Question For Sparkies Re: Washing Machine

PressurePros

Background: I recently purchased a half renovated duplex (original investor ran out of money). I have been staying there doing a bunch of drywall/carpentry/painting but nothing with the electric. I have accumulated some work clothes. Rather than bring the clothes home and have a very PO'd wife, I decided to wash them with the machine in the basement of the unit. When I was removing the clothes from the washer I felt a low energy but very noticeable shock. I was leaning against the lid reaching in and the current flow was steady. I'm guessing this is not a good thing. I checked the pigtail and the connections (3 lead). Here are my questions..

1) The ground is attached to the center wire (neutral I am assuming). Is this a problem? Don't laugh.

2) The wire to the outlet is OLD. I had the building inspected and it meets code but I am wondering if the continuity to earth is broken somewhere? Whats the best way to test?

3) The last owner did have enough money to replace outlets and switches himself. Could there be an issue there?

I am not looking to be a hero or cheapskate and start a rewiring process with my limited knowlege. I would just like to know if I can isolate the problem and bring in a licensed to address it.

__________________
Ken Fenner
Pressure Washing PA
Roof Cleaning Services PA

Jim M

1) The ground is attached to the center wire (neutral I am assuming). Is this a problem? Don't laugh.

Is this washer 120 volts? It doesn't sound like it from your description. When you say this it makes me think of a 220 volt 3 wire connection.

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PressurePros

Oops, let me double check.. I pulled the dryer out and checked it as well. That is definitely 220. Which, while I have your attention, is the wiring okay if that is what i described. (sorry about being a knucklehead when it comes to electric)

__________________
Ken Fenner
Pressure Washing PA
Roof Cleaning Services PA

PressurePros

Looking at it now.. plug is grounded/110. Can't see connections up into washer.

__________________
Ken Fenner
Pressure Washing PA
Roof Cleaning Services PA

mdshunk

This is one of those things that we could go back and fourth over the internet for a very long time to sort out, and some of it would necessarily involve some technical testing on your part. That said, I'd recommend that you just get an electrician to check it out. This is one of those things that a competant person can sort out in person pretty quickly. If the washer happens to be touching the dryer, the dryer is my first suspect. That's not to say, however, that the washer itself, or it's associated water piping, or it's branch circuit might not be at fault. I think this is one of those cases where you just need to break down and get an electrician to look at it. I'm certain if I was there, I could have the problem narrowed down in 10 minutes, but we'd go back and fourth for days and days here on the forum. I think Robert W, from here on the forum, operates in your neck of the woods. I don't know if he does service calls or not. Maybe you already have an electrician.

PressurePros

That's sound advice, md. I don't want to waste time on it either. Thank you for the push forward.

__________________
Ken Fenner
Pressure Washing PA
Roof Cleaning Services PA