Symptoms
- Breaker trips shortly after starting a cycle
- Breaker trips specifically when heat kicks in
- Burning smell along with tripped breaker
- Other appliances on the same circuit also lose power
Likely causes
- CommonShorted heating elementA heating element that has broken down internally can short to the cabinet and trip the breaker.
- PossibleDamaged power cord or terminal blockA frayed cord or loose, corroded terminal connection can cause a short.
- PossibleWrong or worn breaker for the dryer's amperageElectric dryers need a dedicated 30-amp double-pole breaker in most cases; an undersized or worn breaker can trip under normal load.
- Less commonFaulty timer or control board shortInternal control components can fail and cause an electrical short.
- Less commonMoisture intrusion into wiring or componentsWater exposure near the dryer's electrical connections can cause shorts.
What to do
- Stop using the dryer if the breaker trips repeatedly and unplug it.
- Inspect the power cord for visible fraying, burn marks, or damage.
- Check that the dryer is on its own dedicated circuit and not sharing with other high-draw appliances.
- Do not repeatedly reset the breaker if it trips instantly each time; this suggests a direct short.
- Have an electrician or appliance technician test the heating element for a short to the chassis using proper equipment.
- Have the terminal block and cord connections inspected for looseness or corrosion.
- Do not attempt to open or test electrical components inside the dryer cabinet yourself if you're not experienced with 240V circuits.
Tools and parts
Dryer power cordSearch: “dryer 4-prong power cord”
When to call a pro
Always have a technician or electrician diagnose repeated breaker trips on a 240V dryer circuit rather than testing it yourself.
Safety
Use caution
A dryer that trips a breaker may have an electrical short; unplug it and avoid repeated resets, and have a qualified technician or electrician diagnose it.