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—What you are noticing

A washing machine or dishwasher that trips the power

Water and heat in one appliance make machines that heat their own water a common cause of tripping.

Washing machines and dishwashers heat water with an element, pump it with a motor and sit in rooms where moisture is common. A trip that happens at the same point in the cycle — often when the water starts heating — usually points to the appliance, for example an element that leaks current when hot. A trip at random, or on more than one appliance, may point to the installation.

This guide describes what people notice and what is safe to do. It does not diagnose your installation; only someone who has seen it can.

Try the appliance on another socket on a different circuit if that can be done safely. If it trips there too, stop using it until it is repaired. Also look under and behind the machine for leaks; water reaching a socket or connection can cause trips and is a hazard in its own right.

01In short

The points that matter most

  • Timing tells a story

    Trips at heating stage often point to the element.

  • Check for leaks

    Water near sockets is both a cause and a hazard.

  • Try another circuit

    It helps separate appliance from installation.

02Detail

What is checked

  • The appliance

    Element and motor insulation, internal wiring and seals.

  • The socket and circuit

    Condition of the socket, moisture and the RCD protecting it.

  • Shared leakage

    Other appliances on the same RCD adding to the leakage.

03Checklist

Note this first

  • When in the cycle it trips

    Filling, heating, washing or spinning.

  • Which device trips

    RCD or breaker.

  • Any water

    Under or behind the appliance.

04Questions

Questions people ask

Is it the machine or the house wiring?
A trip at the same stage every time usually points to the appliance; testing confirms it.
Can I keep using it on another socket?
Not if it trips there too.
Why did it start after moving the machine?
Moving can damage hoses or the power lead, or let water reach the socket.

05Related

Related guides

This guide sits under troubleshooting. All topics are on the guides page.

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Machine tripping the power?

Tell us when in the cycle it trips and which device goes. We will advise on appliance or circuit checks.

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