I recently got a new washer and it's tripping the circuit breaker and smelling like its burning sometimes. I had an electrion out to check the electrical and said everything is fine...that it's running 116 volts, which is what it should be running.... so does this mean it's the washer?
2007-03-12 02:07:57 · 5 answers · asked by oxygenO 6 in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
If it's tripping the breaker then it's pulling too many amps. It's drawing too much electricity to run the motor. If you smell it burning, it might be the belt is too tight, and it's putting a huge load on the motor, causing it to pull more amps, and tripping the breaker. If it's under warranty, take it back. If not, your going to have to call an appliance guy to repair it. I do this for a living, and you can easily get ripped off. Ask for only a quote, and then get get several other quotes, without telling them that you already called someone else. Remember, just because the company has a big name, doesn't mean that the repairman is honest.
Stand there and have him check the belt. Feel it for yourself to see if it is frayed or burning. If it is, replace it and adjust the tension. You can do this yourself, and I would be willing to walk you through it if you want. I don't think that your going to need a new motor, which is what they are going to try to sell you. You can buy a used motor for about $10.00 at a used appliance dealer, and they can also install it for you. This is also something you can do yourself with just some simple tools you can buy at a car parts store for about $10.00
Washers are simple machines to fix
1. Water pump
2. Motor
3. Belt
4. Drum and hoses
5. Electrical switches
To access the belt and motor, take off the back panel. The way they are designed, is that the motor is mounted to the frame of the washer and the belt conects the motor to the drum. The motor is on an adjustable bracket, so you can adjust the tension of the belt. That's all there is to it. You don't have to worry about the water pump or the hoses, so your problem is very simple. If the tension on the belt is too tight, it will start to heat up, causing the smell, and it will put a huge strain on the motor, causing the motor to overheat and blow the breaker.
Just loosen the motor bracket and adjust the tension on the belt.
If you have any questions, and i'm sure you do, you can e-mail me at edward_brandes@yahoo.com and I can help you with any questions. Good luck.
2007-03-12 02:34:34 · answer #1 · answered by Cannibal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like the washer is pulling more current than the circuit can deliver. This could be caused by two things.
One. The washer is not working right, and as a result is drawing more than it is intended to.
Two. The washer is working right, but has too high of a load for the existing circuit and wiring. Check to see how many amps the washer is rated at, and how many amps the circuit the washer is on is rated at. How old is the house?
If you smell something burning, I would be VERY careful about running it until you figure out what is the problem.
2007-03-12 09:16:10 · answer #2 · answered by Caveman 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only reasons it would trip a circuit breaker are: Earth leakage - it has a short-circuit. Overload - the motor is drawing too much current. best chack back with the place you bought it and get them to have it checked.
2007-03-12 09:11:56 · answer #3 · answered by Traveller 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did this "electrician" try the washer while there? Something is not right and could end up being a high risk. I would find another electrician and/or contact the manufacturer.
2007-03-12 09:17:26 · answer #4 · answered by 20/20 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it's the washer. Have it serviced ASAP.
2007-03-13 11:36:14 · answer #5 · answered by joshnya68 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