Hoover VHC691B tumble dryer short circuit

[d8smt]

Hi All,

My tumble dryer has started tripping the electrics suddenly, first occurrence happened mid-cycle. Dryer is only 15 months old & has had light use.

Basically, with the door open, it powers up OK & you can choose the programme. Filters & water tank are clear. As soon as the door is closed, and a program is chosen, it causes a short circuit that trips the electric circuit breaker.

I am an elec. engineer but have no experience of tumble dryers – can anyone give me an initial steer as to what might be the problem before I dismantle the thing ?

thanks

Dave

[Martin]

Re: Hoover VHC691B tumble dryer short circuit

Start with a close look at the heater.

[d8smt]

Re: Hoover VHC691B tumble dryer short circuit

thanks Martin, much appreciated.

[d8smt]

Re: Hoover VHC691B tumble dryer short circuit

Hmmm, confused.
I left this a few days in case it was moisture causing a short, tried it about a week later, still tripped the RCD when door closed and program button turned. No flashing lights to indicate failure type,so as Martin said, assumed this was a heater/temp sensor problem.
Since I wouldn’t have got a part over Xmas, and my heating in the house failed for a week, only got round to trying to fix this last week. Took off the rear metal cover plate first, pulled off the two connectors to test, replaced them back onto the contacts. Thought atthis stage better check the problem was still there before going int othe innards to test the heater and general wiring. Switched it on, all was fine, didn’t trip the RCD. Have run two loads now, it is still fine.
Other than a loose connection somewhere, or possibly moisture causing a short,, I’m stumped as to what the problem could be /have been (and whether its likely to occur again, very probably I would think).

Any ideas, anyone ?
Also,has anyone got a maintenance/service manual for this model?

thanks

Dave

[Martin]

Re: Hoover VHC691B tumble dryer short circuit

The ONLY way to isolate where the fault lies is by using an Insulation Tester (often referred to as a Megger). It’s what we use as a matter of course in the trade for quick and effective fault finding. Taking the back off and fiddling with wires and connections, poking about blindly is not to be recommended and is if anything dangerous.

Hoover do not publish service manuals, they stopped that 15+ years ago. 🙁

Your best bet would be to call in a local independent repairer I would suggest. 💡

[Author]

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