What Does Error Code PF Mean on an LG Washing Machine?

LG Updated 28 March 2026
Quick Fix

Press the Start/Pause button to resume the interrupted cycle from where it stopped — if the power supply is now stable, the machine should continue normally and complete the wash (takes about 2 minutes).

Fault description

Error code PF appears on your LG washing machine when the appliance detects that its power supply was cut or dropped significantly during an active wash cycle. The machine logs this event and halts operation rather than continuing in an unknown state, which protects both the motor and your laundry.

When PF is displayed, the drum will have stopped and the cycle will be paused. In most cases the machine retains its cycle position and can simply be restarted. The error itself is not a sign of a fault inside the washing machine — it is a record of something that happened to the electrical supply feeding it.

That said, if PF appears repeatedly without any obvious power cut in your home, it is worth investigating the socket, plug, and household wiring, as an intermittent supply problem can cause wear on the machine's electronics over time.

Causes

  • Mains power interruption or brownout — A brief cut or dip in your home's mains supply is the most common trigger. Even a fraction-of-a-second interruption is enough for the machine to log a PF event.
  • Loose or faulty wall socket connection — A socket with worn contacts or a loose wiring connection behind the faceplate can cause momentary power loss under load. This is especially common in older properties.
  • Overloaded extension lead or power strip — Washing machines draw a high current during heating and motor operation. Running one from a shared extension lead can cause voltage drops that register as a power failure.
  • Faulty or damaged power cable on the machine — If the machine's own mains cable is kinked, pinched behind the appliance, or has a damaged plug, it can lose contact intermittently. Inspect the full length of the cable carefully.
  • Tripped RCD or circuit breaker — A residual current device or breaker protecting the washing machine circuit may have tripped and reset quickly, cutting power momentarily without you noticing a full outage.
  • Internal power supply board fault — Less commonly, the machine's own power supply PCB may have a component that is failing and causing it to misread or lose voltage internally. This is more likely if PF appears with no external cause found.

Step-by-Step Fix

  1. 1

    Press Start/Pause to resume the cycle

    After a PF event, press the Start/Pause button once. The machine will attempt to continue the cycle from the point it was interrupted. If the power supply is stable, this is all that is needed and the wash will complete normally.

  2. 2

    Check whether a power cut actually occurred

    Look at other appliances in the room — clocks resetting or other devices rebooting confirm a genuine mains interruption. If everything else was unaffected, the problem is more likely local to the socket or machine cable.

  3. 3

    Inspect the wall socket and plug

    Switch off and unplug the machine, then examine the plug pins for discolouration or burn marks and check that the socket is firm with no movement. Try plugging the machine into a different dedicated socket on a separate circuit if one is available.

  4. 4

    Check the machine is plugged directly into a wall socket

    LG recommends connecting washing machines directly to a wall socket rather than an extension lead or multi-way adapter. If you are using an extension, remove it and plug the machine directly into the wall.

  5. 5

    Inspect the machine's power cable

    Pull the machine forward slightly and trace the full length of the mains cable from the plug to where it enters the machine. Look for kinks, crushing, or any sign of damage to the outer sheath. A damaged cable must be replaced before using the machine again.

  6. 6

    Check your consumer unit for a tripped breaker or RCD

    Open your fuse box and look for any breaker or RCD switch that is in a middle or off position. Reset it if found, then run a test cycle and monitor whether it trips again. A repeatedly tripping breaker suggests an electrical fault that needs professional attention.

  7. 7

    Run a full test cycle and monitor for repeat PF codes

    Once you have checked the supply and connections, run a complete wash cycle and stay nearby for the first few minutes. If PF reappears with no sign of any external power issue, make a note of when in the cycle it occurs and contact a service technician.

Affected models

When to call a service technician

If error code PF keeps returning across multiple wash cycles and you have already confirmed the wall socket, cable, and household supply are all in good order, the fault is likely inside the machine itself. A failing internal power supply board or a wiring harness with an intermittent break will not be visible from the outside and requires proper diagnostic equipment to identify.

You should also call a service technician if you notice any burning smell from the plug, socket, or the machine itself, or if your circuit breaker trips each time the washing machine runs. These are signs of a potentially unsafe electrical condition that should not be ignored.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is error code PF dangerous?

In most cases, no. PF simply means the machine detected a power interruption and stopped safely. However, if it is accompanied by a burning smell, scorch marks on the plug or socket, or a tripping circuit breaker, treat it as a potential electrical hazard and do not use the machine until it has been checked.

Will the machine lose my wash cycle settings after a PF error?

LG washing machines are designed to retain the cycle position after a PF event. Pressing Start/Pause should allow the machine to continue from roughly where it left off. In some cases with a prolonged outage, the machine may restart the cycle from the beginning rather than mid-cycle.

Can I prevent PF errors during storms or power fluctuations?

You can reduce the risk by plugging the machine into a socket protected by a surge-protected RCD outlet. Avoiding running the machine during known periods of electrical instability also helps. However, a genuine mains outage will always trigger PF regardless of precautions.

My power never went off but I still got a PF code — why?

A very brief voltage dip lasting only milliseconds can trigger PF without you noticing any other effect in the home. A loose socket connection, a worn plug, or a shared circuit under heavy load are the most likely causes. Check the socket and cable first before assuming the machine has an internal fault.

How many times can PF appear before I need a repair?

There is no set number, but if PF appears more than two or three times within a short period and you cannot identify an external power cause, it is worth having the machine inspected. Repeated power interruptions — real or false — can stress the motor control board and other electronics over time.