Quick answer
If the washer trips the RCD (earth-leakage breaker), the most common cause is current leaking from the heating element or moisture reaching electrical parts. Note when it trips: on plugging in, when heating starts, during drain or spin. Stop using the washer and call a technician.
Overview
Most homes have an RCD that cuts power if current leaks to earth or the frame — it protects people from shocks. If the washer trips it, the washer needs checking.
Timing points to the part involved: on plug-in suggests the mains filter or wiring, on heating the heater, on draining the pump, and on spinning the motor.
Likely causes
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1
Leaking heating element
The most common cause: a cracked heater sheath lets current leak to the water or frame, tripping the breaker when heating starts.
Related parts: Heating element
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2
Moisture or internal water leak
Water reaching connectors or wiring through an internal leak or high humidity.
Related parts: Wiring & connectors
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3
Mains noise filter
A failed filter at the power inlet trips the breaker as soon as the washer is plugged in.
Related parts: Mains noise (EMI) filter
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4
Pump or motor
A damaged pump or motor winding can trip during drain or spin.
Related parts: Drain pumpMotor
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5
Socket or household wiring
A damaged socket, an overloaded circuit, or an unsuitable extension lead.
Safe checks before calling a technician
Unplug the washer and close the water tap before any check. Do not open the back or top panels, and do not touch wiring or circuit boards — that work is for a qualified technician.
- Unplug the washer, then reset the breaker: if it stays on, the washer is likely the cause.
- Don’t touch the washer if the floor is wet.
- Note when it trips (plug-in, heating, draining, spinning) and tell the technician.
- If the floor is dry, carefully try a short cold programme: if it doesn’t trip, the heater is suspect.
- Don’t use extension leads or run other high-power appliances on the same socket.
Parts involved
Heating element
An electrical element under the tub that heats the water for the selected programme.
Mains noise (EMI) filter
A component at the power inlet that protects the circuit; failure can trip the breaker.
Drain pump
A small motor that pulls water out of the tub and pushes it into the drain hose at the end of each stage.
Motor
Turns the drum during washing and spinning; many modern Samsung washers use an inverter motor.
Wiring & connectors
Link components to the board; moisture or rubbing can cause breaks or shorts.
When should you call a technician?
- In every case of repeated tripping caused by the washer.
- If you notice a burning smell or scorch marks on the socket.
- If you feel a tingle when touching the washer — stop immediately.
Need a Samsung repair technician?
Send us the model, the error code and a description of the fault — or book a technician visit in Amman, Zarqa, Salt, Madaba or Sahab.
Related error codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I run only cold programmes?
It may work temporarily if the heater is the cause, but it isn’t a permanent solution without a check — safety first.
Is it the house wiring or the washer?
If the breaker stays on with the washer unplugged and trips when it is plugged in, the washer is usually the cause. If it also trips with other appliances, have an electrician check the wiring.
Does the washer need earthing?
Yes — proper earthing is essential for safety, and the socket must be earthed and rated for the washer.