Bosch Washing Machine: tripping circuit breaker

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Bosch washing machine tripping the circuit breaker? This common problem can be caused by electrical faults, circuit overloads, or water leakage. Understanding the symptoms and causes can help you address the issue effectively.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch official support acknowledges multiple internal causes like motor, heater, suppression parts shorting or leakage that can trip breakers.

Possible Causes

Internal electrical fault (motor, heater, suppression components shorting or leaking)

How to Identify: Breaker trips when machine runs; possible burning smell; occurs even when other loads not high; symptoms repeated consistently with washing machine operation.

Part: Motor windings or heater element or RFI suppression parts

Water leakage onto electrical components causing leakage current

How to Identify: Water visible inside machine base/panel; breaker trips when water present; possibly after a leak event.

Part: Internal wiring/PCB or connectors

Circuit overload due to shared circuit or insufficient breaker rating

How to Identify: Breaker trips only under load when other appliances on same circuit are running; not specific to washer alone.

Part: Household circuit wiring/breaker, shared loads

Damaged power cord or plug causing short

How to Identify: Visible damage to cord/plug; breaker trips immediately on plug-in or slight movement.

Part: Power cord/plug

DIY Solutions

Isolate circuit and test washing machine alone

Easy 10-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Access to breaker panel
  1. Turn off all other appliances on same circuit.
  2. Reset breaker and run washer alone.
  3. Observe if breaker still trips.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not touch internal components.

Visual inspection of power cord and plug

Easy 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: Flashlight
  1. Unplug machine.
  2. Inspect power cord and plug for damage or burn marks.
  3. If damaged, avoid use until repaired.
⚠️ Safety First: Only inspect, do not repair power cord yourself if unsafe

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty internal components (motor/heater/RFI suppressor)

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Repair or replace internal wiring and leakage paths

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Breaker continues to trip even when washer is isolated on its own circuit
Visible water ingress inside machine
Burning smell or smoke from machine
Internal component suspected faulty

Preventive Maintenance

  • Ensure machine is on dedicated circuit: Overload tripping
    Frequency: once when installed
  • Check and clean door seals to prevent leaks: Water leakage causing electrical faults
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Washing Machine tripping circuit breaker?
Common causes include internal electrical faults, water leakage, and circuit overloads.
How do I fix Bosch Washing Machine tripping circuit breaker myself?
Isolate the circuit, test the washer alone, and inspect the power cord for damage.
How much does it cost to fix tripping circuit breaker?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $600 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for tripping circuit breaker?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect serious electrical faults.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty heating element causing a short circuit
  • Worn out or damaged power cord
  • Malfunctioning control board

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the heating element. Unplug the machine, remove the back panel, disconnect the heating element, and replace it with a new one. Ensure all connections are secure before reassembling.

  2. Check the power cord for damage. Unplug the machine, visually inspect the cord for frays or breaks, and replace it if necessary. This can often be done by unscrewing the back panel and disconnecting the old cord.

  3. Test and replace the control board if faulty. This requires unplugging the machine, accessing the control board, and using a multimeter to check for continuity. If defective, replace it with a new board.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Washing machine trips circuit breaker

Community Discussions

trips circuit breaker

Replaced the heating element

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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