Hotpoint hvf344 tripping out fuses ?

[ronan]

The sisters hotpoint hvf344 washing machine keeps tripping the circuit breaker in the fuse box when it's plugged in. I have checked to see if there are any obvious faults and made sure there is nothing blocking the pump. It keeps happening, no fault codes to be seen on the display either. Any ideas ?

 

[ford34/2]

Heating element??
Stan

 

[rtbcomp]

RCD or MCB? Does it trip as soon as you plug it in or once you start a wash cycle?

 

[ronan]

Rcd for the sockets rtb, it trips after about 5 seconds after it's plugged in.

 

[rtbcomp]

Odd. I've know heaters trip the RCDas ford34/2 mentioned, but that shouldn't happen until the wash cycle starts, unless by some weird design feature they switch the neutral to the heater. I'd disconnect both heater terminals and give it try, just to eliminate that possibility.

Also suspect a faulty mains interference suppressor or moisture in the electrics.

 

[PTvor]

You plug it in and it trips after five seconds. It isn't switched on or doing anything. Is that right?

If it isn't switched on you shouldn't have power getting to most of the circuit. I suspect it's the mains interference capacitor, as mentioned by rtb. They can be quite pricey I recall.

If it was moisture or a frayed wire, I can't see why there'd be a delay, unless it happened when the machine was working and there was vibration.

 

[ronan]

I only had a quick look as i was stuck for time, i assumed it would be the usual thing of a coin or something stuck in the drain/pump. It wasn't. Something that struck me is there is a pcb down low on the machine and any water splashes would get on it. This machine is 3 or 4 years old but hardly used as another machine was used first. I'll try to have a look at it again during the week.

 

[drivewasher]

If it's not switched on it's likely to be the mains filter just inside the machine where the mains lead goes in. Temporary disconect it an join the mains lead live & nuetral to the live & nuteral going to the main on/off switch or timer. Then try it

 

[Wendelspanswick]

First thing that most washing machine/dishwashers seem to do when you turn them on is do a pump out, could be a defective pump.