Testing Heating Element in Washing Machine

Martin85

Is it easy to easy to test to see if the heating element is working in a washing machine as the fuse in the plug blows in a friends maching during the washing cycle. The trip switch switch in the main circuit does not cut out.

sk240

Is the drum still moving freely? if its getting tight either the motor or main bearings may be putting a high load on the motor.
If the heater was at fault it would only blow the fuse once.
Another option could be if its leaking somewhere onto the electrics during the wash

BillLucas

I think replacing any part of a washing machine is for a qualified professional or a very able DIY person. The biggest problem is it seems you cannot identify where the fault lies. I am sure there is a way to test the heating element but from what you say I am not convinced that is the problem part. Maybe someone with a working knowledge of washing machine maybe able to help or make some suggestions how to indentify exactly which part is faulty.

LenBrace

If the washing machine was leaking how would you identify where was the leak, Would you need to take off the back of the machine and would you require special tools to do this. Why, if the heating element was faulty would it only blow the fuse once. How can the heating element be tested as mentioned in the original post.the biggest problem is always identifying the source of the fault. Ours is a Zanussi brand. Thank you

Quiet_Spark

LenBrace wrote: »

Why, if the heating element was faulty would it only blow the fuse once.

Because a fuse can only fail once unless reset or replaced.

macman

Very easy to do a continuity test on the heater circuit or element as long as you know how to access it.

sk240

Heating elements dont just become faulty, they either work or they dont, often taking a fuse on its way when it breaks, it then cant fix itself.
Sounds to me like you should just buy a new one, repair costs often get upto a new one anyway.