Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpMagic Chef Dryer RepairMagic Chef Dryer tripping breaker Repair
Magic Chef Dryer tripping breaker
If your Magic Chef dryer keeps tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is not the dryer itself but a weak or failing breaker that trips under normal load; if you’ve checked the dryer’s components, have an electrician test or replace the breaker first. Next most likely are heating element problems: a failed heating element or heating element assembly can short to the heater housing and trip the breaker, so use a multimeter to check each terminal for continuity to the case and replace any element that shows a short. After that, inspect the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, since damaged cord terminals or poor connections can overheat and trip the breaker. A drive motor with internal winding shorts is less common but can also cause tripping, so test the motor for continuity if the other items check out. Enter your dryer model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, power cord, motor, or other parts that fit your machine.
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 - Magic Chef 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
03 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 - Magic Chef 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 does my dryer keep tripping the breaker?
My dryer trips the breaker when it heats up. Could the heating element be the cause?
The dryer starts then stops and trips the breaker. What should I check first?
Can a bad drive motor cause the dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the right replacement part?