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HomeRepair HelpKitchenAid Dryer RepairKitchenAid Dryer tripping breaker Repair
KitchenAid Dryer tripping breaker
If your KitchenAid dryer is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely causes are a weak breaker, a shorted heating element or heating element assembly, damaged power cord or terminal block connections, or a drive motor that’s shorting internally. Start with the simplest checks: confirm the breaker itself isn’t worn out, since an aging breaker can trip even when the dryer’s draw is normal and an electrician should replace it if that’s the case. Next inspect the heating element and element assembly for shorts to the housing by testing each terminal for continuity to the case with a multimeter; a shorted element will need replacing. Check the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, because poor contacts can overheat and trip the breaker. Finally, if the motor windings are shorted, the drive motor will also trip the circuit and must be tested and replaced. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your specific dryer and get step by step parts and guidance to complete the repair.
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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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.
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04 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 - KitchenAid 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 circuit breaker?
Can a shorted heating element make the dryer trip the breaker?
Could the power cord or terminal block cause the breaker to trip?
How do I test the dryer drive motor for a short?
How do I find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?