Load shedding, voltage dips and the surge when power comes back on are a fact of life in Harare. Summer thunderstorms add lightning to the list. Washing machines, with their sensitive electronics and motors, are among the appliances most often damaged.
If your machine stopped working right after a power cut, a storm or a generator or inverter changeover, the damage is usually limited to a few components and is very often repairable.
Signs you need this repair
- No lights or display after a power cut
- A burning smell or a pop when power returned
- The machine powers on but will not start any programme
- The earth leakage keeps tripping when the machine is on
What our power surge damage repairs service includes
- Testing of the plug, cable, filter and internal fuses
- Control board inspection and repair
- Door lock, motor and pump checks for surge damage
- Written assessment for insurance claims on request
- Practical advice on surge protection and safe power use
What surges damage most often
- The interference (noise) filter at the power inlet
- Fuses and power supply components on the main board
- Door lock interlocks
- Motor control and inverter boards on direct drive machines
Insurance claims
Many household insurance policies in Zimbabwe cover power surge and lightning damage. We can provide a written assessment and quotation describing the damage to support your claim. Check your policy terms first, as cover varies by insurer.
Related washing machine problems
Power Surge Damage Repairs: frequently asked questions
Will a surge protector protect my washing machine?
A quality surge protector or voltage protector greatly reduces the risk, especially from surges when power returns after load shedding. It cannot protect against a direct lightning strike, so switching off at the wall during storms is still wise.
Is it safe to use a washing machine on an inverter or solar system?
Yes, if the inverter is sized correctly for the machine. Heating cycles draw a lot of power, so use cold or eco programmes on inverter power. Make sure the system provides a clean pure sine wave output.