were is the heating element sited ?

Dannyboy is correct in all respects except it is a Hotpoint WM55 and the heater is located at the front of these machines which involve removing the front panel.
I would be more inclined to look for a brocken or rubbing wire either on the cabinet or by the suspension.
But do any testing with a test meter and the power tuned off (dannyboy is spot on in this respect)

casper
October 2008

Most likely a short circuit in the heater element which is contacting the drum when clothes are loaded.Power off, remove back cover. Heater is located at bottom of drum. If testing with a multimeter, disconnect the wiring and take a resistance reading across the terminals - should be around 20 ohms. If heater is blown (broken internal heater wire) it will give an infinite resistance. There should be no continuity between the either terminal and the metal sheath of the heater - if there is, there's an internal short circuit. When removing heater, disconnect wiring, undo central mounting nut and prise it out of its rubber seal - may require some effort. Replace heater, use sealant when refitting rubber seal and ensure it is fully pushed into the recess in the backplate.
Repair and service your own washing machine. Check out www.2ndwave.co.uk/manual.html

dannyboy
October 2008