I've never used one on a kitchen appliance, but several faulty components within the appliances can cause the control boards to go wonky.

I've read of washing machines where the door interlock has caused the electronics to go haywire; the same with the carbon brushes on the motor, as they wear down through normal use.

I believe there is even a brand of dishwasher, whereby a faulty dispenser solenoid can cause an electrical spike to zap the control board.

I have a whole house surge protector installed behind the meter. It cost me about 400.00 installed by the power company and has been great reassurance for years. I still use individual power strips at my computer and other sensitive electronics for an added buffer but I think for appliances as a whole you should go for the one at the power meter or breaker box to protect all the wiring in the home.

Living in Southern California, I've never had something damaged by a surge. However, that doesn't mean I don't use a surge protector for my PC - its a little like wearing a belt AND suspenders!

I wish I had a whole house surge suppressor, but keep in mind that surge suppressors should be replaced if they have done their suicidal job of burning out (like an old-fashioned fuse) when hit by a surge (see http://www.totse.com/en/technology/computer_technology/surge.html). And good luck!

I'm using those single outlet type surge suppressor (you can buy at Radio Shack or Home Depot), for my digital TV's and sensitive equipment.

My computer and equipment is on a battery back up/suppressor.

When I get my new FL washer, I'll use one of those single outlet suppressors for that also.

They are relatively inexpensive (about $5-$10). Better to fry that than the control board in the washer.

Thanks, I have had a modem burn out during a lightning storm when it came through the phone line and another storm took out a power supply, floppy disk drive, and cd drive in my computer. That is why I am really concerned as the control board is probably expensive on the washing machine.
Thank you everyone.

I purchased a whole-house surge protector and had it installed for less than $300 total. It has a 10 year buy-back policy for any appliance damaged by a power surge. I can't remember the brand off-hand, but will look for you if you would like.

I have a single outlet surge protector on my washer since new. it may be thought of as over kill but there are electronics in the new FL washers that can be damaged by a surge. I work as a computer technician so I have seen the damage that can be done. the one thing many of you may not know is that it doesn't always take one big surge to kill a circuit board, there are often small surges that even though they won't kill it can weaken its ability to with stand surges later. If you are thinking its a good idea by all means go buy one for your washer they are not that expensive, mine was like $12 and I think of it as good cheap insurance.

Also have a whole-house surge protector at the meter. Highly recommended. Only wiring left unprotected is the phone/DSL line . . . anyone have a whole house device for that? Had a lightning strike last summer that fried our security system via the phone line, but nothing else.

Some whole-house protectors have a phone-line attachment as well. Mine does, but I'm not using it since I use VoIP for phone service.

Power surges can occur within an appliance as well due to problems with a motor or mechanical failures. A good line conditioner should be part of the appliance circuitry. Unfortunately that is something that is not always implemented properly. Internal fusing should also be included but do we see it? Very rarely. Hence we see many fixes for our appliances as complete control boards and more.

I've pulled apart my Fisher & Paykel washer a number of times to fix issues such as blown fuses etc.

I just wanted to point out that the circuitry that converts the mains voltage has a number of thermistors located around it as surge protection. These are the same components that you would find in a commercial surge protector power board.

So if the washer manufacturer has already gone to the trouble of building in surge protection, is there any point adding more?

Using a back up battery for the washing machine, I don�t think so if that back up battery can carry the voltage of the washing machine. But if you worried in the power supply of the washing machine, try to use an AVR.

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