Why Your Dryer Keeps Tripping the Breaker & How to Fix It

You load up a cycle, press start, and suddenly the power shuts off – the dryer has tripped the breaker again. This frustrating scenario is typically caused by just a few component failures.

When a dryer continually trips the circuit breaker, your clothes can’t fully dry and something clearly needs repair. This dryer troubleshooting guide from Fix4U Repairs will cover how to diagnose and fix the common causes of dryers tripping breakers.

What Causes a Dryer to Keep Tripping the Breaker?

These are the most likely culprits for dryers tripping breakers:

Overloaded Circuit

If too many appliances share the circuit, the dryer’s power draw may overload and trip the breaker.

Short Circuit 

If wires inside the dryer touch or insulation fails, it can create a short drawing of high amps and trip the breaker.

Faulty Heating Element

A partially broken heating element that contacts the housing can short, instantly tripping the breaker.

Damaged Power Cord

Fraying or exposed wires in a damaged power cord can touch, causing a short that trips the breaker.

Bad Thermal Fuse

If the thermal fuse blows, it cuts all power to the dryer to protect from overheating fires.

Defective Motor

If the motor is damaged, it will draw significantly more current and trip the breaker.

Loose Electrical Connections

Heat and vibration can loosen internal wires over time, causing resistance and shorts.

How to Diagnose Why a Dryer Trips the Breaker

Start basic dryer troubleshooting with these steps:

• Make sure the dryer is on a dedicated circuit, not overloaded with other appliances.
• Thoroughly inspect power cord for damage or fraying. Test cord wire continuity.
• Check for loose internal connections that may be arcing. Tighten any loose screws or lugs.
• Assess the heating element for visible cracks. Test it for continuity/shorts.
• Verify proper resistance across motor windings.
• Examine thermal fuse continuity with a multimeter.

How to Repair a Dryer That Trips Breakers

Once the issue is identified, make these fixes:

Replace Damaged Power Cord

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the strain relief holding cord.
2. Cut off the old power cord near the rear of the dryer.
3. Feed new cord through strain relief and attach wires.

Replace Heating Element

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel to access the element.
2. Disconnect element wires, remove screws, and slide out elements.
3. Install replacement elements, reconnect wires, and secure screws.

Replace Thermal Fuse

1. Locate thermal fuse housing near the vent duct.
2. Detach bad fuse and install replacement, securing tightly.

Tighten Loose Connections

1. Unplug dryer and open rear access panel.
2. Inspect terminal block and component connections for loose wires.
3. Tighten any loose screw lugs or connectors securely.

Preventing Future Dryer Tripping Issues

Practice these maintenance tips:

• Make sure the dryer is on a dedicated, properly rated circuit.
• Periodically inspect power cord for damage or fraying.
• Keep the dryer area clear to avoid cord damage from furniture or activity.
• Have an appliance technician service dryer annually.

Don’t tolerate circuit breaker nuisance tripping while drying clothes. The Fix4U Repairs team has the training to diagnose and remedy any dryer tripping the breaker. Contact us at (647) 363-5205!