Washing Machine Tripping Electrics in Colchester
If your washing machine keeps tripping the electrics, it can indicate an electrical fault inside the appliance and shouldn’t be ignored.
East Coast Appliances provides professional washing machine repairs in Colchester and surrounding areas.
Why does my washing machine keep tripping the electrics?
A washing machine can trip a circuit breaker or RCD for several reasons. Common causes include:
- A faulty heating element
- Water leaking onto electrical components
- A damaged motor or motor wiring
- A faulty mains filter or suppressor
- Damaged internal wiring
- A problem with the appliance’s power cable or plug
The point at which the electrics trip can sometimes help identify the cause. For example, a machine that starts normally but trips partway through the wash may have a different fault from one that trips the electrics as soon as it is switched on.
Washing machine trips the electrics when switched on
If the electrics trip immediately when the washing machine is switched on, stop using the appliance.
The fault could be associated with the power supply, mains filter, wiring or another electrical component inside the machine.
Do not repeatedly reset the circuit breaker and try the washing machine again. An electrical fault should be properly diagnosed before the appliance is used.
Washing machine trips during the wash cycle
If your washing machine starts normally but trips the electrics later in the cycle, the fault may only appear when a particular component is activated.
For example, a problem with the heating system may become apparent when the machine begins heating the water.
Other components including the motor, pump and internal wiring can also cause intermittent electrical faults.
Can a washing machine heating element trip the electrics?
Yes. A faulty heating element is one possible cause of a washing machine tripping an RCD or circuit breaker.
Heating elements can deteriorate over time and develop an electrical fault. Because the heater is not necessarily energised immediately when the programme starts, the machine may run for a while before the electrics trip.
A repair engineer can test the heating element and other electrical components to identify the actual cause.
Could a leaking washing machine cause the electrics to trip?
Yes. Water reaching electrical components can cause an electrical fault.
If you’ve noticed water underneath or around the appliance, stop using it and investigate the cause. You can also read our guide to a washing machine leaking.
What should I check myself?
For an electrical fault, we recommend keeping DIY checks simple and safe.
- Switch the washing machine off and unplug it if it is safe to do so
- Check the plug and visible power cable for obvious damage
- Look for signs of water around or underneath the appliance
- Check whether other appliances are causing problems on the same circuit
Do not remove panels or attempt to test internal electrical components unless you are appropriately qualified.
When should I call an appliance engineer?
If your washing machine repeatedly trips the electrics, it should be inspected before being used again.
An appliance engineer can test the relevant components, identify the source of the electrical fault and determine whether the machine can be economically repaired.
East Coast Appliances repairs washing machines from major manufacturers across Colchester, Essex and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my washing machine trip the RCD?
An RCD may trip when it detects an electrical fault. With a washing machine, possible causes include a faulty heating element, motor, mains filter, internal wiring or water reaching an electrical component.
Why does my washing machine trip the electrics after a few minutes?
If the machine initially runs normally, the fault may occur when a particular component is activated later in the programme. The heating element is one possibility, although proper testing is required to determine the cause.
Should I keep resetting the breaker?
No. If the washing machine repeatedly trips the electrics, stop using it until the cause has been identified. Continually resetting the circuit without addressing the fault is not recommended.
Is a washing machine tripping the electrics dangerous?
It can indicate an electrical fault, so it should be taken seriously. Stop using the appliance and arrange an inspection if the problem happens repeatedly.
Can you repair a washing machine that keeps tripping the electrics?
Yes. East Coast Appliances can diagnose electrical faults in washing machines and determine which component is causing the problem.
Related Washing Machine Problems
- Washing machine not turning on
- Washing machine leaking
- Washing machine not draining
- Washing machine not spinning
Book a Washing Machine Repair
If your washing machine keeps tripping the electrics, stop using it until the fault has been investigated.
Book your washing machine repair online with East Coast Appliances.
