Electric pressure washers can be prone to blowing fuses due to various reasons. This comprehensive guide will help you diagnose and prevent the issue, providing you with technical specifications, measurements, and a step-by-step troubleshooting process.
Common Causes of Electric Pressure Washer Blowing Fuses
1. Faulty Fuse or Electrical Components
- Fuse Inspection: Check the fuse in the plug for any signs of damage or wear. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the plug, looking for a reading between 5 and 12 ohms.
- Switch and Motor Inspection: Inspect the switch and motor for any signs of water damage or corrosion. Water intrusion can lead to short circuits and excessive current draw, causing the fuse to blow.
2. Poor Seals or Leaks
- Hose and Connection Leaks: Check for any leaks in the high-pressure hose or connections, which can cause the motor to work harder and blow the fuse.
- Seal Replacement: Inspect and replace any worn-out O-rings or seals, especially at the lance and hose connections, to prevent water leaks.
3. Overloading or Incorrect Wiring
- Power Source Compatibility: Ensure the pressure washer is connected to a suitable power source, avoiding overloaded circuits. High-power models may require a 20A circuit.
- Extension Lead Suitability: Verify that the extension lead is heavy-duty and rated for the pressure washer’s power requirements. Using an undersized extension lead can cause voltage drops and excessive current draw.
4. Motor Issues
- Motor Capacitor: If your pressure washer model has a motor capacitor, check it for any signs of damage or failure, as a faulty capacitor can lead to excessive current draw.
- Motor Resistance Measurement: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the motor. Low readings indicate continuity, while high readings suggest an internal issue.
How to Prevent Electric Pressure Washer from Blowing Fuses
1. Regular Maintenance
- Inspection and Cleaning: Regularly inspect and clean the pressure washer to prevent water and debris buildup, which can contribute to electrical issues.
- Seal Replacement: Check and replace worn-out seals and O-rings to maintain proper water flow and pressure.
2. Proper Usage
- Trigger Activation: Always ensure the lance trigger is pressed before turning on the pump to prevent excessive current draw.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not use the pressure washer on an overloaded circuit or with a low-rated extension lead.
3. Correct Wiring and Power Source
- Power Source Compatibility: Ensure the pressure washer is connected to a suitable power source, such as a 20A circuit for high-power models.
- Extension Lead Suitability: Use a heavy-duty extension lead rated for the pressure washer’s power requirements to avoid voltage drops and excessive current draw.
Technical Specifications and Measurements
Multimeter Readings
- Resistance across the Plug: Measure the resistance across the plug, looking for a reading between 5 and 12 ohms.
- Resistance across the Motor: Low readings indicate continuity, while high readings suggest an internal motor issue.
Power Requirements
- High-Power Models: Some high-power pressure washers may require a 20A circuit to operate safely without tripping the fuse or breaker.
- Power Consumption Measurement: Use a Kill-A-Watt or similar device to measure the pressure washer’s power consumption and ensure the circuit can handle the load.
References
- eSpares. (n.d.). How to Diagnose Pressure Washer Electrical Problems. Retrieved from https://www.espares.co.uk/advice/careandmaintenance/how-to-diagnose-pressure-washer-electrical-problems
- The Farming Forum. (2017). Pressure washer blowing fuses. Retrieved from https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/pressure-washer-blowing-fuses.158752/page-2
- AVA of Norway. (2023). The fuse in my house blows when I start the machine. Retrieved from https://support.avaofnorway.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4408843247890-The-fuse-in-my-house-blows-when-I-start-the-machine
- PistonHeads. (2021). Pressure washer keeps blowing fuse? Retrieved from https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=207&t=1966895
- EEVblog. (2019). Pressure washer keeps tripping breaker. Retrieved from https://www.eevblog.com/forum/repair/pressure-washer-keeps-tripping-breaker/