Symptoms
- GFCI outlet or breaker trips when the hair dryer turns on
- More likely on high heat settings
- Other bathroom devices work fine
Likely causes
- CommonHair dryer's high wattage combined with GFCI sensitivityHair dryers draw a lot of current, and small internal leakage that's normal for the appliance can trip a sensitive GFCI.
- CommonMultiple bathroom fixtures sharing one GFCI or circuitA hair dryer plus another device running at the same time can push things over the edge.
- PossibleA worn or overly sensitive GFCIAging GFCI devices sometimes need replacing even without a true fault.
- PossibleAn aging or slightly damaged hair dryerA dryer nearing the end of its life can develop a small internal leak that trips GFCIs more easily.
What to do
- Try the hair dryer on a lower heat or speed setting.
- Unplug any other devices on that bathroom's outlets before using the dryer.
- Test the same hair dryer on a GFCI outlet in another bathroom or a regular outlet to see if it still trips.
- If it trips on every GFCI you try, the dryer itself may have a fault and should be replaced.
- If only this bathroom's GFCI trips with various dryers, the GFCI device itself may need replacing.
- Have an electrician check the GFCI and circuit if replacing the device doesn't help.
- Avoid running the dryer and another high-draw device, like a curling iron, on the same outlet at once.
Tools and parts
Replacement GFCI outletSearch: “bathroom GFCI outlet 20 amp”
When to call a pro
Call an electrician if the GFCI keeps tripping after testing with a different hair dryer and ruling out other devices on the circuit.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.