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HomeRepair HelpHotpoint Dryer RepairHotpoint Dryer tripping breaker Repair
Hotpoint Dryer tripping breaker
If your Hotpoint dryer is tripping the breaker or keeps tripping the circuit breaker, start with the most likely problems and work down the list: a weak or aging breaker is the top culprit and can trip even with normal load, so have an electrician check or replace the breaker first. The next most common cause is a shorted heating element or heating element assembly that has developed continuity to the heater housing; use a multimeter to test each terminal to the case and replace the element or assembly if it reads continuity. Faulty power cord connections, a damaged power cord, or burnt terminals at the terminal block are also common causes—shut off power before inspecting for loose or melted wires and replace any damaged parts. Less often, the drive motor can short internally and trip the breaker, which you can confirm with a continuity test and replace if its windings are shorted. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts that fit your dryer and get step by step guidance for 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 - Hotpoint 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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Top Solution
03 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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 - Hotpoint 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?
Could a bad heating element cause my dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I test the heating element or drive motor for shorts?
Can the power cord or terminal block make my dryer trip the breaker?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the correct replacement part?