>The machine would need to have a timer mechanism that is turned by an electric clock motor, Pure mechanical timer based washing machines have been driven by e

>The machine would need to have a timer mechanism that is turned by an electric clock motor, Pure mechanical timer based washing machines have been driven by electric clock motors (line powered) for at least 50 years (as that is as far back as I remember knowing how they worked). So if line power is out, the timer does not run. Of course, the delay timer on the line would need enough power handling capacity to carry the load of the washing machine.