Washing machine tripping electrics: Quick Fixes and Safety Tips

When you load the washing machine, press start, and the power cuts out, it’s more than just an inconvenience—it’s a signal that something is wrong. Your washing machine tripping the electrics is your consumer unit (or fuse box) doing its job by detecting a fault and shutting off the power to prevent a potential electric shock or fire.

Let's explore the common reasons why this happens and what you can do about it.

Why Your Washing Machine Keeps Tripping the Power

First, you need to identify what’s tripped at your consumer unit. Modern units have two main types of protective switches, and knowing which one has flipped provides the first clue.

• An RCD (Residual Current Device) is the usual suspect. It detects tiny electrical leaks to earth, often caused by moisture or a failing component inside the machine.
• An MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) trips when a circuit is overloaded (drawing too much power) or if there's a short circuit.

For more background, it's helpful to understand the common reasons for a safety switch to trip, as many point directly to a faulty appliance.

RCD vs MCB Trip: What It Means

Knowing the difference is a massive head start. An RCD trip almost always points to a fault inside the washing machine. If you're unsure which is which, our guide on what to do if your fuse box has tripped can help.

Key Takeaway: An electrical trip is your consumer unit working correctly. It’s a warning sign that the washing machine is the likely source of the problem.

Pinpointing Common Electrical Faults in Your Machine

When your washing machine trips the electrics, it’s usually due to earth leakage, where electricity has escaped its circuit—a dangerous situation your RCD is designed to stop. The most common cause is moisture getting somewhere it shouldn't.

The Heating Element a Prime Suspect

The heating element is the number one culprit, especially in hard water areas where limescale build-up is common. Limescale can cause the element's outer casing to crack, allowing water to seep in and touch the live wiring. The second this happens, your RCD detects the leak and cuts the power.

Expert Tip: If your machine trips the electrics about 15-20 minutes into a hot wash cycle, the heating element is almost certainly to blame.

Other Common Faults

• The Motor: As carbon brushes wear down, they create conductive dust that can short out electrical connections.
• Dodgy Wiring: Constant vibration can cause internal wires to rub against the machine's metal chassis, wearing through the insulation and causing a short.
• The Drain Pump: A blocked or faulty pump can overheat or leak water onto its electrical parts, triggering a trip.
• The Door Interlock: This safety switch can fail over time, or moisture can get inside, creating a fault.

Noting when the trip happens during the cycle is a great way to narrow down the cause.

Safe Diagnostic Checks You Can Do at Home

Before calling an engineer, there are a few safe checks you can perform. Always unplug the washing machine from the wall first.

1. Visual Inspection

Start with the plug and power cord. Look for any blackening, scorching, or melted plastic on the plug. Run your hand along the power cord, feeling for any kinks or breaks, especially where it enters the machine. Protecting the cable with electrical wire covers or cable ramps can prevent future damage.

2. Isolation Test

This process of elimination helps identify when the fault occurs. Plug the machine back in and reset your RCD/MCB.

• Try a Cold Cycle: Run a "rinse and spin" or "drain only" program. These cycles use the motor and pump but not the heating element. If the power trips, the fault is likely with the motor or pump.
• Try a Hot Wash: If cold cycles complete, try a hot wash (60°C or 90°C). If the electrics trip 15-20 minutes in, it strongly indicates a faulty heating element.

3. Check for Mechanical Issues

An electrical fault can be a symptom of a mechanical problem. Check for water leaks around the base of your machine. Also, inspect the filter. A blocked filter strains the drain pump, causing it to overheat or leak. Our guide on how to clean your washing machine filter shows you how.

Knowing When to Call a Professional Engineer

While these checks are useful, never attempt a repair that involves removing the machine's casing. Dealing with live electrics and complex internal wiring is a job strictly for a certified professional.

Signs You Need an Engineer Immediately

Unplug the appliance and call for help if you notice:

• A smell of burning plastic
• Visible scorch marks on the plug, socket, or machine
• Water leaking near the power cord or electronics
• The power trips the instant you plug the machine in

These symptoms indicate a serious fault that could pose a fire risk.

Why DIY Repairs Can Be Dangerous

Trying to fix an internal fault yourself can cause more damage or lead to a serious electric shock. A professional engineer uses diagnostic tools to pinpoint the failure, ensuring the repair is done correctly and safely the first time. Our article on how to find a good electrician offers tips for hiring a trustworthy professional.

Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace?

For machines under five years old, a repair is almost always the most cost-effective option for common faults like a failed heater or pump. If your machine is over ten years old, or if a repair for a mid-life machine costs more than 50% of a new one, replacement is often the better long-term choice. An engineer can provide an upfront quote and professional advice to help you decide.

Don't let a faulty appliance disrupt your routine. If your washing machine is tripping the electrics, it’s time to call in an expert. Go Assist offers same-day and next-day repairs from a network of vetted, experienced engineers to get your home running smoothly again. Book your repair online in minutes and let a professional take care of the rest.