Washing Machine Trips Electric

[Paul73]

Hello,

I have a Bosch WFF 1401 machine, must be at least 8 years old but lightly used.

It has started to trip the electric when it's going through the wash cycle. However it works fine on the rinse and spin cycles.

Any ideas what could be wrong with it?

I'm trying to work out whether it's worth getting it fixed or buying a new one.

Many thanks in advance.

Paul

[Paul73]

Could it be the heating element?

It fills and as soon as the program starts, that's when it turns off. Like I said, it rinses and spins fine.

Edit. I've just noticed that the door will not open unless the power is switched off.

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

It could be the heating element Paul, especially if it only trips where you say, but tripping the electrics can be caused by dozens of different things, most needing a special insulation test meter to trace. I have a very comprehensive help article here - http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/washing-machine-fusing-electrics/

[Paul73]

Thanks for the reply Andy.

Was thinking about testing the machine with the heating element disconnected from the mains. (Taping up the wiring) Is this a good way to test it?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

If it's properly insulated and kept away from moving parts it's a crude but potentially effective method but not foolproof. If the short was on the neutral return wiring for example then disconnecting the heater would take it out of the circuit and stop it tripping but it wouldn't be because the heater was faulty. Chances are though that if you disconnected the heater and it stopped it is most likely because of the heater.