Washing Machine Electrical Requirements [Outlet Type, Voltage, GFCI]

Have you ever tried to move your laundry room? I recently made the decision to move mine downstairs and was immediately faced with the question of whether or not I could even plug the appliances into those outlets. What exactly are the electrical requirements for a washing machine?

Washing machines require a grounded 3-prong outlet with 120 volts of uninterrupted power. It should draw 20 amps from a designated circuit, meaning other appliances can use the same circuit, just not at the same time. The outlet should be accessible while the machine is in place and GFCI protected.

Keep reading to learn all about the outlet, breaker, and other electrical requirements of several popular styles of washing machines.

What are the electrical requirements for a washing machine?

Chances are you’ve never thought about what kind of power your washing machine needs. Unlike, say, a television or a lamp, it’s not likely to be moved around throughout your home. Still, it probably won’t be surprising to learn that there are pretty specific requirements for an outlet to be washer-friendly.

Let’s start by establishing a couple of basic terms we’re going to use when talking about electrical wiring: 

• Outlet – The wall plug that allows your equipment (in this case, the washing machine) to connect to your home’s electrical grid. 
• Plug – The two- or three-pronged piece that, appropriately enough, plugs into the wall outlet.
• Hot (or live wire) – This wire brings the power into your outlet. It conveys power through the slightly smaller straight portion of the receptacle. This wire will probably be black.
• Neutral – This wire carries power once the circuit is completed, but doesn’t have any of its own. It will probably be white.
• Ground – This wire is a backup in case of a short circuit and only carries power if necessary; it can help prevent serious shocks or other electrical hazards. It is typically green.
• Amperes (usually amps) – The unit of measurement for electrical current. Basically the speed of the electrical power.
• Volts – The unit of measurement of electrical potential in a circuit. Basically, the strength of the electrical power.
• GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) – A specific kind of outlet typically used when the receptacle is located around water sources. This safety device trips much for quickly than a circuit breaker and is meant to protect you from severe electrical shocks.

A standard washing machine has the following electrical requirements:

• 3-prong receptacle with a ground
• 20 amps of power from the circuit
• GFCI breaker on outlet if within six feet of a water source

Most electrical plugs have two skinny prongs that are parallel to each other, and many have a third one below and between those two; almost all of the outlets in your home are designed to take these plugs. 

If you were to pull the outlet out of your wall and examine the back of it, you’d find 3 corresponding wires – a green ground, a white neutral, and a black wire that carries that actual power to the outlet. To function properly, your washer requires an outlet with all three. 

You can have a ground wire added to an outlet that doesn’t otherwise have it by calling an electrician.

The wires themselves should be #12 copper wire.

You’ll want to consult your owner’s manual for the exact power requirements of your washing machine, but most standard models require 120V and recommend of 20 amp circuit breaker.

Related: Can you run a washing machine on solar power?

What kind of outlet does a washing machine need

Most homes have a designated laundry area, but if you’re upgrading your washing machine or remodeling your living area, it’s worth knowing exactly what your options are when it comes to moving your washing machine.

Obviously, available water is the biggest consideration when considering where to put a washing machine, but you’ll also need to ensure that the electrical requirements are met in the new location.

Most washing machines require a three-pronged, grounded outlet receptacle that is located 32-34” above the floor. It should be connected to a 20-amp circuit breaker (or a time-delay fuse) that supplies 120 V of power.

Consult the manufacturer’s specifications for your unit, and confirm that your outlet meets the required parameters before installation.

Does a washing machine require a GFCI outlet?

A GFCI outlet is designed to trip almost immediately in case of a ground fault (a damage or defect that could lead to electrocution) to prevent serious injury.

Washing machines do not require a GFCI outlet unless the appliance is within 6 feet of an open water source, such as a laundry room sink. 

The National Electrical Code requirement for GFCI outlets around laundry room sinks was only established in 2005 and was only just updated to include all laundry room outlets so don’t be surprised to find your home doesn’t meet the current requirements. 

While the NEC only applies to new construction and major remodels, it may be worth your time to upgrade outlets if moving your washing machine.

