DIY grounding of the washing machine

Grounding the washing machine, organized in accordance with all safety rules, is the surest way to extend its life and protect yourself and loved ones. Many install a washing machine and, without hesitation, plug it into the nearest outlet or power cord. But the connection to electrical communications is no less important than the connection of water supply and drain, so why remember this only when the machine burns out or starts to shock. That is why, we will talk about how to make grounding with our own hands.

Why ground the washing machine?

It is necessary to ground not only washing machines, but also all household appliances. Any electrical network consists of two main wires, which are called "phase" (it is energized) and "zero". In the network with grounding there is a third wire, it is called "ground".

If a typewriter equipped surge protectorplug into the network without grounding, then a residual voltage of 110 V appears on its body, which can be felt when the machine is touched. In the case of a violation of the insulation of the wiring of the washing machine, the “phase” may appear on the case, and this is already 220 V, so one touch is enough to shock a person. And if the machine is installed in the bathroom, then this is generally a direct threat to health and life.

In addition, grounding saves the electronics of the machine during power surges, as well as when a lightning bolt enters the transformer or antenna on the roof of the building. That is why the proper connection of the washing machine with grounding is so important, it is safety for you and your equipment.

How to secure the machine in the apartment?

The connection of the washing machine to the electrical network will depend on the time of construction of the building. In new buildings, problems with grounding and safety should not arise, because when they are built, grounding is already organized, and the electrical wiring has a third grounding wire. Household appliances, including washing machines, already have a three-wire cable. This is enough to prevent the washing machine from being shocked.

It is a completely different matter if you live in a Soviet-built house. Here you have to solve a serious problem either on your own, or contact an electrician who will do everything for you. There are two options for solving the grounding problem.

The first option involves the organization of grounding from an electrical panel, to which electricity is suitable and from which goes to the apartment. The work is as follows:

1. Two busbars are installed in the shield: zero (N) and ground (PE). From them, wiring for household appliances and lighting will be made.
2. From the outlet for the washing machine, we lay a three-wire wire with a copper section. We connect the wires as follows. Zero wire (blue) to bus N, phase wire (red) through machine and RCD - to the meter phase wire, the ground wire (yellow-green) is connected to the PE bus. It is forbidden to connect the grounding wire of the outlet to the neutral working wire.

Important! Do not forget to turn off the electrical power when working with wires.

To lay electrical communications correctly, you will need not only pliers, an indicator screwdriver, a three-wire wire, a ground outlet, a sharp knife, as well as patience and accuracy. If such work seems too complicated, then it is better to consult a specialist.

Note! This grounding method is legal and most reliable.

In some old houses, it is possible that there is no grounding at all, that is, there is no ground wire in the shield, as we considered in the previous case. In addition, there is no way to arrange such grounding if you live on the 5th floor. How to protect the machine from power surges and yourself from "electric shocks".In this case, the problem can be solved by organizing a potential equalization system. What it is?

If the washing machine is installed in the bathroom, then with the simultaneous touch of two conductive objects, the current will pass through the human body. The potential equalization system assumes that all objects conducting current are interconnected by metal wires. In this case, if, for example, you touch the tap and the washing machine, then no current will flow through you.

In addition to this system, it is absolutely necessary to install an RCD and an automatic machine in the panel so that the washing machine shuts down and the “phase” does not fall onto the washing machine body in case of a failure. In addition, when installing the machine in the bathroom, you need to use a moisture-proof outlet, if there is none, then generally refuse to place the “washer” in the bathroom.

When organizing wiring, you need to use solid wires. If necessary, docking should be done only in a special box, carefully insulating everything.

An easier way to create grounding is to fix the ground wire from the washing machine housing to the battery or sewer. However, today it is not legal to do so. Secondly, it is not safe, because when you touch the riser, even the neighbors can "feel" the current. And thirdly, cracks can form on the pipes, which will lead to flooding. Therefore, this method is better not to use!

Grounding in a private house

Laying electrical wiring with grounding in a private house is similar to how it is done in an apartment, as described above. It is also made with respect to the electrical panel. The difference is that the grounding itself also needs to be done with your own hands. We will describe this process in detail.

1. We take 3 metal pipes with a length of 1.5 to 3 meters. The length should not be less than the depth of freezing of the soil.
2. We sharpen the lower part of the pipes with a sledgehammer, and in the lower part (the third part of the whole pipe) we make holes with a diameter of 5-10 mm.
3. Now you need to dig a hole in the ground with a depth of about 0.5-0.6 m.
4. Next, we drive the pipes into the ground at a distance of 1 to 1.5 m, while leaving 10-15 cm of the pipe sticking out above the ground.
5. We take 3 metal plates or fittings 1-1.5 m long and connect pipes sticking out of the ground by welding.
6. A grounding wire must be welded to the fittings, which must be brought into the house to the installation site of the electric meter.
7. The ground wire is connected to the PE bus, and ground wires are branched from the bus into sockets and lighting.

Note! In summer, at an air temperature of 35⁰C, it is necessary to fill the soil once a week with saline prepared at the rate of 0.5 kg of salt per bucket of water. At a temperature of 30⁰With this you can do it once a month, this will ensure the distribution of current in dry soil.

You can screw the ground wire to the bolt on the back of the washing machine. Such a bolt is designed specifically for this purpose.

Thus, a reliable protective grounding in an apartment or a private house can be organized only by laying a three-wire cable from the electrical panel to all sockets in the apartment or house. And then the removal of the grounded wire into the absorbing circuit. All other methods are not reliable and not safe. If you do grounding yourself there is no possibility and desire, then you need to invite a specialist. It’s better to do it once and honestly than redo and sigh that the washing machine burned out ...