What is actually happening
An RCD trips when current leaks to earth. When a machine trips it the moment it is switched on, the leak is usually in the mains filter or the wiring. When it only trips once the wash warms up, it is nearly always the heating element, which has cracked and is leaking to earth as soon as it energises — the timing is the diagnosis.
The usual causes
- A failed heating element leaking to earth — the classic "trips ten minutes in" fault
- A failed mains interference filter — trips the instant it is switched on
- Water ingress onto wiring from a leak elsewhere in the machine
- A failed motor or damaged cable
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Note exactly when it trips — at switch-on, at fill, or once the water heats. That timing tells an engineer most of what they need
- Try a cold wash: if a 30°C cycle completes and a 60°C one trips, it is the element
- Leave the machine unplugged if it trips the house repeatedly — this one is not worth living with
Still tripping the electrics?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my washing machine tripping the electrics?
Switching the machine on, or reaching a certain point in the cycle, takes out the power to the house. An RCD trips when current leaks to earth. When a machine trips it the moment it is switched on, the leak is usually in the mains filter or the wiring. When it only trips once the wash warms up, it is nearly always the heating element, which has cracked and is leaking to earth as soon as it energises — the timing is the diagnosis.
Can I fix a washing machine tripping the electrics myself?
Note exactly when it trips — at switch-on, at fill, or once the water heats. That timing tells an engineer most of what they need. Try a cold wash: if a 30°C cycle completes and a 60°C one trips, it is the element. Leave the machine unplugged if it trips the house repeatedly — this one is not worth living with. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a washing machine tripping the electrics?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other washing machine faults
- washing machine not draining
- washing machine not spinning
- washing machine leaking water
- washing machine making a loud noise
- washing machine not heating the water
- washing machine door will not open
- washing machine will not turn on
- washing machine not filling with water