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HomeRepair HelpGE Dryer RepairGE Dryer tripping breaker Repair
GE Dryer tripping breaker
If your dryer is tripping the breaker, the most likely issues are a weak circuit breaker, a heating element or heating assembly that has shorted to the housing, or a problem with the power cord or terminal block, with a failed drive motor less likely but possible. Start by ruling out the breaker itself; breakers weaken over time and an electrician can replace one that trips below its rating. Next check the heating element or element assembly: a short to the dryer case will pull excess current and trip the circuit, so use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case and replace a shorted element. Inspect the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections and shut off power before you touch them; damaged cords or burnt terminals often cause the dryer to keep tripping the breaker. If motor windings are shorted, the drive motor will also cause trips. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer and get step by step parts and repair guidance.
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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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 - GE 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?
Can a shorted heating element cause my dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I check the dryer power cord and terminal block if the breaker keeps tripping?
Could the dryer drive motor be tripping the breaker?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the correct replacement part?