samsung washer trips breaker

Top Reasons Why Washing Machine Keeps Tripping Breaker

You hurry to start a wash load before running out the door and, suddenly, the circuit breaker trips. We will troubleshoot and solve what to do when washing machine keeps tripping breaker. Let’s fix it so you can get back to those piles of laundry!

The top reasons why a washing machine may trip your circuit breaker include a bad door latch assembly, a bad timer, or a faulty water level control switch. The motor brushes or motor control board could cause your circuit breaker to trip, as well. 

In this article, we’re going to explore each of these reasons in detail. Then, we’ll also look at why a washer may trip a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) , and what amperage your GFCI should be for your washer.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Door Latch Assembly

What is it : Like any other door, the one on your washing machine has a latch inside to keep it closed.

The thing is, that’s not any standard latch. It locks itself automatically at the beginning of a washing cycle to ensure that the door stays shut through to the end.]

Suppose you have a front-loading washing machine. If someone were to open the door halfway through a cycle, accidentally or on purpose, all of the water would come gushing out and flooding your laundry room floor.

Thankfully, that’ll never happen thanks to the door latch which locks automatically when the washer is filling up and unlocks when all the cycles are complete.

Why it fails : The washer’s door latch assembly might seem like a simple thing from the outside. But the truth is that it can also cause your washer a lot of problems if it were to become faulty.

Remember: the door latch assembly is a component with moving parts and electrical connections, just like any other inside your washing machine.

Among other problems, a faulty door latch could trip your circuit breaker. Perhaps there’s a problem with the door switch.

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Besides that, a loose or exposed electrical connection could also cause the same outcome.

But probably the most common issue related to the door latch is when door latch wires exposed and shorted to the ground. Or there was an internal short circuit inside the door latch assembly.

How to fix : To fix this problem, the door latch assembly must be replaced.

That is a relatively simple process that begins with disconnecting the power supply to the washing machine .

It’s also a good idea to refer to your washer’s user manual for any special instructions to the model you have.

The good thing about this is that the door latch assembly is located right behind the door, so you won’t need to open any panels or dive too deep into the machine’s workings to do this.

However, you’ll probably have to move part of the rubber gasket that hides the assembly.

The assembly is usually held in place with two screws. Remove them, and you’ll be able to disconnect and remove the old door latch assembly.

Fitting the new assembly is relatively straightforward. Replace the connector, put the assembly in place, and replace the screws that you took out earlier.

Remember: don’t tighten those screws too much. They’re going into plastic, so you don’t want to overtighten the screws and break anything.

What is it : While many manufacturers have switched to using control boards, some still use timers on their washing machines instead.

To be sure, you can check the user manual to see if your washing machine uses a timer.

Timers act as the brain of your entire washing machine by controlling each cycle that happens whenever you do a load of laundry.

The timer is mechanical, so there are springs and small moving parts inside.

Those also include moving electrical contacts that power different systems in your washing machine to do their job right when they need to.

Why it fails : As mentioned before, timers have lots of moving parts and electrical connections in them. Since we’re talking about tripping circuit breakers, our concern will be on the electrical connections instead.

Sometimes, those connections might overheat and become welded together. That may happen if the timer is drawing too much power for some reason.

As a result, those electrical connections may become welded to one another, creating a short circuit in your washing machine.

A short circuit like that could cause your circuit breaker to trip so that it prevents any further damage or injury.

How to fix : Timers are easy to buy and just as easy to replace. As usual, you’ll want to disconnect the power to your washing machine and refer to the user manual for any special instructions to the unit you have.

The process starts with taking apart the washing machine’s console. Behind it, you’ll see that the timer is mounted to the console with screws and has plenty of connections going into it.

On the front of the console, you may see knobs attached to it as well.

Remove the knobs, connections, and screws before gently removing the timer unit. Place the new unit in the same way. When you replace the connections, you’ll want to do it firmly until they lock back in place.

Water Level Control Switch Failed (less Likely)

What is it : Washing machines also have what’s known as a water level control switch.

