INDESiT IWE 71451 B ECO UK tripping
Hello I hope someone will be able to shed some light on this problem and help me out,, I`v followed a couple of diagnostic procedures but am now stuck,
I have a INDESiT IWE 71451 B ECO UK washing machine approx. 8 years old that is tripping the circuit braker when used. Machine turns on and display lights up, close the washer door and it trips the RCD. disconnect the heating element and shut the door RCD is tripped, Heating element re-connected and motor disconnected, door closed, button pressed and machine starts a cycle and not tripping RCD. Removed motor, wired it up on the workbench first to 12volt battery and motor worked and secondly wired to the mains electric and the motor works and does not trip RCD while running on the bench, what am I missing ?, about 4 years ago machine tripped RCD but I diagnosed a faulty door switch and replaced it with a new one and all has been well until now. Any thoughts and opinions welcome
Solution Summary
AI-generated from this discussion
This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.
Indesit IWE 71451 B ECO UK trips RCD when motor circuit is engaged
- The problem
- An Indesit IWE 71451 B ECO UK washing machine, about 8 years old, trips the RCD. It powers up normally, but closing the door causes the trip. The user found that disconnecting the motor allowed a cycle to start without tripping, while disconnecting the heater did not prevent the RCD trip.
- Likely cause
- The strongest diagnosis in the discussion is an earth leakage fault in the motor circuit, most likely the motor wiring loom, motor insulation under load, or possibly the main PCB components that switch the motor circuit. The heater was not supported as the cause by the reported tests.
- What fixed it
- Recommended action was to isolate the appliance and inspect the full motor wiring loom and connectors for chafing, damage, burning, damp or tracking. Further suggested checks were the motor carbon brushes, commutator condition, and an insulation test of the motor windings and tacho wiring to earth. If these checks do not identify the fault, the main PCB was suggested as a possible cause. The exact repair was not confirmed.
- Checks to try
- Heater disconnected and machine still tripped the RCD
- Motor disconnected and machine started a cycle without tripping
- Motor removed and run from a 12V battery
- Motor bench-tested on mains and did not trip the RCD
- Recommendation to inspect the motor wiring loom and connectors
- Recommendation to check motor carbon brushes and commutator
- Recommendation to insulation-test motor windings and tacho wiring to earth
- Parts or tools mentioned
- Motor wiring loom
- Motor carbon brushes
- Main PCB
- Insulation tester (Megger)
Safety: Do not carry out live electrical testing unless properly qualified. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.
1 Answer
It does sound as if you’ve narrowed it down quite a bit. From what you’ve described, the fault is most likely connected with the motor circuit or wiring under load, rather than the heater.
A few sensible checks to do next:
1. Isolate it from the mains first Unplug the washer before inspecting or disconnecting anything internal. An RCD trip points to leakage to earth, so take care.
2. Recheck exactly when it trips You say it trips when the door is shut, but with the motor unplugged it will start a cycle without tripping. That strongly suggests the fault appears when the control board energises the motor circuit, not simply from closing the door.
3. Inspect the motor wiring loom carefully This is a very common one. Check the full loom from motor to main PCB for: - rubbed or broken insulation - wires chafing on the drum or cabinet - signs of burning at the motor plug or PCB plug - damp or carbon tracking in connectors
4. Check the motor carbon brushes If worn very short, they can create excessive arcing/carbon dust and sometimes contribute to tripping. Also inspect the commutator for heavy burning.
5. Check the motor to earth properly A motor can run on the bench and still be faulty. A simple “it runs” test does not rule out insulation leakage. Ideally test windings and the tacho wiring to earth with an insulation tester (Megger). The armature can leak only under mains conditions/load.
6. Consider the main PCB If wiring and motor test sound, the motor triac or suppression components on the control board may be leaking to earth or failing when the motor circuit is switched in.
One important point: do not bench-test washing machine motors directly from the mains unless you are fully competent, as it can be dangerous and misleading diagnostically.
If you can’t insulation-test the motor and loom, the next step may need a qualified appliance engineer. Any mains electrical work should be left to someone properly equipped.
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This answer was generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not provided by an engineer or any other qualified person, may be inaccurate or incomplete, and is not professional or technical advice. Do not rely on it. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before carrying out any electrical, gas or water work. Use is entirely at your own risk. See our full Terms of Use.
SAFETY FIRST: READ BEFORE ACTING ON THIS GUIDANCE
Never work on a live appliance
Always unplug it at the mains before going near it with any tools.
Never attempt gas work
By law, gas appliances must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If your fault involves gas, stop and call a professional. Do not attempt it yourself.
Watch for sharp edges
Outer panels are smooth, but internal parts have sharp machined edges. Wear protective gloves and arm sleeves.
Water appliances can leak
Turn off the water supply before disconnecting any hoses.
Know your limits
If you are not confident testing or working inside the appliance, stop and call a professional.
AI guidance, not guaranteed
This response is generated automatically by the WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant. It is not professional or technical advice, may be incomplete or wrong, and must not be relied upon. Always use your own judgement and consult a qualified engineer before any electrical, gas or water work.
This is general information only and is not professional advice. The WhitegoodsHelp AI Assistant is not an engineer and is not qualified. See our full Terms of Use.
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