If you’re like me you’ve experienced the frustration of trying to do a load of laundry only to find that your dryer keeps tripping the breaker.
It’s an annoying problem and one that can be difficult to diagnose and fix.
But don’t worry it’s not an impossible task.
It’s just a matter of understanding the problem and taking the right steps to correct it.
So let’s take a look at some of the reasons why your dryer might be tripping the breaker and what you can do to fix it.
Possible Causes
The most likely cause of a tripping breaker is an overloaded circuit.
This means that too much electricity is flowing through the circuit causing it to shut off.
This can happen when you have a lot of appliances running on the same circuit or if something is wrong with the wiring.
Another possible cause might be a problem with the dryer itself.
It could be that the motor is faulty or the heating element is damaged.
This could cause the dryer to draw too much power and trip the breaker.
Identifying the Problem
The first step in addressing the issue is to identify the cause.
If you suspect it’s an overloaded circuit try unplugging some of the other appliances and running the dryer again.
If it still trips the breaker then it’s likely a problem with the dryer itself.
If you find that it’s the dryer then you’ll need to open it up and take a look at the wiring and components.
If you can’t identify the problem yourself then it’s best to call in a professional.
A Common Cause of Breaker Tripping
One of the most common causes of this problem is a faulty element in the dryer.
The element is what heats the air that is circulated in the dryer to dry your clothes.
If it’s not working correctly it can cause an excessive amount of electricity to be drawn which can overload the circuit and cause the breaker to trip.
Check the Venting
Another potential cause of your dryer tripping the breaker is a clogged or blocked venting system.
This can cause the air to not be able to circulate properly leading to an overload of electricity being drawn.
Make sure that the venting is free of lint and other obstructions before attempting to reset the breaker.
Faulty Wiring
It’s also possible that the wiring in your dryer is not working correctly.
If this is the case then it’s likely that the breaker will trip as soon as you attempt to turn the dryer on.
This is a more serious problem so if you suspect this is the cause you should contact a professional electrician to have it fixed.
Unplugging the Dryer
If you’re still having problems with your dryer tripping the breaker then it’s a good idea to unplug it for a few hours.
This will allow the electricity in the circuit to reset and should help fix the problem.
Take Action
Once you’ve identified the cause it’s time to take action.
If it’s an overloaded circuit then you’ll need to upgrade the wiring or call an electrician to install a new circuit for the dryer.
If it’s a problem with the dryer then you’ll need to either repair it or replace it.
Replacing the dryer is usually the most cost-effective option but it may be worth it to have it repaired if the problem isn’t too serious.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating when your dryer trips the breaker but it doesn’t have to be.
If you understand the problem and take the right steps to fix it you’ll be able to get your dryer back up and running in no time.