Circuit breaker basics

[ebee]

one thing to bear in mind.
Washing machines and other such appliances are considered to be “white goods” even if they are actually any colour like red or blue etc.
They are expected to last a number of years , other goods might be less so.
In England and Wales they must not break down (apart from accidental damage etc) and you have a right of repair for 6 years, any guarantee or extra cover policy with the retailer or manufacturer is not necessary , they must be fit for purpose. The time for any claim is up to 6 years. I think Scotland might be 5 years and Nothern Ireland I have no idea about that.
So, you might have redress and it used to be “Trading Standards” that could advise you but I think nowadays “Citizens Advice” probably are the ones to contact for advice.

So, if you have used it only as should be all considered you might be entitled to a free repair at no cost to you.

It is worth asking the question.

 

[morqthana]

It is over 5 years old so replacement is probably better than repair,

What a shameful society we have allowed to develop.

 

[ebee]

Not many years ago we had expectation that things would and should last far longer than any expectations of today. Why is this throw away syndrome so prevalent today?

 

[JohnD]

I am willing to guess that the trip is caused by a water leak causing damp in the machine. That seems to fit everything you have described.

I do not think it is the motor or the heating element because these are not energised until you start a wash cycle.

You could reasonably take the top off, or get a repairman in. The leak might be at the supply hose or electric valve, and might be a straightforward repair. Water might be escaping in a fine spray. Last time I needed a new valve I think it was less than £50, plus you would have to pay for the menders time.

Ask in our "Appliances" section.

 

[bernardgreen]

I do not think it is the motor or the heating element because these are not energised until you start a wash cycle.

A Neutral to Earth fault in the machine could cause enough leakage to trip the RCD without the motor and/or heating element being energised

 

[Ragnar_AT]

Not many years ago we had expectation that things would and should last far longer than any expectations of today. Why is this throw away syndrome so prevalent today?

Industrial production, mostly robotised, has gotten so cheap that paying an actual person to repair something is shockingly often more expensive than buying a new item. In the past I was quoted a 45 Euro inspection fee (30 minutes of labour) for a Bosch SDS drill that cost 70 Euros new. At that point I decided either I had to fix it myself or buy new.

 

[CountryFan]

Edited due to misconception. Apologies @bernardgreen

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I do not think it is the motor or the heating element because these are not energised until you start a wash cycle.

They do not need to actually be energised, simply plugged in, not even switched on is enough. RCD's detect L to E, or N to E leakage. Plugged in, many parts of the machine will retain their connection to the neutral.

 

[bernardgreen]

Have you read what you quoted?

Yes

 

[JohnD]

When I was draining it there did appear to be puddles nowhere near the draining spout.

Consistent with a water leak.

 

[JohnD]

This morning, after having 2 or 3 days to dry out, I switched it on and it didn't trip. But when I opened the water valve to let it continue with its program it filled for maybe 30 seconds then tripped.

Consistent with a leak.

 

[JohnD]

A Neutral to Earth fault in the machine could cause enough leakage to trip the RCD without the motor and/or heating element being energised

And could be caused by a leak.

 

[SUNRAY]

I'll stick my neck out and make the suggestion these symptoms are classic of a faulty interference suppressor

usually immediately adjacent to the mains flex entry to the WM.

I'm not ruling out a water leak by any means, but experience of the symptoms etc.

 

[JohnD]

I'll stick my neck out and make the suggestion these symptoms are classic of a faulty interference suppressorView attachment 384775View attachment 384774usually immediately adjacent to the mains flex entry to the WM.

I'm not ruling out a water leak by any means, but experience of the symptoms etc.

Funnily enough, the only time I had to replace one of them, it was because a leak had dripped on it.

 

[SUNRAY]

Funnily enough, the only time I had to replace one of them, it was because a leak had dripped on it.

Fair enough. I've had to change several and they don't always show up on an IR test.