SMEG dishwasher has suddenly started tripping RCD

[Rich Worsley]

We've got a SMEG dishwasher that has suddenly started tripping the main fuseboard RCD. This started happening when I (rather foolishly) opened the door mid cycle to add a spoon or two. Now it happens whenever I try to start a cycle with the door shut.

The cold water inlet hose has a solenoid valve that lets in or blocks water as required. This has gone once in the past and was replaced. Interestingly, when I unscrew this valve from the water supply, the machine starts up ok without tripping the RCD, but the valve gives off a buzzing noise when the machine tries to get some water. Could it be stuck (maybe due to my over zealous interruption of the cycle), or could it be wiring in the door?

Any ideas/further tests appreciated!

Richard.

[BillV]

If its tripping the RCd then there is leakage to earth which should be ignored at your peril. As it does not do this when the valve is unscrewed from the water pipe (is this copper?) then suspicion must fall on the valve.

[Lurch]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 22:17:12 +0100, "BillV" strung together this:

Not neccesarily, if the valve is disconnected then water isn't getting in and something isn't getting wet. It could, (and more likely), be this 'something' that is at fault.

[BillV]

He could test that theory by either putting water manually into the machine, or touching the valve body to the water pipe [with insulated gloves hopefully] :-)

[Lurch]

On Tue, 20 Jul 2004 23:06:07 +0100, "BillV" strung together this:

Possibly, although manually filling it wouldn't bring water into contact with exactly the same parts as an automated fill would so could cause misdiagnosis\confusion. Might be worth doing it though, but noting that this isn't a faultless\foolproof way of finding the fault.

[Rich Worsley]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try two things tonight (with rubber gloves!):

1) Putting the valve in a plastic bucket of water so it draws in water but has no earth path 2) Touching the valve nut to the copper cold water pipe. Actually the nut is copper, but the rest if the valve is housed in plastic, so the only route to earth would be through the water in the hose/valve to the copper pipe...

[BillV]

Won't work as they don't draw in water they merely open to the feed pressure.

[Rich Worsley]

You're right about the valve of course. Tried both of these, but now reckon that the problem is with an internal motor or pump. On a different wash cycle I found that the valve opened with no problems, however the RCD tripped soon afterwards - I suspect that this is when something internal tried to activate and drew too much current because it is stuck or has failed. Not sure what yet - and also noticed that the Low Salt indicator light is on, even though there's lots of Salt in the reservoir.

Now stuck with the inevitable choice - do I risk the wrath of my wife by taking the machine apart, or do I call in someone? If it's the latter, can anyone recommend anyone in the Reading area?

Thanks, Richard.