Is your washing machine tripping the GFCI breaker mid cycle? It’s probably one of these three reasons.

What kind of outlet does a top load washer need

Top-loading washers are less expensive, easier to use, and cheaper to repair than other versions so you won’t be surprised to learn they’re also the most common type of washing machine. It stands to reason that the basic electrical requirements of these washing machines are pretty standard.

Typical top-loading washing machines require a three-pronged, grounded outlet receptacle that is located 32-34” above the floor. It should be connected to a 20-amp circuit breaker (or a time-delay fuse) that supplies 120 V of power.

Obviously, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, but chances are good that your existing laundry room plug will work here.

What kind of outlet does a front-load washer need

While not as ubiquitous as the top-loading variety, front-load washing machines are becoming more common, especially since they use less water than their counterparts.

Typical front-loading washing machines require a three-pronged, grounded outlet receptacle that is located 32-34” above the floor. It should be connected to a 20-amp circuit breaker (or a time-delay fuse) that supplies 120 V of power.

Obviously, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, but chances are good that your existing laundry room plug will work here.

What kind of outlets does a washer/dryer combo need

Washer/dryer combo machines are significantly less common in the United States than there are in other countries, but they are a great solution for small spaces or if you simply don’t want to worry about moving your clothes between the washer and dryer.

Similar to traditional washing machines, washer/dryer combo machines require a three-pronged, grounded outlet receptacle that is located 32-34” above the floor. It should be connected to a 20-amp circuit breaker (or a time-delay fuse) that supplies 120 V of power.

Some models even have ventless heat pump technology, which means your dryer doesn’t require an exterior exhaust vent. 

Obviously, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s instructions to be sure, but chances are good that your existing laundry room plug will work here.

Do you need a 15- or 20-amp outlet for a washing machine?

Electrical outlets are rated based on their amperage (amps), with higher numbers indicating that the outlet provides more power.

A washing machine requires a 20-amp outlet. The plug will not fit into a 15-amp receptacle and using an adapter will overload the circuit.

Plugs that require a 20-amp outlet will not fit into a 15-amp receptacle; however, plugs that require a 15-amp outlet will fit into a 20-amp receptacle. 

What are the electrical code requirements for a washing machine outlet?

Current electrical codes apply to new builds and major remodels, but it’s always helpful to keep up on them in order to avoid potential safety hazards.

The 2023 NEC residential codes require that laundry rooms have at least one 20-amp circuit connected to the washing machine and all laundry room outlets should e GFCI protected.

There should also be a separate 30-amp circuit for electric dyers, and the lights should be on a third circuit (typically this circuit is connected to the lights in adjacent rooms).

Is it normal for your washing machine to spark when it’s plugged in?

Should you connect a washing machine to a dedicated circuit or a shared circuit?

Several manufacturers recommend that the washer is connected to a dedicated 15 amp or 20 amp circuit (consult the owner manual for which one applies to your model).

If the washer is connected to a shared circuit, then there is a higher risk of the circuit breaker tripping and stopping the operation of the washer when the circuit is overloaded.

Therefore, aim to connect it to a separate circuit – with an individual outlet connected to avoid overloading the circuit.

Should you use an extension cord or adapter with your washer?

While you may be able to use an extension cord or an adapter, it is not recommended to connect a washer to an extension cord or adapter by the manufacturers.

Both Extension cords and adapters are susceptible to loose plug connections that can interrupt the proper grounding of the washer, exposing you to the risk of an electric shock.

If you choose to use an extension cord, get a heavy-duty cord. Make sure its rating matches that of the electrical circuit or higher.

Also, use only extension cords that have the UL certification.

Summary of washing machine electrical requirements

Washing machines draw more power than typical electrical devices in your home, but less than many other large appliances. For example, refrigerators may be able to use a standard 120V plug while your oven is likely to need a special 220V outlet.

Your washing machine will need a 120V outlet with a ground, connected to a 20-amp circuit. While not required in most cases, if you’re upgrading the outlet, go ahead and opt for one with GFCI protection to limit the potential for electrocution or other serious injury.

If you’re looking for some extra information about your washing machine’s electrical system, check out this video: