Plugging In Washing Machine Makes The Whole House Trip Switch Go.

[diddlydo]

The washing machine was not on a programme - just plugged into a switched socket with the switch on the socket in the on position (the On/Off switch on the machine was off). It tripped the whole house. Tried again, same thing happened. Unplugged washing machine and switched on dishwasher plugged into same socket - it worked perfectly. Any helpful electricians/washing machine experts out there who could have any idea what can cause this?

[The Builder]

Just had the same from someone else Diddly. Have a look here first, then come back if you like ............

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/How-it-Works/Question1197597.html

[Iluvspikey]

Can you chek the inside of the plug? Make sure no wiring is loose, or broken wires, if not or you an't get into the plug, check the plug 'pins' are not dirty/greasy/wet

[buildersmate]

No, that would be a complete waste of time, Iluvspikey.

[diddlydo]

Thanks Builder for your helpful link but I still don't understand how a machine that is not being operated can repeatedly trip the switch - I had done 2 loads of washing the day before and everything was normal. I'm unsure as to whether I should call an electrician or a washing machine repair man. Further advice would be appreciated.

[buildersmate]

Its because (we suspect that) you have a fault in the wires of the machine that means a small electric current is flowing in the line (the one that sits at 240V nominal voltage) that is discharging to ground (earth). This will occur at all times the machine is connected to the supply, not just when it is 'on'. An RCD trip breaker detects this current (because it looks for the same current flowing back down the neutral wire, and if it doesn't find it, it thinks 'fault!', and it trips. Its called an earth leakage fault.

[Canary42]

That's interesting - something I've never heard of before. Thank goodness I've got an old-fashioned wired fuse box, much better than these new-fangled RCDs or whatever they're called.

[The Builder]

That's understandable Canary. Earth leakage current is monitored for a good reason. If you stick your finger in a socket (live terminal), there probably won't be a high enough current through you to blow a re-wireable fuse. The shock could be fatal.
With an RCD, there only needs to be 30mA passing through your body to trip it. So no roasted canary :o)

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Pull the plug out ....then see if it trips again.

[Canary42]

I was partly tongue-in-cheek Builder. (But I'm not in the habit of sticking my finger, or anything else, into the live socket.

And yes, I've suffered one or two shocks from the mains in my life without blowing a rewireable fuse which confirms your point.

[diddlydo]

Many thanks buildersmate - I understand perfectly now.