If your Husqvarna electric pressure washer keeps tripping the breaker, it can be a frustrating issue to deal with. However, by understanding the common causes and following a systematic troubleshooting process, you can often resolve the problem and get your pressure washer back up and running smoothly.
Common Causes of Tripping Breakers
1. Overcurrent or Overload
One of the most common reasons for a Husqvarna electric pressure washer to trip the breaker is an overcurrent or overload situation. This can occur when the power requirements of the pressure washer exceed the capacity of the electrical circuit it is connected to.
Power Rating of Husqvarna Pressure Washer
– Husqvarna electric pressure washers typically range from 13 to 15 amps in power rating.
– For example, the Husqvarna PW345 electric pressure washer has a power rating of 14 amps.
Circuit Capacity
– The circuit the pressure washer is connected to should be able to handle the power requirements of the washer.
– A 15-amp circuit is the minimum recommended for most Husqvarna electric pressure washers.
– If the circuit is only rated for 15 amps and the pressure washer is drawing 14 amps, it may cause the breaker to trip.
Solution
– Upgrade the circuit to a higher-rated one, such as a 20-amp or 30-amp circuit, to ensure the electrical system can handle the power demands of the pressure washer.
– Avoid using extension cords, as they can add additional resistance and contribute to an overload situation.
2. Ground Fault or Short Circuit
Another potential cause of a tripping breaker is a ground fault or short circuit in the Husqvarna pressure washer’s electrical system.
Wiring and Connections
– Inspect the wiring and connections of the pressure washer for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
– Saltwater exposure, such as in the case of a flood, can cause corrosion and lead to short circuits.
Pressure Relief Valve
– Check the pressure relief valve on the pressure washer to ensure it is not clogged, as this can also contribute to a ground fault or short circuit.
Solution
– Replace any damaged or corroded wiring or connections.
– Clean or replace the pressure relief valve if it is clogged.
3. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Issues
If your Husqvarna pressure washer has a built-in GFCI and you are plugging it into a GFCI-protected outlet, it may cause the breaker to trip due to conflicting GFCI systems.
GFCI Protection
– Husqvarna pressure washers often have a GFCI-protected power cord for added safety.
– If the outlet you are using is also GFCI-protected, the two GFCI systems may interfere with each other, causing the breaker to trip.
Solution
– Try plugging the pressure washer into a non-GFCI outlet or a circuit with a different GFCI setup to see if that resolves the issue.
4. Hose and Connector Issues
The length and type of hose and connectors used with your Husqvarna pressure washer can also contribute to a tripping breaker.
Hose Length and Resistance
– Longer hoses can increase the resistance in the system, leading to higher current draw and potential breaker tripping.
– Husqvarna recommends using a maximum hose length of 50 feet for their electric pressure washers.
Hose and Connector Type
– Certain types of hoses and connectors may be more restrictive, causing increased resistance and current draw.
– Experiment with different hose and connector configurations to find a compatible setup.
Solution
– Use a shorter hose, if possible, or try a different hose and connector combination to reduce resistance in the system.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Check the Power Rating
- Verify the power rating of your Husqvarna electric pressure washer, typically measured in amps.
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Ensure the circuit it is connected to can handle the power requirements of the washer.
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Inspect Wiring and Connections
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Carefully inspect the wiring and connections of the pressure washer for any signs of damage, corrosion, or wear.
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Test with Different Outlets and Circuits
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Try plugging the pressure washer into different outlets and circuits to isolate the issue and determine if it is a problem with the specific circuit or the pressure washer itself.
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Check the Pressure Relief Valve
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Ensure the pressure relief valve on the Husqvarna pressure washer is not clogged, as this can contribute to a tripping breaker.
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Experiment with Different Hoses and Connectors
- Try using different hoses and connectors to find a compatible setup that does not cause increased resistance and current draw.
Technical Specifications
- Power Rating: Husqvarna electric pressure washers typically range from 13 to 15 amps in power rating.
- Circuit Rating: A 15-amp circuit is the minimum recommended for most Husqvarna electric pressure washers, but a 20-amp or 30-amp circuit is preferred to avoid overloading.
- GFCI Protection: Many Husqvarna pressure washers have a built-in GFCI, and the outlet they are plugged into may also have GFCI protection, which can cause conflicts and tripped breakers.
By following these troubleshooting steps and understanding the common causes of tripped breakers, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue with your Husqvarna electric pressure washer.
References:
- Garage Journal Forum – Electric Pressure Washer Tripping Breaker
- EEVblog Forum – Pressure Washer Keeps Tripping Breaker
- Reddit – New Pressure Washer with GFCI Power Cord is Tripping Breaker
- DIY Stack Exchange – Pressure Washer Tripping Breaker
- OPE Forum – Dewalt Electric Pressure Washer Trips Breaker