Bread maker tripping RCD

jonny2510

We were recently given a Goodmans bread maker that has not been used for approx 9 years (stored in a garage for all that time).

Tonight, when testing it for the first time, it tripped the house electrics at around 2 hours 45 mins into the 3 hours 45 mins cycle. Given the warmth too, I assume this is when started trying to cook the bread (the mixing/kneading seemed to work fine). The RCD then constantly tripped when trying to turn it back on until the bread maker was unplugged.

I read somewhere the elements can get moisture in when stored in the garage, which can cause the trip, which is a possibility.

I'm wondering if there's anything I should try, perhaps:
-leave near a radiator for a few days for the element to dry before trying again.
-try on a different circuit in the same house
-anything else???

Or should we concede it's knackered and bin it?

Chunks

You could try drying it out and give it another go. Being stored in a garage for 9 years might spell internal problems but it depends on the conditions of its storage. Was it originally working before it went into the garage (assume yes)?

Personally speaking, I too bought into the bread machine thing a few years ago. The results were ok but, for me, ultimately not worth the bother. If I had to faff about with the kit before I could get baking, then it would be an easy decision for me.

I gave my machine away too (not via the garage). Frankly speaking a good handmade loaf Paul Hollywood style is head and shoulders above the machine version so when I get the urge, I roll my sleeves up and get kneading.

Good luck regardless.

jonny2510

Thanks for that. It was almost certainly working beforehand.

The garage it was kept in was attached to a house, so not to cold and certainly not damp. However it spend a month in our garage which is detached, cold and perhaps damp!

I don't think I'd want the cost of getting a new one (especially as it may be something I only use for a few months before getting bored/out of the habit). That's why the free one seemed ideal!

Chunks

jonny2510 wrote: »

I only use for a few months before getting bored/out of the habit). That's why the free one seemed ideal!

For me, it's was nailed on that I would get bored unless the results were stunning (which they weren't).

It's not just about the dough you spend or save in your case (sorry) the central dough issue is about proving, which should be slow if you want a tasty loaf. My machine, at least, produced quick tasteless bread. You could in theory use the machine to mix and cook your bread (leaving the proving to nature) but that has faff written large all over it.

shaun_from_Africa

It would probably be worth having a look inside to see if you can spot anything obvious.
With it being in a garage for so long there's a good chance that there might be something like a spider's nest which could be shorting the heating element to earth.

molerat

My breadmaker is the most consistently used kitchen gadget in the house, 3 to 5 times a week since April 2011

jennifernil

We've had a Panasonic for several years now, great results.

It even comes on holiday with us to be used in our caravan!

We rarely buy bread now.

Ben84

I also suspect damp in the element. Just a little in the element's powder filling will be enough for an RCD to detect, and it's very common with little used heating elements. Leaving it to dry somewhere warm can work, although it's rather slow I find and may never get there. Using it on an RCD-free circuit to heat up and dry out is a much quicker and more certain cure when it's just a bit of damp. After then regular use should be sufficient to keep it dry inside.

Of course, if there's another fault, doing this could be dangerous. It may also be the RCD cuts out when programmer is trying to turn on some component that is shorted out. From what you say, I don't think it's too likely, but if you do try this, still be cautious. It's not impossible a foreign object has found its way inside, for example. I'd personally give the insides a good visual inspection before attempting the dry it out by turning it on method.

If you're unsure about doing these things, you can always take it to a repair place.

Marktheshark

Bypassing the RCD may result in electrocution.
Bin it !

Ben84

Marktheshark wrote: »

Bypassing the RCD may result in electrocution.
Bin it !

Nobody has suggested physically bypassing or altering the RCD itself.

Trying to dry it out on an RCD free circuit does still come with some potential hazards, as I described earlier. However, we all take measured risks every day, like crossing the road or using sharp items. Most people accept these are ok with sensible caution.

Despite this, a lot of people are oddly afraid of electricity and even more so of their own DIY efforts involving it. Yet they happily use all kinds of items assembled, designed and sometimes previously repaired by other people whose skills they know nothing of! I think it's more a fear of the unknown than anything else sometimes, and some misguided belief everyone else's work is safer than their own.

Be sensible and consider the risks and how to manage them, not afraid. There's nothing wrong with learning how to do something safely and trusting your own judgement

azzabazza

I would try giving it a blow with a hairdryer on a warm heat.