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Dishwasher shorting kitchen fuses

7 replies

quince2figs · 09/02/2024 01:17

We have an integrated dishwasher left when we moved in just over a year ago. Think it is approx 5yrs old - Beko basic model.

For last 2 months, when the d/w is on, it will intermittently - around half the time - short various kitchen fuse circuits - either wall sockets or both fridges.

The first time it happened, the adjacent sitting room lights and wall sockets shorted too. We wondered whether had been caused by Christmas tree lights we had just put up, plus TV, washing machine, tumble dryer, oven, kettle all on at same time - but process of elimination led to d/w socket.

It has only since affected this number of sockets once, plus an upstairs bedroom.

My electrician when round to repair a bathroom light in December suggested probably a d/w problem. But if this was the case, wouldn’t it trip sockets EVERY time the d/w operated? No obvious leakage, although I haven’t pulled appliance out of housing. Needs a new door hinge spring on one side.

Why does it affect different sockets? We nearly always use the same quick cycle for d/w - unsure if this is hotter/uses more power than a longer eco cycle?

House is only 22 yrs old so electrics in good repair, and had a new circuit board fitted couple of months before the issue started.

Is there any other explanation, or am I looking at a new dishwasher? Can ask someone to check it, but unsure if a fault causing this would always be obvious.
@Pigletjohn, hoping for your expert advice!

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PigletJohn · 09/02/2024 08:37

What is the device that trips?

Is it an MCB marked "B32"
or is it an RCD with a test button?

Not a good sign if you suggest it trips two circuits at random.

If it is truly random, probably a leak

If it does not usually happen on cold rinse and hold, but only about ten minutes after starting a wash cycle, probably the heating element cracked.

Integrated appliances are tiresome because you can't easily roll them out to look behind and underneath for signs of leaks or cable damage. You also have to pay the repairer for the extra time to get them out and put back.

If you want to look at the underneath of a dishwasher or a washing machine, tip it backwards, not forwards, so that water will not run towards the door or the switches at the front.

mondaytosunday · 09/02/2024 09:06

I thought my fridge was shorting my kitchen. An electrician isolated it and the other electrics were fine. Didn't want to replace it though and the original guy who did the electrical work when I got the kitchen (he was on holiday when it first happened) remembered a rogue cable under the floor - it had been 'damaged' (trying not to think by what). He did some electrical magic and voila fridge back in use!

GasPanic · 09/02/2024 10:21

You can never be 100% certain that a particular appliance is causing a fault without careful diagnostics (because there are often multiple appliances on the same circuit), but from what you say it sounds like there may well be a fault with the dishwasher or in the wiring to it.

I would not use the appliance and would get a specialist in as soon as possible to find out what the problem is. That goes really for any situation where your electrics are repeatedly tripping.

Arghgerroffyabastard · 09/02/2024 10:25

Probably the heating element in the dishwasher. They’re a conductor covered by a ceramic coating, and with time and calcification they developed cracks. As they then heat and move around, water gets in and trips it quite erratically. Same thing happens with electric boilers and washing machines.

An appliance repair person can probably just replace the element for you.

Foxblue · 09/02/2024 10:30

We had something very very similar on our Bosch, we got an appliance engineer out to have a look (we were still in warranty) who swapped out the heating element and it fixed the problem.

NonmagicMike · 09/02/2024 10:54

If integrated then might not be possible, but are you able to run the machine from a different power outlet? Its likely hardwired into the ring, but might be plugged in with a standard plug which would allow you to run an extension cable from it to upstairs as an example and do a cycle to eliminate it being an issue with the machine / wiring.

If I were a betting man I’d go with the machine being at fault as if your fuses are only tripping during its usage then can’t be the ring?

quince2figs · 09/02/2024 19:57

Thanks everyone - great advice! Appreciate you responding so quickly, @PigletJohn.

It is 10-15mins into a cycle that the trip happens, so suspect the heating element from what you’ve all advised. I’ll get someone to look at d/w first, then, and fingers crossed replace that part.

When the d/w needs replacing, I won’t be buying an integrated version!
@NonmagicMike, I cant pull out the d/w on my own, but when engineer here will suggest running from another socket if poss.

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