UK why is the washing machine tripping

[Lucien Nunes]

I also like the simplicity of saying the current is 'going the wrong way' and might use it. It could also help clarify the difference between MCB and RCD: MCB detects when too much is flowing, and RCD detects whether it is flowing the wrong way. So if a lot of electricity flows the wrong way, either or both might trip.

Luckily, many of my customers (especially for the electronic stuff I make) are technical and both understand and care about what goes on under the hood. They know what they want and how it's going to work, and I know if I design and build something that meets their requirements, they will be happy. I don't have to justify everything.

Anyway, OP, try unplugging all major appliances on the same circuit when the washing machine is running. This will both reduce the total leakage and potentially remove any neutral-earth fault if it is in an appliance rather than in the fixed wiring. To be clear, this type of fault can be present in one part of the circuit or appliance, but only manifest as a trip when another appliance with heavier load is operated.

 

[pirate]

While we are on the subject of washing machines...
A few days ago a neighbour phoned me in a panic. She had been using her washing machine, the cycle had completed and she took her stuff out as usual. A few minutes later she heard a buzzing noise coming from the machine. I asked if she had an isolator above the worktop, but from dealing with previous problems in this recently re-fitted kitchen i knew the answer would be no, partly becuase she has glass splashbacks which are tricky to cut holes in and partly because although on the surface all looks lovely and glossy, beneath the surface it is a bodge. Anway, she sounded very worried, and my first thought was the motor was still running but jammed. Off i went, and on arrival switched off the socket circuit No. 1...still buzzing. Switched off socket circuit No. 2...still buzzing. Switched everything off...still buzzing. It was louder when I opened the cupboard next to the machine...the under-sink one. I lifted out the bin...and problem solved. In the bin was one of these:

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/268100304

She had binned it because it wasn't working, but clearly it still had some charge in it.
She was a bit embarrassed, but much less so than if it had been another appliance...

I enjoyed the bottle of Rioja she gave me, with my dinner that night.

 

[nicebutdim]

I lifted out the bin...and problem solved. In the bin was one of these:

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/268100304

She had binned it because it wasn't working, but clearly it still had some charge in it.
She was a bit embarrassed, but much less so than if it had been another appliance...

I'll never own another of those - not on your life.

About ten years ago I'd settled into the cramped space that passes for a seat on budget airlines, ready for take off. It seemed there was some delay, prior to doors closing and steps being wheeled away, which became apparent when a stewardess approached me and uttered the words "excuse me Sir, do you have anything in your checked luggage that might vibrate?"

I laughed and the folks beside me laughed, but the Stewardess only smirked and it was at that point I realised she was serious. Turned out it was one of those toothbrushes and it never occured to me that it was motorised. Flight crew were watching through the door and, what seemed like, the entire ground crew were standing around me while I searched that case. I held the bugger up for all to see, but it didn't matter as there was no way the entire plane hadn't made their mind up about the source of this problem.

Never, ever take the risk of buying battery powered dental hygiene devices.