Dear all,
I have a Miele T 358 and it is tripping the main differential breaker in the house. I have opened it and completely cleaned all the inside.
Would anybody have an idea as to what part could be causing the earth leakage.
For me it could be the motor or the heater. Does the motor have brushes that could need to be replaced?
Also what role does the carbon brushes running around the outside of the drum play?
I have yet to try and run the machine with no heat to confirm the problem is with the heating element or not.

I really don't want to replace the machine because sticking your nose in it you can see just how well made his machine is.

Sorry for so many questions but I want to try and isolate the problem and then try and get parts..

Thanks for any help...

Jonathan, January 2011

If the 2 stats don't look burnt then it's unlikely to be them.
I still suspect the element, but the only way to test it is to use an insulation tester on it.
Any electrician should have this piece of equipment.

Bernii, January 2011

Thank you for answering the question. I have now had out the heaters and they were really dirty - all spotlessly clean now. Sadly it is still dropping the breaker. If it is not the motor could it be the 2 thermostats around the heater?

Thanks again.

Jonathan, January 2011

The brushes are for sensing the dryness of the load.
The element is probably the faulty part. A new one is £100-£150 depending on serial no.
If the inner door filters are blocked, the element will get damp & cause this problem. Take them out, wash & clean them with a fine brush. Dry them.
You may be lucky & find that the element has dried enough to stop the earth leakage.

Bernii, January 2011