Hotpoint Tripping RCD

[JohnBarleycorn]

I have an old Hotpoint 9777 which is tripping the RCD a few minutes into a wash cycle. I tried a few different programs but the only time it works is if I press the “Economy Wash” button which sets it to not heat the water internally.

Suspecting the heater element I pulled it out and tested it with a multimeter. It shows 22ohms across the terminals and has no short to the ground terminal, which from what I’ve read seems reasonable. Are there any other tests I can perform on the heater element, or likely other possible causes for the machine to trip the RCD in all but the no-heating programs?

Many thanks,
JB.

[clivejameson]

Re: Hotpoint Tripping RCD

A normal multimeter might not show an earth fault due to it’s low voltage output. Don’t forget the appliance has 240v running through so insulation testing should be done with….wait for it lol….an insulation tester!
This is simply a meter that puts out a minimum of 500v…often 1000v to ‘force’ the fault to show.
It’s also possible that the earth leak could be in the supply wiring to the element rather than the element itself 😉

HTH?

[iadom]

Re: Hotpoint Tripping RCD

Have you actually removed the element from the drum? If so you may find it very difficult to refit. Does it show any signs of wear on the top about two inches in from the front?

If the drum support or bearings fail then the inner drum will rub on the top of the element, a common cause of element failure. Failing that then the wiring harness from the controls to the element may be shorting out somewhere. The metal clips that hold the harness to the cabinet did sometimes cut through the wiring loom on these old machines.

Jim.

Evening Clive. 8)

[JohnBarleycorn]

Re: Hotpoint Tripping RCD

Thanks for the advice.

It looks like there had been rubbing on the heater element exactly as you described; a couple of inches up it was worn down by 1 or 2mm. I had it insulation tested and sure enough it leaked to earth. I’ve put a new element in and it’s back up and working, at least until this one gets battered by the drum.

Thanks for the replies, it’s great to hear from people knowledgeable enough to have even predicted the rubbing.

Out of interest, which aspect of fitting the element could be difficult? The internal spacer used to hold it in place? I couldn’t get that to hold it steady but it seemed to hold tight anyway when I tightened the nut. However I suspect when in motion this will cause it to get some extra battering.

Thanks again,
JB.

[Penguin45]

Re: Hotpoint Tripping RCD

Stop and think about what Iadom said – the heater has failed because it has been physically cut by the front edge of the drum. You need to investigate the cause properly, before spending on a new heater.

Penguin45.

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