Electric shock, twin tub washing machine?

I got an old hitachi twin tub yesterday, it works great (and beats hand washing!) but the dials give a mild electric shock - it doesn't hurt, its just like a static shock. To get around this, Ive been using tongs with a rubber end to turn the dials, so I don't have to touch them. I don't mind doing this, but does anyone know if its dangerous? Could I still get shocked this way? Also, does anyone know how to fix it? I was thinking about putting rubber tape around the dials, but is there an easier way?


Please don't bother telling me to buy a new one - I cant.


Thanks!Electric shock, twin tub washing machine?
This indicates the ground wire is not working , , , potential serious shock hazard especially around water and if you are using 220 V in your country.





First thing to do is check that the house ground is working and installed properly . Only takes a few minutes to check everything and anyone with a little electrical knowledge can help you with that


Then make sure the outlet ground is working , then the plug must have three wires not two and all extension cords must carry this third wire and connect to the house ground . This is a critical safety factor for any major appliance especially if there is exposed metal parts.


I would also take the cover off the top control panel , also very easy with a philips screw driver , washer unplugged of course , make sure there is no damage inside from rats, cockroaches etc. which love to chew the insulation off wires in tropical regions especially . Also turn the machine on its side and have a good look underneath for any damage. If there is, you will have to get help to replace wires , not that difficult for someone with general electrical knowledge. Be sure to inspect the green ground wire that connects to the metal cover of the washer near the bottom . If it looks rusty or is not making a good connection, reconnect it. Also there should be one connected to the metal parts at the control knobs etc.





If it is all clear on the machine itself , and you found a problem with the wire or ground system ( the ground wire should start from a metal rod driven deep into the ground near the electrical box outside the house.)


you can assume the electric shock was caused by static electricity buildup. This in itself is not dangerous, it just indicates there is a danger of a full lines voltage shock , which can be fatal, like in the case of a bare wire touching any metal .


A final note , please be careful if you are pouring any water over the electrical control panel , as water conducts electricity , this is just like pouring a bunch of bare wires on it. Keep the machine dry underneath and well out of reach of any blowing rain . If water splashes near he bottom it can splash back up and wet all the motor parts etc.





If you need any more help just contact me from the address you will find if you double click on my picture. I can phone you free from here also if necessary . . .Electric shock, twin tub washing machine?
You should get it checked out. It could be that the insulation has frayed from a wire, and it is touching the metal of the machine. If so, it could get worse, and give you, or someone else who touches it, a severe electric shock. Insulating the dials will not solve the problem. Any metal part, or even the water you use in it, can become 'live'
be careful you can have a fire, most house fires are from electrical, and candles and cooking. be careful
it's not normal. you can get killed if you're not careful. Please don't let the tub drain the living life out of you.
electrical tape might work but you really need to ground the machine to something if you look at the back of the machine you will probably see a green or bare copper wire if there is a metal water pipe nearby extend and connect the wire to that pipe with a clamp of some kind so it is secure if there is no metal pipe around unscrew the plate covering the outlet if the box in the wall is made from metal you can attach it to one of the screws holding the outlet to the box if there is no green or bare wire you can attach a wire 10 gauge or thicker to the machine on any metal part preferably a spot that touches the dials or close to it with a screw making sure the wire touches bare metal and follow the above steps, this is a very dangerous situation if for some reason your washer overflows and you are standing in water when you touch the dial it could kill you, this is best handled by an electrician and if you follow the steps above and it still shocks you you should get an electrician to fix this.
Sounds like there is a breakdown in insulation somewhere. I would get a sympathetic electrician to look at it. I would also suggest having the fuses or mcb's in the fusebox looked at at the same time as a current leakage like this ought to trip the breaker for that particular circuit.