On Fri, 16 Oct 2015 17:29:57 -0400, "Texas Kingsnake"
wrote:

Hi there. Back again with a new problem.

My wife was doing the laundry and I was working near the circuit breaker
panel. When she turned the machine on I heard a loud buzz from inside the
box. Less than a second long. I had her turn the machine off, took off
the panel cover and watched as she turned the machine back on. I saw arcing
at the left-handed side of the panel at the point where the heavy black
cable from the street enters the box. I had her turn the machine on and
off and it happened again. Then I pushed the black wire right where it
enters the clamp and it hasn't happened again, despite having all the same
lights and appliances on.


By the way, you may also have a bad breaker causing that hum. Fix the
Mains connection first, then watch and listen to the breaker feeding the
laundry. If it does hum, replace it!

I will mention that when a motor starts, it draws a lot more amperage
than when it's running. That's why you see that spark when it starts.

If you do shut off the power to repair that mains lug, check the other
ones too (neutral included). And apply some Anti-Sieze to the screws so
they are easier to move in the future. (Thats if they turn at all. That
arcing could have welded that problem one in place, which means you have
a bigger problem.