Dishwasher tripping the electrics: what to do now
Stop using it
If your dishwasher trips the electrics, stop using it and don’t keep resetting the switch. Switch it off and unplug it only if that’s safe and the area is dry; otherwise leave the circuit off. Turn the water off too. A tripping appliance needs a qualified engineer, and a hot or scorched socket needs an electrician.
Also covers: dishwasher tripping RCD · dishwasher blowing fuse.
What to do now
- You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
- Another appliance doesn’t work in the same socket, or the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling. Stop and call a registered electrician.
- Water is leaking from inside the appliance or is near the plug or socket. Don’t touch the plug with wet hands or while standing in water. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
- The manufacturer says not to use the appliance with this fault. Leave it switched off and unplugged until it has been repaired.
Switch the appliance off safely and don’t use it
- If it is safe to reach and the plug and socket look and feel normal, switch off at the wall and unplug.
- If the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling, or there is water around it, don’t touch it. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
- Don’t use the appliance again until it has been checked by the manufacturer or a qualified engineer.
Don’t: Don’t keep resetting a consumer unit switch that trips again.
Check whether your model has been recalled
- Find the model and serial number on the appliance’s rating label. Your manual shows where it is.
- Search the GOV.UK product safety alerts, reports and recalls register and the manufacturer’s own recall pages for your model.
- Register your appliance with the manufacturer so they can contact you about future recalls.
Why it happens
- An electrical fault inside the appliance, including water reaching electrical parts
- A fault in the socket or household wiring
Finding the cause means opening up the dishwasher, which is a job for the manufacturer or a qualified engineer. Read our safety information.
Related problems
- Dishwasher leakingTurn the water off first. Dishwasher leaks are often caused by foam from the wrong…
- Dishwasher not startingA dishwasher with power that won’t start usually has a door that isn’t fully latched…
More dishwasher problems and codes, or use the fault finder.
Sources
- Electrical Safety First: Fire prevention tips Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
- GOV.UK (OPSS): Product safety alerts, reports and recalls UK regulator · checked 11 October 2026
- AEG UK: Washing machine emits a burning smell Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Washing machines usage and safety Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Tumble dryers usage and safety Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
Last checked against these sources: .
We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.