Why Does My Electrolux Washing Machine Keep Tripping the Electrics?
Unplug the machine, wait 60 seconds, then plug it into a different wall socket on a separate circuit to rule out a faulty socket or overloaded circuit — if the new socket holds without tripping, the original outlet is the problem (takes about 5 minutes).
Fault description
When an Electrolux washing machine trips the electrics, it means the appliance is drawing abnormal current or leaking electricity to earth, causing the RCD (residual current device) or circuit breaker in your consumer unit to cut power as a safety measure. This can happen the moment you switch the machine on, as soon as water enters the drum, or at a specific point in the cycle such as when the heater activates.
The fault is most commonly linked to the heating element, motor, or wiring developing an earth leakage — where current escapes the intended circuit and flows somewhere it should not. Error code E68 can appear on some Electrolux models and is specifically associated with a heater current leakage fault, though the tripping can occur without any code being displayed.
Because this symptom involves live electrical components, it is classed as an advanced fault. Some checks are safe for a homeowner to carry out, but others require a qualified service technician with the right test equipment.
Causes
- Faulty heating element with earth leakage — The heating element is the most frequent cause of an Electrolux washing machine tripping the RCD. Over time the element's insulation breaks down, allowing current to leak to the metal drum or casing and triggering the RCD. Error code E68 is directly linked to this fault on many models.
- Damaged or degraded wiring and connections — Wiring inside the machine can chafe against the cabinet, become pinched during installation, or corrode at connectors. A damaged wire touching the chassis creates an earth fault that will trip the circuit breaker immediately or intermittently.
- Water ingress onto electrical components — A leaking door seal, pump housing, or detergent drawer can allow water to drip onto the motor, control board, or wiring loom. Water bridging live terminals causes an immediate earth leakage trip.
- Failing motor or motor capacitor — A worn motor with degraded winding insulation can develop an earth fault, particularly under load during the spin cycle. The capacitor that starts the motor can also short internally and cause a trip.
- Defective main control board — A burnt or cracked component on the PCB can create a short circuit or earth leakage. This is less common but should be considered if all other components test satisfactory.
- Overloaded or faulty household circuit — If other high-draw appliances share the same circuit, the combined load can trip a standard breaker even when the washing machine itself is fine. A weak or ageing RCD can also become overly sensitive and trip on normal leakage currents.
Step-by-Step Fix
- 1
Test the wall socket and circuit
Unplug the washing machine and plug a different high-wattage appliance (such as a kettle) into the same socket. Run it briefly to confirm the socket and circuit hold without tripping. If the circuit trips with another appliance, the problem is in your household wiring, not the machine — contact an electrician.
- 2
Try a different socket on a separate circuit
Plug the washing machine into a socket in another room that is on a different circuit. Run a short cycle. If the machine runs without tripping, the original circuit is overloaded or the socket is faulty. Avoid using extension leads or multi-socket adaptors with washing machines.
- 3
Check for visible water leaks inside the machine
Switch off and unplug the machine at the wall. Remove the lower access panel and use a torch to look for signs of water pooling around the pump, hoses, or base. Dry any moisture thoroughly with a cloth. A leak dripping onto electrical parts will cause repeated tripping until the source is fixed.
- 4
Inspect the power cable and plug
Examine the full length of the mains cable for cuts, kinks, or scorch marks, and check the plug for signs of burning or a loose connection. A damaged cable must be replaced — do not use insulating tape as a repair. If the plug fuse has blown, replace it with the correct 13 A fuse before testing again.
- 5
Isolate the heating element with a resistance test
This step requires a multimeter and the machine to be fully unplugged. Access the element terminals at the back of the drum (you will need to remove the rear panel on most Electrolux models). Set the multimeter to resistance and test between each element terminal and the machine's earth. A reading below 1 MΩ confirms the element is leaking to earth and must be replaced.
- 6
Check the motor and its wiring
With the machine still unplugged, locate the motor at the base of the drum and inspect the wiring harness for chafing or burn marks. If you have a multimeter, test the motor windings to earth in the same way as the element. A shorted motor winding will show a low resistance reading to earth and the motor will need replacing.
- 7
Reset and run a diagnostic cycle
After any repair or component replacement, plug the machine back in and run a short cotton cycle at 40°C, staying present throughout. Monitor which phase of the cycle — fill, heat, wash, or spin — causes the trip if the fault persists. This information is valuable for a service technician and helps pinpoint the remaining faulty component.
When to call a service technician
You should contact a qualified service technician if the machine trips the RCD instantly the moment it is plugged in, if you can see burn marks or smell burning from inside the cabinet, or if the multimeter tests described above confirm an earth fault on the element or motor. These faults involve live components and require safe isolation, specialist test equipment, and correct part replacement.
You should also call a technician if the tripping is intermittent and you cannot identify a clear cause after working through the steps above, or if error code E68 returns after you have already replaced the heating element. Persistent or unexplained earth faults can indicate a deeper wiring or control board issue that is not safe to diagnose without professional equipment.
Prevention
The parts most commonly replaced on Electrolux washing machines for this fault are the heating element (the single most frequent cause of RCD tripping and E68 errors), the door seal or drum seal (which when torn allows water to reach electrical components), and the main wiring harness or motor brush set (worn brushes can cause arcing that leads to earth faults in the motor circuit).
Keeping the door seal clean and free of debris, avoiding overloading the drum, and having the machine serviced if you notice any signs of water leaking beneath it will significantly reduce the risk of electrical faults developing over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to keep resetting the RCD and using the machine?
No. An RCD trips because it has detected a genuine earth leakage or overcurrent — it is protecting you and your home. Repeatedly resetting it and continuing to use the appliance risks electric shock, fire, or damage to your consumer unit. Stop using the machine until the fault has been identified and fixed.
My machine only trips during the wash cycle, not on a cold fill. What does that mean?
Tripping specifically when the water heats up is a strong indicator that the heating element has developed an earth leakage fault — this matches the E68 error code seen on many Electrolux models. The element's insulation tends to fail under thermal stress, so the fault only appears once the element energises. Replacing the element usually resolves this.
Could a new washing machine still trip the electrics?
Yes, though it is uncommon. A transit damage issue, a pinched cable during installation, or a manufacturing defect can cause tripping on a new machine. If a brand-new Electrolux machine trips the RCD, stop using it and contact the retailer or Electrolux customer support — do not attempt to repair it yourself while it is under warranty.
How do I know if my RCD itself is faulty rather than the washing machine?
Test the RCD using its built-in test button — it should trip and reset cleanly. Then plug the washing machine into a socket on a completely different circuit (ideally in another part of the house) and run a cycle. If it runs without tripping on the second circuit, the original RCD or circuit may be the issue rather than the appliance. An electrician can test RCD sensitivity with a dedicated tester.
How much does it typically cost to replace a heating element on an Electrolux washing machine?
A replacement heating element for an Electrolux washing machine typically costs between £15 and £40 for the part, depending on the model. If a service technician fits it, labour will add to that cost. It is one of the more straightforward component replacements on these machines, so total repair costs are usually reasonable compared to the cost of a new appliance.