the machine is about 5 years old and as been no problems but it trips after about 15 seconds , there is no sign of damp and i have tried the kettle in that socket it was ok.

peter torode, November 2009

So the machine has an electrical fault - when does it begin to heat the water I wonder - can you run a cold wash and eliminate/confirm the cause to be the heating element?

This check will only be of any use if you intend to repair the machine yourself - otherwise you might as well call an appliance engineer.

Peccavi, November 2009