Our electric sockets started tripping. After switching appliances on one by one found that it was my washing machine out in the garage. Although the washing machine was plugged in, it was not in use. I tried switching to another socket and changing the fuse, but it is still causing electric sockets to trip.

annette reid, October 2008

since it was NOT in use at the time i would first check the plug then the flex and then any loose connection inside the
machine ( while its unplugged of course ).
If it was in use THEN powerup dannyboy.

shameless, October 2008

Most likely a short circuit in the heater element which is contacting the drum.Power off, remove back cover. Heater is located at bottom of drum. If testing with a multimeter, disconnect the wiring and take a resistance reading across the terminals - should be around 20 ohms. If heater is blown (broken internal heater wire) it will give an infinite resistance. There should be no continuity between the either terminal and the metal sheath of the heater - if there is, there's an internal short circuit. When removing heater, disconnect wiring, undo central mounting nut and prise it out of its rubber seal - may require some effort. Replace heater, use sealant when refitting rubber seal and ensure it is fully pushed into the recess in the backplate.
Could also be caused by a short circuit in the motor or in the wiring loom.
Closely inspect the entire wiring loom and circuit boards, looking particularily closely at areas where the wiring touches the machine frame. Your'e looking for any signs of wear or fraying which would allow the bare wire to contact the frame.
If this doesnt solve the problem, disconnect various components in turn before powering up. When you come to the point where the power breaker doesnt trip out you have the faulty component.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Go to www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dannyboy, October 2008