Auto Load Sensing
A washer feature that measures load size at the start of the cycle and adjusts water volume accordingly.
Definition
Auto Load Sensing is a washer feature that measures load weight at the start of the cycle (typically by detecting drum drag or motor current) and adjusts the water fill volume to match the actual load. The result is dramatic water savings on small loads — a half-load uses about half the water rather than the full fill volume the cycle would otherwise use. Auto Load Sensing is standard on all modern HE washers and is the foundation of HE water savings. Manual override (forcing maximum water level) is usually available for unusual loads.
Where this term appears
Auto Load Sensing comes up in product spec sheets, service reports, and troubleshooting documentation across most major appliance brands. If you encountered it in a manual or a service description and want context for how it fits into the larger picture, the related articles in the sidebar drill into the practical details. The glossary as a whole is intended as a quick lookup reference; for a deep dive on any specific topic, jump to the related buying guide or troubleshooting article.