Zanussi tumble dryer tripping the electrics every time

A dryer that trips the RCD after a minute or two often does point to an insulation leak to earth once a component warms up, and on a vented Zanussi the heater area is one of the common suspects. It can also be the motor, suppression filter, wiring, or moisture/fluff contamination.

Before checking anything internal, isolate the dryer from the mains completely.

1. Confirm what is tripping If it is the RCD, that usually suggests current leaking to earth rather than simple overload. That makes heater, mains filter, wiring, and motor more likely than the wall socket itself.

2. Do the basic visual checks Remove the plug top cover if fitted and check for heat damage, loose connections, or signs of arcing. Also inspect the mains lead where it enters the machine. If you are not confident with mains electrics, stop there.

3. Check for fluff, moisture, or burnt wiring With the lid/rear removed as applicable, inspect the heater housing, thermostats, motor area, and wiring loom. Heavy fluff build-up can trap moisture and carbonise, causing leakage to earth.

4. Heater element is a prime suspect A partially shorting element can trip only after it heats up. Sometimes you can see the element touching the metal housing, but often it needs proper insulation testing with a megger rather than a normal multimeter.

5. Also consider the mains suppression filter If the trip happens very soon after pressing start, the interference filter can be at fault, especially if cracked or swollen.

6. Is it safe to investigate? Basic inspection/cleaning, yes, if unplugged. Live testing or insulation testing, no. For RCD trips, the proper diagnosis usually needs an insulation resistance tester and experience.

If the visual checks do not reveal obvious damage, I would recommend a qualified appliance engineer, as this is mains electrical fault-finding rather than routine maintenance.

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