Washer-dryer trips the household breaker or shows E09 when heating or spinning; may not start at all.

Safety first: If the appliance is tripping the RCD or breaker, do not repeatedly reset it. Unplug the machine and do not use it until the fault is identified.

Step-by-step checks:

• 1. Visual inspection: Remove the rear panel and top cover. Look for obvious burn marks, melted connectors, or a burnt smell around the heater terminals, PCB, and mains filter.
• 2. Test wash heater to earth: With the machine unplugged, disconnect the wash heater wires. Using a multimeter on the highest resistance range, measure between each heater terminal and the metal tub/earth. Any measurable continuity indicates a leak to earth; replace the heater.
• 3. Test dryer heater to earth: Similarly, disconnect the dryer heater and test each terminal to earth. Replace the dryer heater if it shows leakage.
• 4. Inspect mains filter: The mains interference filter is usually mounted where the power cord enters the machine. Check for cracks, bulging, or burn marks. Replace if damaged.
• 5. PCB inspection: Examine the main control board for burnt tracks, blown components, or blackened areas. If present, the PCB must be replaced; board-level repair is not recommended for untrained persons.
• 6. Professional testing: If no obvious component is faulty, a technician should perform insulation resistance tests with a megohmmeter to locate hidden earth faults.