My refrigerator or washing machine gives electric shocks: what should I do?

2025-07-01

An electric shock when touching a refrigerator, washing machine or other appliance needs attention. Do not keep using it to see whether it happens again or assume a mild shock is normal.

Possible causes

An insulation fault may affect the appliance or its supply. Moisture can increase the risk, and missing or faulty grounding may prevent protective measures from working correctly. An inspection must distinguish an appliance fault from an installation problem.

What should I do?

Stop using the appliance, avoid touching it and keep others away. If you can disconnect its supply at an accessible, dry and safe electrical panel, do so without approaching the appliance. Do not handle wet, damaged or overheated plugs. Request a professional inspection.

Grounding and residual-current protection

Grounding and residual-current protective devices provide complementary protection. Their presence alone does not establish that they work correctly; appropriate assessment and testing are needed.

Electrician or appliance technician?

Problems with wiring, outlets or protective devices require an electrical installation inspection. An internal appliance fault may require a specialist appliance technician. Diagnosis helps determine the next step.

Electrical inspections

Tell us which appliance gives shocks, when it started and whether you noticed moisture or other problems, without performing tests. Contact us on WhatsApp to arrange an inspection, subject to availability.