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HomeRepair HelpRCA Dryer RepairRCA Dryer tripping breaker Repair
RCA Dryer tripping breaker
If your RCA dryer is tripping the breaker or the dryer keeps tripping breaker while running, the most likely cause is a weak circuit breaker at the panel; breakers wear out and can trip below their rated load, so have an electrician check or replace it if you’ve ruled out the dryer. Next on the list is a shorted heating element or heating element assembly, which can contact the heater housing and dump current to ground; use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case and replace the element or assembly if it shows continuity to ground. Also inspect the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, since bad cord terminals can short or overheat and cause the breaker to trip. Less commonly, the drive motor can short internally and trip the circuit, so test motor windings if other checks come up clean. Always shut off power before inspecting wiring. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer and get parts that fit.
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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 - RCA 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 is my dryer tripping the circuit breaker?
How do I test the heating element if my dryer keeps tripping the breaker?
Can a faulty power cord or terminal block cause the dryer to trip the breaker?
Could the drive motor be causing my dryer to trip the breaker and how do I check it?
How do I enter my model number to find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?