This component monitors the water level inside the washer’s drum with the help of an air tube connected to it.

As water fills up the drum, the air inside that tube will compress and let the switch know that there’s enough water to begin the next cycle.

Suppose there isn’t enough water in the drum. The switch will then signal the water inlet valve to let more water into the drum, stopping it when it’s full.

The switch’s exact location depends on the brand and model of the washing machine you have.

Typically, it’s located behind the central console of the washer. You’ll be glad to know that the water level switch is straightforward to identify, thanks to the air tube connected directly to the component.

Why it fails : The water level switch coordinates several different functions, and it does so by sending power to wherever it’s needed at the time.

A faulty switch could cause various problems, but tripping the circuit breaker could mean that it’s trying to send power to too many places simultaneously.

Circuit breakers are designed to trip when there’s an excessive load. A faulty water level switch trying to power too many things at once could be the reason that happens.

How to fix : Water level control switches are somewhat easy to replace, and they’re even easier to identify. As always, start by disconnecting the power to the washing machine and referring to your user manual. 

Don’t worry if you’ve lost it, you can always download another copy online, either from the manufacturer or a third-party website. 

The manual will come in very handy to help you locate the water level control switch. Usually, they’re behind the main control panel, and you’ll notice that they’ve got an air hose attached to them.

To be sure, take a few photos of the unit before taking it out. That way, you’ll have a reference photo to make sure everything goes back in the same way before taking them out.

To make things easier, start by removing the air hose. That’ll make it much easier to remove the connections, and then the switch itself.

After that, work your way backwards. Attach the water level control switch, then the electrical connections, and lastly the air hose.

Motor or Motor Control Board

What is it : The motor is the workhorse of your washing machine. The motor is responsible for spinning the washing machine’s drum through all of its cycles, whether it’s to agitate all the dirt out of your clothes or to spin them dry.

Working closely with the motor is the motor control unit (MCU) or motor control board.

That is the component with all the circuits that coordinate the motor’s actions, such as its speed and direction. It sends power to the motor at the correct amounts and at precisely the right times.

Together, they work as the heart of the washing machine where most of the work gets done.

Why it fails : There are several ways a motor or its control unit can start to fail.

Suppose the motor is worn out from overuse or after many years of being in service. The motor may lose its efficiency and draw way too much power just to do its job.

That excessive draw of power could cause the circuit breaker to trip as a protective measure.

On the other hand, the motor control board might have a faulty component on it, like a resistor, for example.

A power surge or exposure to heat could cause one of those resistors to burn and malfunction, leading to a tripping circuit breaker.

How to fix : To fix this, you’ll need to replace either the motor or the motor control unit, whichever one is at fault. For both, you’ll want to disconnect all the water and electrical connections to the washing machine before you begin. You’ll need to remove the panels on the washer to gain access to either of these parts.

The motor control unit is relatively easy to replace. After all, the unit is small and light, so you’ll just have to take it out and replace it with a new one.

Replacing the motor isn’t so easy. That’ll involve removing the belt, any mounting bolts, and of course the wiring. The motor itself is also relatively heavy compared to any of the other components.

If you choose to replace the motor yourself, it’s best to refer to the user manual as different models are built differently from each other.

You’ll also want to take pictures of all the bolts and wiring to ensure that you replace them in the same ways when you put the new motor in.

Washer Trips GFCI On Spin Cycle

Some people use a ground-fault circuit interrupter or GFCI receptacle in their laundry rooms to power their washing machines.

If you do this and the washer trips particularly on the spin cycle, the fault could be in the motor capacitor or motor brushes.

What it is : The motor capacitor stores power and helps the motor to start. When it starts the motor, it’ll deliver a lot of power to bring it up to speed.

But once the motor is running, the capacitor will disconnect and allow it to continue doing its job.

Why it fails : A damaged or burnt capacitor will not be able to draw or store energy correctly. When that happens, the GFCI may trip as a way to protect the rest of the house’s electrical system.

