The Lights Dim When the Washing Machine Is On

Shared Circuits

• Because a washing machine uses such a large amount of electricity, it often receives its own circuit. In older homes, however, the washing machine may share a circuit with lights and electrical outlets. The large sudden draw of electricity by the washer causes the lights on the same circuit to dim momentarily. It is easy to tell whether the lights share the same circuit as the washing machine. Turn off the circuit breaker to the washing machine, and look to see if the lights that dimmed turned off as well. This type of dimming is not necessarily a problem, but an electrician can install a separate circuit for the washing machine if desired.

Poor Connection

• A loose wire anywhere along the circuit, such as in the circuit breaker or leading to the house, can cause the lights to dim whenever the washing machine starts. A problem at the transformer can also cause dimming. The utility company can determine whether the problem is with their lines or equipment, or if the problem is inside the home. An electrician can track down the source of the problem in the house.

Undersize Service

• Wiring must be capable of handling all electrical demand in a home. This is not usually a problem in newer homes, designed with the electrical needs of modern appliances in mind. In older homes, however, the wiring and circuits may not handle the demands of multiple appliances, lights, televisions, computers and other common devices. This will cause the lights to dim when the washing machine starts since the system cannot quite handle all of the demand placed on it. Install modern wiring and circuits to stop the problem.

Normal

• Lights dimming when the washing machine starts may not be an indication of a problem. In some cases, the dimming is normal. Even in modern homes with wiring and circuits capable of handling large loads and without any loose wires or problems, the lights might dim simply because of the sudden demand for a large amount of electricity by the washer. The dimming is similar to the way a lawn sprinkler might temporarily lose pressure when another outdoor faucet is turned on all the way. This does not indicate that there is a plumbing problem, but that the water, like the electricity, is temporarily flowing elsewhere.