Problem with Home Electrics or Appliance - please help

leo1 · Feb 1, 2012

Hi guys, I hope you can help me. I am an engineer but not on electricity, so I apologise if I am using incorrect terminology. Today for the first time, while my dishwasher was on, I heard a clicking noise and it stopped. The noise came from the relevant MCB on the consumer unit (which also feeds the integrated Fridge and Extractor fan in my kitchen), as it interrupted the electricity to the circuit. I put the wall-switch for the dishwasher in the off position and went back to the consumer unit to restore electricity on that MCB. Power came back on on the Fridge and Extractor. Then I tried the wall-switch for the dishwasher and power stayed on. I set the program again on the dishwasher, closed the door and waited. After its initial draining of the remaining water from the previously failed cycle it sounded as if it started to work like normal again but it immediately caused the power to go off again. I have tried a few times and repeatedly obtained the same behaviour. I should also mention that the dishwasher has been emitting a mild burnt-like smell every time it was in use for the last few months, the smell similar to when an electronic component burns on a PCB (printed circuit board). So, do you think I have a problem with the dishwasher or with the connectivity to it and how can I ascertain which one of the two it is? I am worried about calling an electrician who would charge me to then tell me the problem is my dishwasher when I could have just replaced it for say, £200.
Is there anything else I could try? The damn dishwasher is integrated so I cannot see behind it or how it is connected...

Many thanks

Leo

Geordie Spark · Feb 3, 2012

Leo:Have you considered a change of career?Maybe there's a vacancy in the Diplomatic Corps. that you'd like to apply for.

i=p/u · Feb 3, 2012

they say 45p per mile so they can tax ou on it,, over 40p isint it

leo1 · Feb 3, 2012

Thanks BlueToBits both for your fair argument about my scenario and for the later advice regarding my actual fault.

richy3333 · Feb 3, 2012

Leo1 this is a forum for electricians to discuss issues within their own industry. Whilst it is open to anyone that wishes to join it is not a FREE alternative to having electrical faults/issues diagnosed by a paid electrcian. It's 'horses for courses' - whilst you might not be able to charge x amount to diagnose a fault on a PC in your industry, it is common practice for electricians to charge for their work, whether that be installation, testing work etc.

Fair enough, you do not know some of the guys you have berated, but they are mighty fine knowledgable electricians, so I'm not surprised they have taken umbrage at your comments.

I hope you sort yourself out a new dishwasher, but remember, buy cheap, buy twice. Dishwashers get hammered by frequent usage so it pays to buy a decent model.

Geordie Spark · Feb 3, 2012

richy3333 said:
Leo1 this is a forum for electricians to discuss issues within their own industry. Whilst it is open to anyone that wishes to join it is not a FREE alternative to having electrical faults/issues diagnosed by a paid electrcian. It's 'horses for courses' - whilst you might not be able to charge x amount to diagnose a fault on a PC in your industry, it is common practice for electricians to charge for their work, whether that be installation, testing work etc.

Fair enough, you do not know some of the guys you have berated, but they are mighty fine knowledgable electricians, so I'm not surprised they have taken umbrage at your comments.

I hope you sort yourself out a new dishwasher, but remember, buy cheap, buy twice. Dishwashers get hammered by frequent usage so it pays to buy a decent model.

I don't know how much Leo charges, but the bloke who does my PC repairs charges me £25 per hour subject to a minimum charge of £25 & doesn't do call-outs .... customers have to take their PCs to him !!

He has no shortage of work either - he, his wife & 2 sons are all working in the business full-time & his daughter is working part time.