I have a new house (about 9 months old) and recently the dishwasher circuit has started tripping. It trips while the dishwasher isn't running. I believe it's code that the dishwasher must be on its own circuit so I'm not sure what else could be causing the trip.
Some facts:
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Dishwasher completes its cycle (with heated dry so pulling some current) no issue. Sometime between then and the next time I go to start the dishwasher (typically 2 days), the circuit trips.
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The dishwasher has a switch under the sink. I've tried turning the switch off just after the cycle completes and I've verified that the power is still on. Next time I go to start it I turn on the switch and the circuit is off. So I don't think the dishwasher is doing anything to cause this.
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The breaker that trips is labeled "Disposal". The "Dishwasher" one is next to it and stays on. The disposal has always had power. The dishwasher circuit does not appear to trip related to when the disposal is run. Not sure if this is a simple mislabel or a sign of something more sinister.
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Last note and this may be completely unrelated or might not. After a few months of running just fine, the fridge in my utility room started to trip the breaker daily, then getting more often and eventually tripping it every few hours. It is also on a GFCI/AFCI combo circuit. I plugged it into another circuit which had an AFCI-only breaker and it was fine. After reading about the 2015 regulation changes and how many people were having trouble, I replaced the G/A combo breaker with an AFCI-only and it has run fine ever since. A few weeks after this the dishwasher trouble started.
I'm stumped. Before I start disconnecting things, monitoring currents, etc, does anyone have ideas as to why this could be happening? The house is under warranty for another few months but I'm just not the type to call them in without some idea of whats wrong.
The breaker that trips is an Eaton type that has the diagnostic LED. It does not blink after resetting. Just in case that means anything to someone…
Best Answer
I have had tons of problems with dishwashers & garbage disposal units in the past. Motor loads eat these "protection devices" regularly. My state has exempted from protection because of this issue. Make sure to check local code and if required replace the AFCI / GFCI unit and complain to the state electrical board! This is the only way the rules will be changed or manufacturers be held to standards that "normal motor loads or mandated CFL lighting can handle without tripping"!