Worn motor brushes may cause a lot of sparks, during a spin. CFGI may sense sparks and shut the receptacle down.

How to fix : Replacing a damaged motor capacitor or brushes is not an easy process, but with some skills, you can make it. The process begins with unplugging the washer’s power supply before opening up the electrical panel to locate the capacitor or brushes.

All you’d have to do is remove the connectors from the damaged capacitor and replace it the same way on the new one.

What Amp GFCI For Washing Machine

If you’re using a ground-fault circuit interrupter for your washing machine, it should be a 20 amp GFCI receptacle. Please refer to your local regulations to make sure that your GFCI is according to code.

Final Thoughts

You can perform all of these repairs yourself, but if you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to call in an expert to do it for you.

Read: Why Does My Circuit Breaker Keep Tripping?

Reader Comments (17)

Hi, my Samsung ecobubble washing machine keeps tripping the breaker only when a temperature is selected, it doesn’t do it on a cold wash Many thanks Pat

BEKO WMB 8 series, about 4 years old. It trips the breaker – initially during a wash, then on restart, then after I emptied it, every cycle immediately the drum turns. Using the step by step diagnostic cycle, the door latches ok the water valves operate ok, but when the motor runs slowly (about a quarter drum rotation, didn’t see what # of motor turns that was) it trips the breaker. Every time, not immediately but before empty drum does a full turn. I’ve looked at motor, brushes seen ok (plenty of carbon left, spring is free), motor has no sign of char or burning. Any suggestion of ways to confirm if it’s the motor or something else?

I have a brand new Samsung front washer that trips the breaker every time it is done with a wash cycle in a home i just bought. The home is not that old(2017 was when it was built) and this is the only washer we had hooked up. didnt know this was an issue, nor do i know if the pervious owner had the same issue. 1 month after closing when we finally moved in is when we actually used the washer. Any thoughts or tips would be awesome

Hard to say, but i would replace breaker first

I have a GE washer/dryer unitized unit. It trips one of the two breakers dedicated to the plug immediately. Then will only wash, mostly drain, but not spin if the dryer is on. The dryer no longer heats. Door latch works during wash. Should I start with replacing control board?

I recently moved to a brand new house and when I started using my Samsung washer, it tripped the breaker. The weird thing is that it did the first 3-4 loads but after that, it started tripping. So I began doing research and ended up replacing the drain pump, stator, stator rotor, water level pressure switch and the noise filter. After replacing all these, the washer worked fine for the first few washes and then tripped again so now I don’t know what to do. Need your help!

I read that it could be the main control board, the door assembly or the heating element but all these parts are expensive and I don’t want to keep spending money on unnecessary parts…what is your recommendation?

Hi Eugene, I am experiencing a problem with my LG front loader washing machine. It starts working well but seems to struggle to spin. Just after about 4 minutes it trips electricity circuit box. Can you help?

1. Weak power breaker

Hi Thanks for your comprehensive article. I have a Candy washer dryer 9 kg that makes the circuit breaker fuse trip sometime after the wash cycle starts when I set it to be 1400 spin speed. I noticed when the spin speed is set to 1000 and below it doesn’t. Any advice please? I have had this washer for a year now always using the 1400 spin cycle wash and it has never been a problem until 3 days ago which makes me think it might not be the breaker but something else instead(?) Thanks

I think you need to start by replacing the circuit breaker.

Please assist, I have a Samsung front loader washing machine. It keeps tripping the circuit break after few minutes of running but when I select spin and dry, it runs until the end of the cycle with tripping the circuit breaker. What could be the problem?

