Why Is The Washing Machine Tripping GFCI When Plugged In? (Fixed) -

When a washing machine stops working or keeps tripping, it’s important to pinpoint where the underlying issue is.

This is going to be dependent on the setup and where the electrical current is running from the circuit to the washing machine.

If the washing machine is tripping the GFCI when plugged in, this means there’s moisture disturbing the outlet, the circuit is overloaded, or there’s a fault in the wiring. To fix the issue, turn off the power, switch outlets, reduce the load on the circuit, check for moisture, and tighten the wires.

In most cases, the reason is going to have to do with a damaged GFCI outlet. You can always swap to another GFCI outlet to see if that helps.

These tips are going to matter when it comes to a washing machine that’s tripping the GFCI when plugged in.

Look into these steps by going through the guide to figure out which one applies to your washing machine.

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How To Fix Washing Machine Tripping GFCI When Plugged In

1. Turn Off The Power At The Breaker

If the washing machine trips GFCI at the spin cycle, it’s important to figure out where the power issues are stemming from.

The first step is to turn off the power at the breaker.

The reason for doing this is to make sure the appliance does not get damaged when it is plugged into the circuit. The same goes for the GFCI outlet.

If the breaker has tripped, you will need to go to the breaker panel anyway.

As a result, make sure the power is not flowing to that part of the house. Once you have turned off the power, it is important to test that part of the property by connecting a device to the circuit.

If there is no power going to the device, you are good to go.

2. Switch To Another Outlet

If a washer is tripping the GFCI, you might have a malfunctioning outlet.

This can happen for different reasons including too much moisture being around the outlet. When there is excess moisture near the outlet, this can cause it to trip instantly.

You will want to take the time to switch to another GFCI outlet.

This might take care of the problem if the washing machine begins to work as it should. If not, this means there is a wider problem with the circuit in that part of the house.

You will want to take the time to look at different outlets and see how they are impacted by this power issue. If all of them are behaving in the same manner, you need to expand your assessment of the problem.

3. Reduce Load On The Circuit

You will want to see how much load is on the circuit.

It’s common for too many appliances and/or devices to be connected to the same circuit. This is why it is recommended to have a dedicated circuit for a washing machine.

You are going to feel more in control of the electrical flow with the dedicated circuit.

If it is on the same circuit, you are going to want to take out all of the other devices connected to it.

This is going to let you see whether or not the issue has to do with the load.

4. Tighten The Wires

This is an issue that can crop up.

This entails the wiring near the breaker getting ruined. It might also have to do with the wiring going into the GFCI outlet.

Assuming you have switched to another outlet, you will want to go to the breaker panel.

Look for the tab that is linked to this part of the house.

When done, pull it out and inspect the wiring behind it. If the wiring is loose and/or not in good shape, this is likely the root cause of the washing machine tripping.

Final Thoughts

These are the details to think about when the washing machine is tripping the GFCI when plugged in.

If the washing machine is tripping the GFCI when plugged in, this is due to excess moisture in the GFCI outlet, overloading on the same circuit, or loose wiring in the breaker panel. To fix the issue, switch to another GFCI outlet, reduce the load on the circuit, check for moisture, and tighten loose wiring.

This is the only way to make sure you correct the problem before it worsens. A lot of people don’t do this and that can damage how the washing machine works.

You will also be compromising the outlet, which is not a good thing.

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