximum filter efficiency (as declared by the manufacturer) will be achieved if it is included in socket with grounding. Even if there is no such outlet, the filter will still provide some protection.

Criteria to pay attention to when choosing

If you need to replace the surge protector located inside the washing machine, the easiest way is to remove the broken unit and bring it to a spare parts store or look for a filter based on the model of the washing machine. However, most machines do not have such filters, so consumers use a filter extension as protection. We will talk about what you should pay attention to when choosing such a filter, which one is more reliable.

1. Number of ports (sockets). Consider how many nearby appliances you will need to turn on. Firstly, by connecting several devices to one extension cord, you will reduce the number of cables throughout the apartment, and therefore reduce safety. Secondly, experts say that power strips with more outlets are more powerful. There is an extension cord with one socket per device; it is reliable and can protect expensive equipment.
2. Line filter length. It varies from 1.8 to 5 m. Usually 3 m is enough, but it all depends on where the outlet and washing machine are located.
3. Maximum load. It shows the maximum burst of energy the filter can absorb. For filters with professional protection this figure is at least 2500 J, and for basic ones it is about 960 J. Some models are capable of protecting equipment from lightning strikes, but they are also expensive.The optimal ratio of quality and price for filters with advanced (universal) protection.
4. Response speed. The most important indicator on which depends how quickly the washing machine will be blocked, and whether a power surge will damage its internal parts.
5. Purpose of the device. An important criterion, since the extension cord can be intended for a TV, computer, washing machine, etc.
6. Number and types of fuses. The fuse is an important element of the extension cord, so it is worth paying attention to it. It is better if there are several fuses, the main one being fusible, and the auxiliary fuses being thermal and high-speed.
7. Operation indicator. It is quite easy to see from the indicator whether the extension cord is working properly. If it is connected to the network and is working properly, then the LED light is on; if not, then the light is not on.
8. Availability of instructions. Instructions, operating rules, clearly described technical characteristics can indicate the quality of the product. And if the brand of the device is known, then even better. AND do not forget to check the quality certificate of the selected product.

Important! A high-quality network extension cord cannot be cheap; most likely, it is a simple extension cord without protection against power surges.

Safety precautions

Before checking the operation of the surge protector, be sure to read the safety recommendations. You need to know the following:

• DO NOT connect a power extension cord to a 380 V network;
• The surge protector is connected only to a grounded outlet;
• the maximum power of the device is about 3.5 kW;
• DO NOT use the extension cord in rooms with high humidity;
• DO NOT connect network extension cords to each other;
• try not to connect heating devices (vacuum cleaner, air conditioner, hair dryer) to the power strip.

Review of filter manufacturers

To better understand which surge protectors are suitable for protecting a washing machine, we will give several specific examples.

Filter SVEN Fort Pro Black

Universal surge protector with overload and short circuit protection; as well as protection against voltage surges and case overheating over 105°C. Maximum absorbed energy 1050 J. Number of sockets with on/off button – 6. Price from 20 USD.

Filter APC SurgeArrest PM6U-RS

A universal surge protector with a maximum absorbed energy of 1836 J. A special feature of this filter is the presence of two USB ports, which are used for charging electronic devices. Also has an overload indicator, a power-on indicator and a protection and ground indicator. Price from 37 USD

VDPS Extreme surge protector

An Israeli-made filter designed specifically for washing machines. Protects equipment from power surges, short circuits, and lightning strikes. The device response time is 1ns. Price from 23 USD

Filter Q-protector VDPS-5

Israeli-made filter for corded washing machines and dryers. Has automatic connection after voltage stabilization. The device response time is 1ns. Price from 26 USD

So, the issue of protecting a washing machine from power surges is quite serious. Therefore, it is worth taking care of protecting expensive household appliances in advance, and not throwing up your hands when the washing machine “burns out.” Take care of your machine and it will serve you for a long time.

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