Published By: Marc Edwards | Last updated on June 2, 2024 and reviewed by Editorial Team
A washing machine is by no means the type of major household appliance that you can easily replace without blinking an eyelid.
Price tags of some high-end washing machines are in the thousands. Without a washing machine surge protector, this major household appliance could be damaged beyond repair when a damaging power surge comes through.
Getting a surge protector for your washing machine or major household appliances is really a small price to pay when you think about their replacement cost.
Moreover, the many days of inconvenience while waiting for a new one to arrive would be nightmarish to most people.
Not sure about you, my family uses the washing machine almost every other day. Washing all the soiled clothing of my three kiddies plus our daily work attires are enough to fill up more than half the load of our washing machine.
So it is pretty hard for me to imagine a day without it.
10 Things to Look for in a Washing Machine Surge Protector
- Voltage Rating and Surge Handling Capacity: Look for a device that can handle a sufficient surge voltage, typically rated in joules. The higher the joule rating, the better the protection against powerful surges that could damage your washing machine’s electronics.
- Response Time: A faster response time indicates more effective surge protection. Look for devices with response times measured in nanoseconds, as these can quickly divert excess voltage away from your washing machine.
- Clamping Voltage: The clamping voltage represents the level at which the surge protection device starts to redirect excess voltage. Lower clamping voltage means better protection, so aim for a device with a lower clamping voltage value.
- Number of Outlets: Choose a device with sufficient outlets to accommodate your washing machine and any other nearby appliances that you want to protect from surges.
- LED Indicators: Look for LED indicators that show the device’s status, such as whether it’s functioning properly or needs replacement after a surge event. This helps ensure ongoing protection.
- Noise Filtration: Some surge protectors include noise filtering capabilities, which can improve the quality of your washing machine’s operation by reducing interference from other electrical devices.
- Safety Features: Consider features like thermal fuses, which cut off power in case of overheating, or resettable circuit breakers that can be easily restored after a surge event.
- Durability and Build Quality: A well-built surge protection device should be able to withstand power fluctuations and surges without degradation. Look for devices with sturdy construction and high-quality materials.
- Compatibility with Grounding: Ensure that the device is compatible with your electrical system’s grounding type. A proper ground connection is essential for effective surge protection.
- Warranty and Connected Equipment Coverage: Look for surge protectors that offer warranties and coverage for connected equipment. This provides an added layer of assurance that the manufacturer stands behind their product.
Do You Really Need a Washing Machine Surge Protector?
Not really.
There is no need to get one if you and your family fall under the following groups listed below:
Big Wardrobe Group
You only need to wash all your clothing once a week or longer. You have so much clothing 👔🩳👖👕👗 in your wardrobe that it would take more than three full months for you to wear every single one of them.
Auto Laundry Shop Group
You have an automated laundry shop near your house. And you probably make use of your washing machine less than 10 times a year. If you fall under this group, do not waste your money 💸💸💸 on a washing machine surge protector.
Wash Most of Own Clothing Group
Seriously, who does that these days? Well, if you do fall under this group of people, congrats. You are probably staying alone and you hand-wash most of your clothing. In such a case, even if your washing machine gets fried by a catastrophic power surge, you will survive. 🙌🙌🙌
Good Neighbors Group
If you are like me who happen to have awesome neighbors living left and right of my house, feel free to NOT buy a surge protector for your washing machine. My washing machine once broke down 2 years ago and one of my neighbors offered us free usage of their washing machine. We used it for 3 full days till the new one arrived.
Cannot Wait to Change Group
Do not buy a surge protector if you happen to be waiting for your washing machine to kick the bucket soon. You may be praying hard every day that it happens so that you can get that space-saving COMFEE’ 1.6 Cu.ft Portable Washing Machine. 😜
There you have it. Not everyone needs to get a washing machine surge protector. It all depends on the specific needs and environment of individuals.
On the flip side, you should really get one if you:
- just bought a new washing machine that cost more than half your paycheck
- Your family needs to use the washing machine every single day (like me)
- do not have awesome neighbors to let you use their washing machine in times of need 🙂
- are not living near a self service laundry shop
- do not even know how to hand-wash your own clothing. 😁
Remember this, getting a surge protector is like buying a life insurance for your electrical appliance, You will never know when a nasty power spike will come along and suck the electrical life away from your costly electrical appliances.
Besides washing machines, you should get surge protection for all major electrical appliances at home if the area you live in is prone to power surges and lightning. Do consider a whole-house surge protection model if you are looking to protect all electrical appliances and electronics within your home.
Better be safe than sorry.
