Home Electrical issues / DIY Advice / Possibly appliance releated?

[kipperfan]

So, do we have any appliance/electrical wizards out there? I am having a bit of an issue and need some help understanding what is happening, how I can properly diagnose the problem and what I should do next. About 2 months ago my stackable washer/dryer unit started to trip the breaker when they were both being used together for a decent period of time. I reset the breaker not really thinking much of it but then it happened again, and this time with less use. So I reset it again and this time it tripped quickly and with only the dryer running – there was also a “fishy” smell coming from the breaker box along with a weird buzzing noise. Understanding those were bad signs I have not attempted to reset the breaker since. From the reading I’ve done online it seems the problem could either be caused by some sort of short circuit/loose connection/other problem with the breaker box wiring itself or it could also be caused by a burnt out heating element or motor in the dryer which is causing the box to short circuit. Then, this morning, after never having any other electrical issues in the place since living there, my roommate tripped the breaker (a different one) in the washroom with only a single blow dryer plugged in.

So, I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me? I was starting to think the washer/dryer was the issue but to have another breaker trip this morning is starting to make me think it actually is an electrical issue. Should I take the cover off of the breaker box and start poking around (very carefully!) for signs of a loose connection or short circuit? Should I get a digital multimeter and test the dryer motor/heating element to make sure they aren’t the cause? Should I simply call an electrician to have him/her come take a look? If I do indeed call an electrician, does anyone have any idea what they usually charge hourly? I live in a condo, what are the chances this is something that would be covered by the condo corporation as opposed to by me personally as an owner?

[Northendzone]

if your dryer is 220volts (plug in is different than a standard appliance), then I would not fool around around too much with it as that is a significant amount of voltage.

you might want to trying googling your dryer brand and the issues and see what pops up and go from there.

you'll either have to call an electrician or an appliance guy - I'd guess you are looking at pretty much $100 for them to walk in your door.

[speede5]

Your washer and dryer should be on seperate breakers for a start or is it one unit that just plugs in to 220? Sounds like something is wrong with the breaker, it could be faulty. They are pretty cheap if you want to try another one, and you can always use a spare. The W/D unit could have a fault too, which contributed to the breaker failure.

The bathroom/kitchen GFI can be a pain, the outlet is big and can sit close to the box, shorting out easily, Pop the cover off and make sure it's centered in the box. (throw the breaker first)

If you have light in the area and want to pop the cover off your panel go ahead, but shut off the main before you do. Way to easy to hurt yourself.

[surferguy]

Originally Posted by speede5

If you have light in the area and want to pop the cover off your panel go ahead, but shut off the main before you do. Way to easy to hurt yourself.

This: Don't go poking or you may blast your way through the nearest wall.

[Ducay]

Agreed, kill the main and go through your breaker panel and look for anything loose/amiss. Read up on how the breaker panel works and you'll realize its a lot less complex than you'd think.

[Yanda]

call a professional?

[Cheese]

^^^ yes as above...better safe than sorry and if you are not a qualified electrician how would you know what to look for?
There must be a sparky on CP that could help you out?

[Frank the Tank]

What you are describing could be many issues. Bad breaker, overloaded circuit, loose wire, faulty ground connection.....I'd call a sparky.

[kipperfan]

Thanks for the advice guys, I really want to try and fix this myself but electricity is a scary bitch, so I've got an electrician coming tomorrow. Fingers crossed for a cheap repair!

[speede5]

So.....maybe don't take my expert 'cough' advice. Tonight I was installing the dishwasher in suite I've been building for a client and when I went to trim down the wire hanging out of the wall I got a nasty surprise. Seems someone had flipped the breaker and the wire, which has been hanging there for a month, was live. At least all I need is a new set of cutters as mine got arc welded.

Always check those breakers.

[Nage Waza]

Originally Posted by speede5

So.....maybe don't take my expert 'cough' advice. Tonight I was installing the dishwasher in suite I've been building for a client and when I went to trim down the wire hanging out of the wall I got a nasty surprise. Seems someone had flipped the breaker and the wire, which has been hanging there for a month, was live. At least all I need is a new set of cutters as mine got arc welded.

Always check those breakers.

That was a really bad mistake, not trying to rub it in or anything, glad you are alright. Always assume everything is live, all the time. If you need to ask questions about a breaker panel in this forum you have no business going in there.