tripping intermittantly

[sheila marshall]

bought a brand new washing machine and it trips all the electrics in my house. but not always. Have tested it in different circuits /sockets and sometimes it just did it by plugging in and not even on a cycle. kettles and other items do nothing -only the washing machine. trouble is cant tell when its going to happen - sometimes every time other times I can get a wash out and nothing happens. engineer says if it doesnt happen when he calls round he'll charge me - any ideas?

[Whitegoodshelp (Andy)]

The problem with this fault is that there's a slight possibility there could be a fault on the RCD rather than the appliance. However, you would expect other appliances to trip it or for it to trip randomly when the washing machine isn't on. If it only ever trips when the washing machine is on then it's likely to be the washing machine causing it. Make sure you are not using a tumble dryer or dishwasher, or any other appliance with a heating element in it at the same time if plugged into the same circuit - especially into the same extension or adaptor.  Also make sure you aren't plugging the washing machine into an extension lead or socket too to eliminate potential problems there. 

If after doing all that you are convinced it is only the washing machine that is tripping the electrics you may have an intermittent fault on it. Such a fault is rare though on a new washing machine. Try to observe where exactly in the wash cycle it tends to do it. Is it spinning at the time or on the main wash? If it's spinning is the drum banging about a bit (could be something electrical catching on something if the drum is swaying about a lot). If it's on wash it could be the heating element.

This article may also help if you are sure it's an intermittent fault on the washing machine Repair company want to charge if engineer can’t find fault