Washing machine trips circuit breaker when ABOVE 35ºC temperature?
My washing machine is causing the circuit breaker to trip, but it only happens when ABOVE 35ºC temperature... which is weird, since it appears it's not an average short circuit.
I have opened the machine and I see no leaks, I'm currently testing the resistance with a multimeter with increasing temperature.
Any idea what might cause it or where to look ?
Update:It's not a weak breaker, it's the same for years and only started happening later.
And there's also a growing factor, it used to trip at over 45º, then 40, then 35º... it's getting worse.
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How many people have to tell you it's a weak breaker? There's reason to suspect the breaker as going bad. With the increased temperature the breaker is popping more easily. Instead of an ohm meter buy a clamp meter (one that measures amperage as it passes through a magnetic arch). That way you will know for sure exactly how many amps the washer is drawing.
With the warmer temperatures the washer should NOT draw any more amps. But if the breaker pops - guess what you got!
The clamp meter is not placed over the entire wire, it is placed over the hot lead, measuring how much current is going through the single wire. If you measure current going in both directions (Hot AND Neutral) the two currents going in different directions will cancel each other out and you won't read any amps.
Or you can just replace the breaker.
Hope this helps.
'av'a g'day mate.
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I'm with Harry. Most likely your circuit breaker is worn out and needs replacing. They have a bi-metal strip in them and they do sometimes get weak from heat and long use. So I would try plugging the washing machine into a different CIRCUIT (that's fed from a different breaker) and try running the machine. If it runs OK, then that confirms that the other circuit breaker is worn out and you should replace it.
weak breaker.