1. Breaker is weak 2. Washer heating element shorted 3. Exposed wires (you need to visually inspect all wire harnesses ) I can go on and on… There are many possible reasons, but you need to start with these

hi, I have a Candy washing machine which keeps tripping the circuit breaker as soon as I try to start a program. I have changed the door lock and descaled the heater element. Can you offer any suggestion as to what the problem may be. Thank you Tevor

1. Weak circuit breaker (try to plug it in into different socket or replace breaker) 2. Motor has a short circuit

Thank you for your article! My Samsung washer (WF42H5200AP/A2) seems to trip the dedicated, non-GFCI breaker at the end of a completed wash cycle, rarely, if ever, has it tripped during a cycle. The problem cannot be recreated and is intermittent. I will power on the washer and nothing happens. Flip the tripped breaker and it runs fine for an as yet determined amount of time. The last thing to happen in the cycle is the door unlocking. According to your troubleshooting diagnostics, the door switch seems to be the culprit because we never have an incomplete cycle. Again, not every time.

Thank you, I’ll let you know!

If the problem intermittent i would replace breaker first and then see if it solve the problem

Comments are closed.

Washer Tripping GFCI (It’s Cause & Troubleshooting Tips)

A tripped GFCI is an annoyance because it will interrupt your work. Therefore, if your washer keeps tripping the GFCI, you will probably respond quickly. After all, the washer won’t work until you fix the problem. But what could cause a GFCI to trip? More importantly, what can you do to prevent the washer from tripping the GFCI?

Why Does My Washer Keep Tripping The GFCI?

Your washer keeps tripping the GFCI because of a fault upstream, electrical leak, bad outlet, faulty GFCI, and malfunctioning washer.

You don’t have to wonder whether or not the washer has tripped the GFCI. It will let you know by popping the ‘RESET’ button out . A tripping GFCI is a nuisance because it cuts the power off, preventing the connected appliance from working.

If the washer is plugged into the GFCI, don’t be so quick to assume that the washer is at fault. Test your hypothesis by plugging a different device into the GFCI.

If the GFCI trips again, the GFCI has a fault. But if the GFCI keeps working, the washer is the problem. Unfortunately, several factors can cause a washer to trip a GFCI, including:

1). Fault Upstream

Does the washer have a dedicated GFCI? Or are you using one GFCI upstream to protect several outlets downstream ?

It makes more sense to use one GFCI because you can save money. GFCIs are not cheap, and some people cannot afford to buy a GFCI for every outlet in their home.

However, this approach is problematic because a fault on one outlet can trip the GFCI , depriving all the outlets of power. Before you blame the washer or its outlet, you have to consider the possibility that a fault keeps occurring somewhere else.

Disconnect every appliance and reset the washer’s GFCI. Try operating the washer. If it works without tripping the GFCI, you can conclude that another appliance on another outlet was the problem.

2). Electrical Leak

GFCIs respond to ground faults. I don’t suggest using electric motors on GFCIs because they leak. You can blame this on the presence of moisture and dirt in the motor .

The GFCI may interpret the leak as a ground fault. It will trip whenever you activate the washer because it keeps detecting a ground fault. Electrical leaks are no laughing matter.

If the current leaks to a metal component, such as the case of a motor, the metal component will electrocute anyone unfortunate enough to touch it. Fortunately, the average home has a breaker that reacts to situations of this sort. The circuit breaker will trip

3). Bad Outlet

What if the outlet is bad? Again, GFCIs respond to ground faults. They do their work by observing the incoming and outgoing currents.

A GFCI may detect an imbalance because of a loose wire in the outlet, tripping because it thinks a ground fault has occurred.

4). Faulty GFCI

GFCIs are not invincible. They have finite lifespans. Additionally, they can fail. A GFCI can interpret a leak that occurred because of the GFCI’s loose wires as a ground fault.

Other potential causes of incessant tripping, include worn-out insulation and the presence of moisture, dust, and debris inside the GFCI.

5). Washer Malfunction

A malfunction inside the washer can trip the GFCI. Several potential washer malfunctions can cause electrical problems. For instance, exposed door latch wires can cause an internal short circuit.

Also, washers have timers and components that control the cycles. They can fail because the connections overheated and melted together. This outcome is not that surprising because washers are powerful tools that use a lot of electricity.

These appliances are more than capable of melting wires if things go wrong. Melted wires and short circuits can cause leaks which, in turn, can trip the GFCI.

