4 Electrical Problems That Can Prevent Your Dishwasher Turning On

You probably rely heavily on your dishwasher every day, so it can be a real cause for concern when it suddenly won't turn on. In many cases, problems with a dishwasher will need to be handled by a plumber, but electrical issues may sometimes demand the attention of an electrician instead. If your dishwasher simply refuses to turn on, it's likely the problem is electrical.

Here are just four common electrical issues that can prevent a dishwasher from turning on. 

1. Damaged Plug

If your dishwasher's plug has been damaged, it will no longer be able to draw power. More importantly, any damage to the plug can become dangerous, so this is one of the first areas you should check if your dishwasher suddenly stops turning on. Firstly, make sure the plug is securely fitted into the socket. Next, check for any signs of damage, such as fraying, blackening or melting. If any such problems are apparent, you should call an electrician so they can properly replace the plug and cable.

2. Blown Fuse

Even if the plug hasn't actually been damaged, the fuse inside may have blown. If this has happened, you'll need to check your manufacturer's website to find what kind of fuse to replace it with, then carry out that replacement. If the fuse in the plug isn't blown, you should also see if the fuse in your consumer unit has blown. If you're concerned about carrying out these checks or replacements yourself, you can always contact an electrician.  

3. Faulty Motor Start Relay

The motor start relay is a relatively small part, but your dishwasher isn't going to run without it. It's the part that tells your dishwasher's motor to start moving — essentially, it sends the start signal. If it is no longer functioning, your dishwasher will no longer respond to commands from the control panel. This is a relatively quick and easy fix, but it's one that will need to be carried out by an electrician.

4. Faulty Drive Motor

If the motor start relay isn't at fault, you may be looking at a problem with the drive motor itself. This is what provides the power to move the water around your dishwasher. If it becomes faulty, your dishwasher either won't work properly or won't even start. You can remove the access panel and check the drive motor yourself, but this is something that should really be done by an electrician. They will be able to take readings, and then perform any necessary repairs or replacements.

Contact appliance repair services to learn more.