This just in from the appliance repair hotline, a special advisory against using Powerball cleaning tablets in Fisher-Paykel dishdrawers, also marketed in Ameedica under the Whirlpool and Kitchenaid brands:

Reports that a new type of dishwasher detergent tablet damaged switches in some dishwasher models has prompted the New Zealand Consumer Institute to order the tablet manufacturer to reimburse owners for repairs.

Reckitt Benckiser, maker of Finish PowerBall cleaning tablets, denied that the tablets are at fault, but agreed to cover repairs.

According to the Institute, the threestage tablets, which are inserted into the same compartments as granulated dishwashing detergents, create excessive foam in the tubs of dishwashers that eventually interfere with the operation of switches. DishDrawer units made by Fisher & Paykel are said to be especially prone to the problem.

PowerBall tablets are marketed worldwide under various brands, including Electrosol in North America. It’s not known if PowerBall tablets available in the U.S. have the same formulation as those sold in New Zealand. DishDrawer dishwashers are marketed in the U.S. under the Fisher & Paykel, Whirlpool and KitchenAid brands.

So, let that be a lesson to you!

And thanks to Master Appliantologist Pegi for posting this information in the repair forum.