There was a time when using a generator with a washing machine was nearly out of the question, simply because older model washing machines pulled so much wattage that it wasn’t really worth it. But, nowadays, washing machines are much more efficient and are computerized to allow you to save both water and energy with every load.
The question is no longer if you can use a generator with a washing machine – but about how safe it is to do so.
In short, it is safe to use a washing machine with a generator – but you may need some accessories (like a stabilizer) or a high-end generator that uses sine-wave technology.
Why? Because, modern washing machines often have computers in them, which need protection from fluctuations in power that sometimes happen when using generator power. Otherwise, you could fry the computer and damage your washing machine.
Top Safety Concerns When Using A Generator To Run A Washer
Let’s look through some of the top safety concerns around off-grid laundry and generators and how to mitigate them.
Power
This is pretty basic stuff, but it never hurts to state it anyway: washing machines require AC power. You’ve got to use a generator that provides AC power in order not to blow your machine.
Now, if you are using a washing machine with a solar panel, I’ve already talked about the importance of an inverter, but you can read more about that here.
Sine Wave Supply
Now, simply drawing AC power isn’t a big issue, as most home appliances use AC and can easily be run off generators. What’s specific about washing machines is that now, most modern machines use advanced technology to operate. So, the power supply to your machine should be stable to protect against frying the washing machine’s computer and sensors.
The power supply of older generators was not completely consistent, let’s say it was ‘bumpy’. But generators with sine wave technology supply ‘smooth’ waves of power that are consistent and prevent damage to the internal computer of your washing machine.
Do you have an old machine that doesn’t have advanced technology? Then you probably don’t require this ‘smooth’ sine wave supply of power. But, on the flip side, you’re probably using lots of energy to run a single load of laundry and draining your generator.
Do you have a modern, high-efficiency machine with eco-settings? Then you probably need a generator with sine-wave technology to protect it. The good news here is that newer machines require a lot less wattage (some as little as 360 watts to run a full wash cycle!) so you might be able to run your washing machine on a smaller generator.
Wattage
You have to calculate how many watts your washing machine requires to run a single load. (Really, whenever you use a generator, you should know the watts and running watts of every item connected).
Keep in mind that washing machines don’t pull a consistent amount of watts throughout a wash cycle. The start up and spin cycle generally pull a lot more power than the rinse cycle, for instance. This means that your washing machine sometimes requires a ‘surge’ of power. Give your generator plenty of wiggle room, for this reason.
Other electronics require ‘start up’ watts (like a fridge), and then reduce a minimum amount of watts once they get going (which are called running watts). Washing machines are not like that because they pull additional watts based on the cycle, not the start up.
Your generator should have more than enough capacity to accommodate these ‘surges’.
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Now, once you start counting watts, you might realize that your washing machine is going to be very expensive to run off your generator (add up those fuel costs) and you might decide that getting a high efficiency washer is actually a better investment.
Either way, don’t push your generator to the max with your washing machine, make sure there is plenty of room for the additional watts required to complete a spin cycle.
Grounding
Now, another factor has to do with the risk of electric shock. Since the complications here could be serious, it’s a pretty important one!
If you’ve built your own home and designed the structure, keep in mind that you might need to ground your washing machine before you use it. This simply means directing the excess electricity into the ground, for your own safety.
If you have renovated and updated your home to be off-grid, this might already have been done. Either way, it doesn’t hurt just to be sure.
Water
Another question has to do with using a washing machine (which requires intake and outake of water), near a generator and the risk of electric shock there.
First of all – your generator should never be used indoors. But, I know that for a lot of off-gridders, their washing machines are not in their home, either. Maybe it’s in a shed, or on the porch, I get it, there are all different types of set ups. Either way, keep your washing machine and your generator a safe distance away from one another.
A lot of homesteaders try to conserve water usage and collect greywater which might make things a bit dicier in this respect, too.
Make sure to follow these precautions:
1) Keep your generator well away from your washing machine (8-10 feet, minimum)
2) Ensure all electrical cords, and the places where they connect are up off the ground (I like to hang them from the porch posts or keep them elevated across the ceiling if I can)
3) Place your generator on a rubber mat or a wooden pallet, to get it slightly off the ground, too.
4) Direct all out-flow valves, if you are collecting greywater, downhill and away from your generator. This way, if you do accidentally have an overflow, you’re already taken safety precautions.
If you are interested in learning more, here’s some tips for using greywater.
More Tips for using a Washing Machine with a Generator:
- Set your machine to ‘eco’ cycles
Most modern models have eco cycles that require less wattage and less water to run a full cycle. Make sure to always use the eco settings when running a washing machine off a generator.
- Disconnect hot water
This goes a bit further than just putting your machine in the ‘cold water’ setting. If you have a new machine, do not connect the hot water lines, use only cold. If you are adjusting a current machine, disconnect the hot water and then reboot your washing machine, so the internal computer will sense hot water cycles are not available.
- Check your drains
This is a safety feature as well as a tip: you’ll prevent overflows and water pooling around your machine, but you’ll also make sure you’re properly saving all that greywater.
- Use The Right Soaps
If you are planning to use the greywater in your garden, make sure to use biocompatible detergents that won’t harm your plants, or you, when you eat them later on. I have a list of the best ones, here.
Yes, it is safe to use a washing machine with a generator – but you probably want a high-efficiency machine and a generator with sine-wave technology to protect it.
Want to know how to run a washing machine off a solar panel? Read all about it in this post.
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