Washing machine tripping fusebox

[lucidity]

hi,my bosch(wok 2001) washing machine has been so reliable since i bought it in 1998 that i can't believe what's happened in the last week,every time i've set it up it starts ok then about ten minutes into the wash programme it tripped the fuse in the consumer unit.I checked the 13a fuse in the plug (it was ok)i've reset the fuse, restarted the machine and it then did the same thing 3 times again (approx ten minutes into the wash programme) before finally completing it's full wash programme uninterrupted at the fourth attempt .i checked all sockets and plugs on the circuit,(no loose wiring)i'm baffled,please help

[chrissa1]

I had exactly the same thing about a year ago. The electrician told me that it was the washing machine causing the fuse box to fuse and cut all the electrics to the house. He told me to get a new one as this would continue happening. It didn't owe me anything so I bit the bullet and bought a new washer. Problem solved.

[Gizmonster]

A friend of mine had a similar problem with her washing machine. I checked all the wiring, fuse, etc and everything seemed in order. Another friend of mine told me to take the top off and check the wires inside, to see if there was any dirt/dust that could be causing a short and told me to vacuum inside along all the wires. Well as I was vacuuming inside I found a wire that had come loose - it was just hanging in a junction box .... I knoocked the wire out when I vacuumed inside.
Maybe you've got a similar problem and have a loose wire inside the washing machine .... I was just just lucky enough to stumble across it.
By the way - I tightened the wire back up and the problem was sorted - hope you're as lucky was I was.

[chrissa1]

Just noticed that your washing machine is 13 years old. That's a good age for a washing machine especially if it's been in a large family. I hope you get it sorted like Gizmonster said though.

[lucidity]

Thank you both for responding,just for the record yes it is 13 years old but i live on my own and it only gets used about once a fortnight,i will try the vacuum tomorrow.regards.

[johnk]

It's usually the element that develops a leakage to earth and this will quickly trip an earth leakage breakerbutf you haven't got one it will eventually trip the fused circuit breaker. You could spend some money getting it tested and repaired but at that age it's probably not worth it. Can you do a cold wash, if you can and it keeps going it's definately the element.

[The Builder]

I agree with the others ........... probably Earth leakage current. It's inherent in W/machines, cookers, freezers etc. It's just the way they're made.
......... but, recently, I had to deal with this for someone. Their problem was with the shower. Nothing wrong with it. (There shouldn't be any Earth leakage with a shower anyway.)
I tested the RCD (trip), and it was tripping at less than the current it should operate at (30 milliamps). I simply replaced the RCD and no more problem.

You don't say......... you may not have an RCD.
It's just a thought. Otherwise, as they say, a new machine needed.

[AlBags]

Quids in it's the element.
But very small chance of motor/brushes or timer unit. Timer is prohibitively expensive)

Me? I'd go in the back and disconnect the element on one side (easy job) and isolate/tape off. Then run the machine on a cool program and see if it still trips.
If it doesn't .. replace element. If it does, consider replacing machine.

[lucidity]

turns out it was the element,local Wash-Machine tech arrived,inspected and indentified the fault,ordered new part (8 day wait for delivery) then came back and corrected it (£70.00),great service from Steve Bullot Express Services,
(three + years later still going strong)