Universal Dryer tripping breaker

If your dryer keeps tripping the breaker, the most likely causes are a weak circuit breaker, a heating element that’s shorting to the heater housing, or a bad connection at the power cord or terminal block, with a failed drive motor less often to blame. Start by confirming the breaker itself is healthy; breakers weaken with age and can trip under normal load. Next check the heating element or heating assembly for continuity to the case with a multimeter—continuity to the case means the element is shorted and should be replaced. Inspect the power cord, terminal block and receptacle for loose, burnt or melted terminals, since poor connections can overheat and trip the breaker. If those checks don’t find the problem, test the drive motor windings for shorts. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact parts that fit your dryer and get step-by-step guidance for swapping components safely.

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.

02 - Universal 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 - Universal 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 - Universal 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.

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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 - Universal 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.

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Common

07 - Universal 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.

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Less Common