Why Your Dishwasher Trips GFCI (Fixed) -

The GFCI outlet is designed to offer comprehensive protection for power surges and/or other relevant safety concerns.

Unfortunately, the GFCI outlet in the kitchen can also lead to unwanted issues. This can include the outlet being trapped by the dishwasher.

This is why it’s important to know why your dishwasher trips the GFCI outlet and what to do about it.

When a dishwasher trips the GFCI outlet, the appliance is likely leaking power causing the safety mechanism in the receptacle to activate. To fix this issue, unplug the dishwasher and check its power components. Most common issues include damaged circuit board, connectors, and/or wash motor.

This is a common problem in older dishwashers as the plug tends to wear down. The best solution is to check the circuit board, electrical connectors, and the wash motor to see if one of them has broken down.

In most cases, the malfunctioning part is going to have to be replaced.

This guide will take a step-by-step look at how to fix a dishwasher that trips the GFCI receptacle.

Table of Contents

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Steps On How To Fix Dishwasher That Trips GFCI Outlet

1. Unplug the Dishwasher

When a dishwasher trips the GFCI receptacle, it’s important to cut the power source as soon as possible before more damage is done.

Other connectors and/or components can get damaged due to the power surge.

The step here is to unplug the dishwasher and let it sit for an hour or so. The goal will be to let it cool down and see if that helps.

Sometimes, the dishwasher simply has to be reset as it starts malfunctioning or gets overloaded. By unplugging the dishwasher, you are going to be resetting it.

2. Inspect The Connectors

You will also want to take a look at the power connectors (i.e. plug).

This is going to be linking your dishwasher to the electrical circuit in the property. This means, it is the one source that is linking the two and you will have to start by inspecting it.

Sometimes, the plug begins to fray, which can cause it to trip the GFCI receptacle. This is a common occurrence with older dishwashers at home.

The load that is put on the plug will eventually cause it to get damaged.

By replacing the electrical connector, you should get rid of the issue instantly.

3. Check The Circuit Board and Wash Motor

This is going to be a far more extensive repair job.

When the short-circuiting starts happening, it’s time to look at two parts that are going to be the root cause of this.

The first is to be expected, which would be the circuit board giving out. Another part that might be short-circuiting is the wash motor.

Your goal is to see if they are structurally sound by inspecting them in great detail. If not, it’s time to replace the damaged part.

Otherwise, the dishwasher is going to continue doing this. It’s simply a warning sign that trouble is around the corner and the entire appliance will get fried if you don’t take care of the root cause.

4. Replace The Malfunctioning Part Before Using Dishwasher

This has to be done.

If it is a damaged wash motor, connector, and/or circuit board, the only step forward is to either reset the dishwasher or to replace the component.

Sometimes, resetting the dishwasher is going to be a good solution but that’s only if the underlying component is still in good shape.

If it is fried or about to get fried, you will have to move on to the next step. This includes replacing the damaged part as soon as you can.

Should A Dishwasher Be On A GFCI?

A dishwasher should be on a GFCI receptacle. This will offer added protection from power surges and also ensure the rest of the electrical circuit is in good standing. Most new-age setups will have this as a part of the electrical layout.

Final Thoughts

These are the reasons why your dishwasher trips the GFCI receptacle and what to do about it as soon as you can.

When a dishwasher trips the GFCI receptacle, the most common reason is a short-circuiting appliance. The receptacle itself will be fine. To fix the issue, check the electrical connectors, wash motor, and circuit board. Replace the part that is damaged to get rid of the power issues.

This is going to take a bit of time to work through and you will want to correct the problem before using the dishwasher.

Otherwise, you will continue to put quite a bit of stress on the GFCI outlet when you shouldn’t.

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