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HomeRepair HelpDryer RepairDryer tripping breaker Repair
Dryer tripping breaker
If your dryer is tripping the breaker, the most likely problems are a weak circuit breaker, a shorted heating element or heating element assembly, or issues at the power cord and terminal block before you blame the motor. Circuit breakers can weaken with age and will trip below their rated amperage, so have an electrician check or replace the breaker if you can’t find a fault in the dryer. A heating element that has shorted to the heater housing is a common cause; use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case and replace the element or assembly if it shows continuity to ground. Next check the power cord terminals and the terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections and replace the cord or block if damaged. Less commonly a drive motor can short internally and trip the breaker, which you can confirm with continuity tests. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, power cord, terminal block, or motor that fits your specific dryer.
01 - The Circuit Breaker is Weak
Over time, circuit breakers can weaken. If the circuit breaker is weak, it may trip, even if the amperage draw from the dryer is below the breakers limit. If you have already checked all of the potentially defective dryer components, consider having an electrician replace the circuit breaker.
Top Solution
02 - Dryer Heating Element
Sometimes, if the heating element fails, it shorts out against the heater housing, causing the dryer to trip the circuit breaker. To determine if the heating element is at fault, use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case. If the heating element has continuity to the case, it is shorted out. If the heating element is shorted out, replace it.
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03 - Dryer Heating Element Assembly
Sometimes, if the heating element fails, it shorts out against the heater housing, causing the dryer to trip the circuit breaker. To determine if the heating element assembly is shorted out, use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case. If the heating element assembly has continuity to the case, it is shorted out. If the heating element assembly is shorted out, replace it.
Top Solution
04 - Dryer Power Cord
If the dryer's power cord wire terminal connections are not secured properly to the terminal block, the terminal block can short out and cause a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow. You should inspect both the terminal block and the power cord terminal connections for damage. If the power cord wire terminals are burnt or melted, you will need to replace the power cord.
Highly Likely
05 - Loose or Burnt Power Cord Connections
Loose or burnt power cord connections can cause restricted current flow, making the circuit breaker overheat and trip. Shut off power to the dryer, then check the power cord connections and receptacle for burnt prongs, wires, or terminals. If the power cord or terminal block is damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common
06 - Dryer Drive Motor
Sometimes, when the drive motor fails, it shorts out internally, causing the dryer to trip the circuit breaker. To determine if the drive motor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the motor windings are shorted out, replace the drive motor.
Common
07 - Dryer Timer
A faulty dryer timer could be allowing continuous voltage to be sent to the heating circuit, overheating it and causing a circuit breaker to trip. If the timer's heating contacts and the heating element are shorted, the heating element can still heat when the timer is off. However, this is very rarely the case. Before replacing the timer, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, test the timer by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram. If the timer is defective, replace it.
Less Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer tripping the breaker?
Can a bad heating element cause my dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I test the heating element or heating element assembly with a multimeter?
Could the dryer power cord or terminal block be causing the breaker to trip?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the right replacement part?