Washing machine tripping even when switched off

sb44

Our washing machine started tripping the electrics the other day and I couldn't figure out why so was going to ring someone.

I had a search on the internet first and found one cause to be an overloaded drum. I checked it and I had loads of towels in there so took a few out, tried it and it worked fine.

I then did another 3 washes which were all fine.

However, today as soon as I switch the washer on at the mains it is tripping again, this is before I even turn the machine on!

I will have to ring an electrician on monday but I was wondering if anyone would have any ideas as to how it could do this when it isn't even switched on.

I have noticed that there may be a leak around the draining board above the washer and there was a small wet patch on top of the machine, could this be the reason?

penrhyn

The trip will either work in the event of a short, or more likely in your case a current leakage to earth caused by water getting into the machine wiring.
You could try taking the top of the machine off after unplugging it and drying out any damp with a hair drier.
But if you are not competent get in a professional.

sb44

penrhyn wrote: »

The trip will either work in the event of a short, or more likely in your case a current leakage to earth caused by water getting into the machine wiring.
You could try taking the top of the machine off after unplugging it and drying out any damp with a hair drier.
But if you are not competent get in a professional.

Thanks for the advice.

Just told my husband and he says he wouldn't even attempt to take the washer top off (although I would) so he is going to call an electrician next week.

I thought the top of the machine would be totally sealed, never thought any water would be able to get inside it from above.

ddoris

It's usually just 2 screws at the back edge and the top then will lift a little at the rear and slide foreward. Make sure it's not plugged in , doubt if you will see anything but it should dry out more quickly with top removed/loosened.

sb44

ddoris wrote: »

It's usually just 2 screws at the back edge and the top then will lift a little at the rear and slide foreward. Make sure it's not plugged in , doubt if you will see anything but it should dry out more quickly with top removed/loosened.

To be honest the most difficult part would be pulling the damned thing out from under the draining board, there isn't a lot of room to play with.

Thanks for the advice regarding the screws, I may try and persuade him to have a look tomorrow although I won't hold by breath, for one cricket is on!

ddoris

Open the washer door reach inside and lift/pull it out.

sb44

ddoris wrote: »

Open the washer door reach inside and lift/pull it out.

Yep, that is what we have done in the past when we removed the old one but there is on little room for it to fit in there, you can't really 'waggle' it from side to side if you know what I mean.

I think I know what it is.

The cowboy we bought the house from didn't put any kind of outlet from the draining board for the water to drain away. The drainage holes have been taped over with bodge tape and a plastic drainer put on top. We have never got around to doing anything about it as it did seem to be watertight and it's something that you forget about as it can't be seen. I suppose one quick solution is to buy some waterproof putty /resin whatever and fill the gaps in with that.

Good job we had the electrics done recently and it detected a problem.

Rabbir1

If the electrics are ok without the machine plugged in then you dont need an electrician you need a white goods repair man. Having said that though, if the fault is due to water getting into the machine from a leaking drainer then you should sort that out first.

sb44

Rabbir1 wrote: »

If the electrics are ok without the machine plugged in then you dont need an electrician you need a white goods repair man. Having said that though, if the fault is due to water getting into the machine from a leaking drainer then you should sort that out first.

Yep, I was going to let it dry out, test it again and if it still does the same give a local washder repair man a call.

Ta.

spud17

Sounds like the machine, I've known a wire to become unclipped which then rubbed against the drum housing especially on spin, eventually causing a short.

I found it by taking the top off, the rubbing wire was obvious, taped it, fixed it back and it continued to work for years.

sb44

spud17 wrote: »

Sounds like the machine, I've known a wire to become unclipped which then rubbed against the drum housing especially on spin, eventually causing a short.

I found it by taking the top off, the rubbing wire was obvious, taped it, fixed it back and it continued to work for years.

Thanks Spud, shall see how I go with drying it out first in case it was the water that caused it.