Commercial dishwashers are found in restaurants, hospitals, and other commercial spaces where dealing with a huge volume of dishware is a necessity. These machines are not only effective but also efficient when it comes to power consumption. Modern commercial dishwashers consume as little power as possible, saving you quite a bit of money at the end of each month. But commercial dishwashers tend to run into problems and trip the circuit breaker. Let’s take a look at some of the potential causes along with how you fix and prevent them in the future. Hiring a commercial kitchen appliance repair expert is important to avoid injuries and accidents.
Power Issues
The first thing anyone would do if their commercial dishwasher is tripping the circuit breaker is check for power issues. You should begin by checking the type of plug it is plugged in. Take a closer look at the plug along with the power cord to see if there are any cracks or damages.
If you find some, it means either the power cord or the socket is the issue. Fortunately, replacing both is an easy task but keep in mind that you will have to contact the expert for exact replacement. Some people tend to panic when they observe the dishwasher tripping the circuit breaker.
The reality is that the circuit breaker is designed to shut off the power to protect the expensive machine. In other words, it is a safety feature. So, circuit breaker tripping is a good thing to make happen but should not happen regularly.
If the circuit is tripping regularly, especially when the commercial dishwasher is turned on, it means something other than the power cord or socket is at fault. It might be that there is a surge in the electricity, which is causing the breaker to trip. In this case, you will need to contact the relevant authority.
Worn Out Connection
Another reason your circuit breaker might be continuously tripping is if there is a wiring issue. With time, external factors tend to impact the lifespan of the wires and if you have pests or rats in the house, do not be surprised if you find some chewed wires.
Before you can call a professional, you need to be sure about the wires being faulty by performing a close inspection. Make sure to unplug the dishwasher and remove the access panel by following the instructions in the user manual.
You will need to locate the junction box that houses the dishwasher wires connecting to the household power. Then, look for black, white, and green wires. If the wires tend to be crispy, it means they are burnt. Once having fixed the wires, it is best to wrap electrical tape around each connection.
But keep in mind that if the breaker trips during a certain point in the dishwashing cycle such as drying, a certain component responsible for that function may be malfunctioning. It could be the drain pump, the washer motor, or anything else. When a faulty motor engages, it draws a lot of amperage that will trip the breaker. You should see at which point the breaker trips. If your appliance is not draining, it may have a faulty drain pump. If the machine stops during the wash cycle, it may be the wash pump.
Heating Element Issues
If you did not know, there is a heating element inside the dishwasher that could cause the circuit breaker to trip when it activates. If it is damaged or malfunctions, you will need to shut down the dishwasher immediately and inspect it for damages.
Inspect the wires for any issues along with the heating element using a multimeter. A normal heating element would show a reading anything between 4 and 14 ohms. If you get a different reading, it means the heating element is most probably at fault. Therefore, you should replace the heating element.
Blown Fuse
A blown fuse in any appliance can trip the circuit breaker. In many dishwashers, this fuse is called a transient voltage suppressor. When it’s blown, the breaker trips. It is a component that is designed to help protect the dishwasher in case there is a voltage spike.
This kind of spike usually takes place during lighting strikes of electrical shorts. With time, this component might also need to be replaced as it will begin tripping the circuit breaker due to malfunctions and wearing out. Consult the user manual before hiring an expert to replace it.
Blown fuses can stop any appliance from turning on and it’s common to see in appliances like commercial refrigerators and ice cream freezers. So, if your ice cream freezer is not turning on, you should only perform basic checks and if the appliance doesn’t work, hire an ice cream freezer repair Alexandria expert.
Faulty Wash Motor
A faulty wash motor may also explain why the dishwasher keeps tripping the circuit breaker. Dishwashers are equipped with a motor that helps with the spraying or movement of water inside the appliance. But if the motor happens to be damaged, it will draw more current than required which will lead to the circuit breaker tripping.
In this case, it is recommended to replace the wash motor. If your dishwasher’s warranty period hasn’t expired yet, you can claim warranty. But if the dishwasher is old, you should hire a licensed expert for repairs.
To replace the wash motor, you will need to access the existing motor and remove it. And, if you do not feel comfortable or do not want to risk injuries or damage to the machine, you should hire an expert.
Issues with Control Circuit Board
If the above fixes haven’t solved your issue, then the breaker may be the culprit. The circuit boards act like the brain of the dishwasher. It sends and receives signals to and from the components.
Although circuit breakers are rigid components, with time, they tend to experience voltage spikes and other issues that could cause damage. This means a damaged circuit breaker is going to draw more power than usual causing the breaker to trip.
Lack of Maintenance
Sometimes, the issue with the dishwasher is as simple as a lack of maintenance. You see, commercial dishwashers have to clean many batches of dishware on a daily basis. So, it is natural for oil and food leftovers to find their way deep inside the machine causing issues.
But the bigger problem is not paying attention to maintenance. Commercial dishwashers like other commercial kitchen appliances require thorough inspection and maintenance to prevent the machine from breaking down.
That said, you should train your employees to clean and maintain the dishwasher at the end of each working day. Plus, you should also hire a professional who performs a deep inspection for any potential repairs and replacements and fixes them on the spot.
Using Extension Cords
Extension cords are good for many purposes but when it comes to appliances that consume high power, they should be avoided. If you do have to use an extension cord, make sure it has the capacity you seek and perform safety testing every day. Moreover, never plug an extension cord into another extension cord because it can cause appliance overheating and damage to the appliance or the wiring or both.
Conclusion
If you were to follow the tips mentioned above, you are most likely to get the dishwasher running back in a short time. However, if the issue is not easy to fix, you should leave things to a commercial dishwasher repair Northern VA technician.
