Washing machine tripping RCD

Simba-ali34

Hello

My fuse box tripped while I was running my washing machine a couple of times. I then tried it on a cold cycle to see if that helped but about 15 minutes into it the fuse blew.

My question is whether the fuse could of been the problem or if the fuse blew because of a fault within the washing machine and it just a symptom....

Any ideas?

Regards

EssexExile

The fuse won't be the problem, something is wrong with the washing machine or something else on that circuit. If it only goes when the washing machine is running, then that's where the problem is.

Simba-ali34

So i have done some tests...

I have tried a kettle in the plug where the washing machine was plugged into and that also trips the rcd so I'm assuming the problem is with the circuit or the socket?

By turning off the rcd and seeing which plug sockets turned off I then tried the kettle in a different socket on the circuit which didn't trip the rcd.

In short can a plug socket become faulty and trip the rcd? Is it time to call an electrician?

grumbler

I don't think that a socket can become faulty, but socket wiring can - if it was a half-!!! job.
Generally, it's a DIY job to take a socket out and check the wires behind. Make sure you switch the fuse off first.

Simba-ali34

It definitely looks like a botch job!

It's a single plug under the sink that has a board on the wall above with a switch labelled "washing machine" which has a fuse socket next to the switch.

I'm probably going to call an electrician as I'm rubbish at this kind of thing!

I almost wasted money booking a washing machine repair....

poppellerant

Is it possible that moisture has entered the socket? I have seen plugs for washing machines under sinks and it would only take a little moisture to cause the RCD to trip.

Turn off the electricity and remove the two screws that hold the socket front on. You have two choices

1. Remove the three wires and clean the socket up with a little WD40 or contact cleaner to try and drive any moisture out.
2. Replace the socket front with either another from elsewhere to test if it's the problem. If so, buy a new socket.

Risteard

A neutral/Earth fault on another circuit protected by the same RCCB could cause this, so there isn't any guarantee that the fault is actually on the socket circuit.

Simba-ali34

The only moisture could be condensation from the sink pipes. The socket feels dry but i have noticed a small burn mark on the outside of the socket so have turned the washing machine switch off at the wall and will contact someone asap

Simba-ali34

But it does not trip when this plug socket is not in use and I've tested 2 appliances and both caused a cut off when plugged into this socket

TELLIT01

If you aren't 100% confident in what you are doing, you are definitely acting correctly in calling an electrician. The cost of a couple of hours of their time is better than the potential consequences of getting the 'fix' wrong yourself.