Washing Machine Tripping The RCD

Your washing machine trips the electrics every time you run a cycle — or at a specific point during the wash.

£80 – £200Medium Risk

What is this?

Washing machines combine electricity, water, and high-speed motors — making them one of the most common causes of RCD tripping in UK homes. When a washing machine trips the RCD, it is usually because water has reached an electrical component inside the machine, or the heating element has failed. The timing of the trip during the wash cycle can help identify the cause.

Common causes

Heating element has failed and is leaking current to earth
Water leak inside the machine reaching electrical connections or the motor
Worn or damaged door seal allowing water to escape internally
Carbon brushes on the motor are worn and causing arcing
Suppressor capacitor has failed (common on older machines)

Is it dangerous?

A washing machine that trips the RCD should not be used until the fault is identified. Water and mains electricity inside the machine is a dangerous combination. While the RCD is protecting you by cutting the power, the fault could worsen and potentially cause a fire. Unplug the machine and do not use it until it has been repaired.

Can I fix it myself?

Note when during the cycle the trip occurs — this helps diagnosis. If it trips at the start, the suppressor or motor may be faulty. If it trips during the wash, the heater element may be the cause. If it trips during spin, motor brushes are likely. You can check for obvious water leaks underneath the machine. Appliance repair is different from electrical work — you may need an appliance engineer rather than an electrician.

When to call an electrician

Call an electrician if you think the fault is in your home's wiring or consumer unit rather than the washing machine itself. If the RCD trips with other appliances too, the issue may be the RCD or the socket circuit. If the trip only happens with the washing machine, call an appliance repair engineer for the machine and an electrician for the socket and wiring.

What will an electrician do?

Test the socket and circuit the washing machine is plugged into

Check the RCD is functioning correctly and not oversensitive

Test the washing machine's earth continuity and insulation resistance

Determine whether the fault is in the machine or the fixed installation

Repair any wiring or socket faults if the issue is in the fixed wiring

Typical cost

£80 – £200

Electrician costs for testing the circuit. If the fault is in the washing machine itself, an appliance engineer typically charges £60–£150 for diagnosis and repair.

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Sources & References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my washing machine trip the electrics?

The most common cause is a failed heating element. Other causes include water leaks reaching electrical parts, worn motor brushes, or a failed suppressor capacitor.

Do I need an electrician or an appliance repair person?

If the trip only happens with the washing machine, you likely need an appliance engineer. If other appliances also trip the RCD, or if the problem is intermittent, start with an electrician to check the circuit.

My washing machine trips during the spin cycle — why?

This usually points to a motor fault, often worn carbon brushes. As the motor speeds up during spin, the worn brushes create arcing that the RCD detects as an earth fault.

Can I use the washing machine on a different socket?

You can try to confirm the fault is in the machine rather than the socket. If it trips on a different socket (on a different circuit), the machine is faulty. However, do not use extension leads for washing machines as a permanent solution.

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