Malfunctions inside the washer are irritating because the layperson doesn’t have the skill to disassemble a washer to inspect the internal parts. Even if they open it, this practice is dangerous. You may do irreversible harm to the washer because you don’t understand the workings of a washer.

How To Prevent The GFCI From Being Tripped By Washer?

You can’t prevent the washer from tripping the GFCI. After all, you won’t know that the washer or outlet has a problem until they trip the GFCI. You have to wait for the GFCI to trip to take action.

Start by finding the cause. Plug other items into the GFCI and observe their response. If the GFCI keeps tripping, it has a problem. You have several responses to this situation, including:

1). Disconnect other equipment from the GFCI. You can occasionally trip GFCIs by overloading them with appliances. Buy a leakage current clamp meter. It will provide answers.

2). Look for moisture, dust, and debris. You can blame incessant tripping on water, dust, and debris. Thus, protect GFCIs with waterproof covers. If the GFCI is already wet, use a blow dryer to remove the moisture.

2). You should think about getting a new GFCI. Rather than attempting to understand the problem, a new GFCI will give you peace of mind. They are more expensive than ordinary outlets. However, the cost is still manageable for the average homeowner.

A technician can try and fix the GFCI. But you won’t trust it again. You won’t have confidence in the GFCI’s ability to keep you safe. 

3). Look for problems with the other outlets the GFCI protects. Do they have burn marks? Are the wires loose? Can you smell a burning scent? It may take you a while to check every outlet the GFCI protects. You should also check the circuit breaker. Although, you are better off leaving the panel and its breakers to a professional. They can inspect it on your behalf.

What if the washer has an internal fault? What if the appliance has loose connections, melted wires, malfunctioning circuitry, and the like?

I don’t recommend want you to open the appliance. If you suspect blown fuses and exposed wires inside the washer, call an electrician . They will find the problem and make recommendations.

Don’t open the washer unless you know what you’re doing. Even if you find the problem, you don’t have enough knowledge or experience to solve it. For instance, what will you do about a failing water level control switch or a dead motor control board?

Water in the washer can cause a ground fault by allowing the current to leak to the cabinet. How will you identify the water leak? And if you do, how will you plug it?

Leave the washer alone until a professional technician arrives. If the appliance has a warranty , use it to get cheap repairs or a new washer.

Should A Washing Machine Be On A GFCI Breaker?

You have to install GFCIs in places that expose appliances and outlets to moisture. The NEC expects to see GFCIs in laundry rooms. The laundry room is the place where people keep their washers. As such, homeowners cannot help but conclude that a washer requires a GFCI.

GFCI protect consumers and their property by disconnecting the power when a ground fault occurs. But that doesn’t mean you have to plug every device into a GFCI. There are plenty of exceptions.

You have to keep inductive loads like freezers and vacuum systems away from GFCIs . This is because they cause nuisance tripping.

Also note, NEC doesn’t require people to plug washers into GFCI receptacles.

What does this mean? You will probably plug your washer into a GFCI because washers stay in laundry rooms and laundry rooms have GFCI protection. But you don’t have to use a GFCI for the washer.

What Size GFCI Do I Need For A Washer?

Most homes have 15A or 20A outlets. Therefore, your GFCIs will be 15A or 20A . Select the size that exceeds the amperage of the washer.

Remember, what is the size of your circuit breaker ? The amp rating of the breakers will probably match the amp ratings of the outlets. And the rating of the GFCI will also match the capacity of the outlets.

Stellar Jackson

2 thoughts on “ Washer Tripping GFCI (It’s Cause & Troubleshooting Tips) ”

I have a kenmore washing machine a top loader. My gfi trips when doing laundry but sometimes it makes it through the whole cycle not very often. Washer is least 15 to 20 years old tripping gfi on different cycles.

Start by checking for water leaks and inspecting the power cord for damage. Reset the GFI and try running the machine without other appliances plugged in. If the issue persists, consult a professional for a thorough inspection and potential repair or replacement of electrical components. Safety is paramount, so seek professional assistance if unsure.

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