Feeling a mild shock or tingle when touching the washer

Symptoms

• Mild tingling or shock sensation when touching the machine's metal parts
• Sensation worse with wet hands
• May coincide with a nearby outlet or wiring issue
• Sometimes only noticeable in certain conditions like standing on a damp floor

Likely causes

• CommonMissing or faulty ground connectionAppliances rely on a proper ground path to safely direct stray current; without it, the cabinet itself can carry a slight charge.
• PossibleDamaged internal wiring making contact with the metal cabinetFrayed wire insulation can allow current to reach the outer casing.
• PossibleOutlet wired incorrectly or not properly groundedAn issue with the home's wiring rather than the appliance itself can cause this.
• Less commonFailing internal component causing current leakageA failing motor or heating element can sometimes leak current to the frame.

What to do

1. Unplug the washer immediately and stop using it until the cause is identified.
2. Do not touch the machine again until it has been checked, especially with wet or damp hands.
3. Check that the outlet is a properly grounded three-prong type and not an adapter bypassing the ground.
4. Have an electrician test the outlet's grounding using a simple outlet tester if you have one, or have this checked professionally.
5. Do not attempt to open or test internal wiring yourself; this is an electrical safety issue.
6. Call a licensed electrician or appliance technician to test the machine and the outlet's grounding before using it again.

Tools and parts

• Outlet tester (optional, for the electrician)

When to call a pro

This requires a licensed electrician or appliance technician to test the machine's wiring and the outlet's grounding before the washer is used again.

Safety