Zanussi Trips Rcd

[tg75]

Hi,

Im after a bit of advice on a Zanussi WDT1085 TurboDry.

The machine starts to fill with water, then after about a minute it trips the RCD on the board. If I then click the dial on a bit so that its mid way through the cycle, it will run fine and complete the wash.

Im thinking this might be happening when the heating element kicks in...can anyone confirm this please? Just want to make sure before I buy a new element.

If anyone has a link to a manual that would be really appreciated too!

Cheers :-)

TG

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

You can't get repair manuals for them. If the motor runs ok on the later section of the programme and spin then I would agree that the heating element is number one suspect, they often go down to earth. Without a proper insulation test meter though you can't diagnose it unless you found a wire near or on the heater had come off or was shorting out somewhere. The only thing you could try without a meter is to speculatively replace the heater.

I have an article on tripping electrics

[tg75]

Thanks Andy

Will try and borrow a megger and check the element and the wiring nearby.

This is gonna be a laugh though; the shed its in is tiny and I put the machine in there before I fitted the door frame and door :D

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Sheds are normally a bad place for washers but I now you wouldn't have it there if there was room elsewhere. If it's damp in there it won't help insulation, condensation can be a problem too.

[tg75]

Yeah, you're right Andy, no room elsewhere. It's a brick shed and is reasonably dry, but I will check inside for condensation.

Cheers!

TG

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

When appliances are in places which get very cold the moisture they create when running can condense inside and cause problems although the fault you describe sounds more like the element has developed low insulation or there's an insulation problem with the heater wiring.

[tg75]

Job done!

No condensation or dodgy wiring but it's a funny job! Ended up with the machine in the garden propped up by the tool box to get to the element. Belt off and some brut force to move the drum over a bit allowed me to *just* get it back in. I'm sure I had it upside down at one point too!

Took about an hour all in :-)

Have photos if anyone needs a steer!

Thanks for the help Andy!

TG

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

Nice one Feel free to post pics. I take it you managed to replace the heating element? It can be tricky to get the element out if you don;t realise how they are secured in place.

[tg75]

Yeah I managed to swap it out... Was tricky due to the angle you have to put it in at because of the machine casing.

Been off the tools for a few years now so enjoyed getting my hands dirty again :-)