Has your clothes dryer been mysteriously tripping the circuit breaker lately, leaving your laundry wet and you scratching your head? You’re not alone. There are often explainable reasons why breakers flip that has more to do with normal dryer wear and tear than any serious faults.
This article explores the most common culprits behind temperamental circuit breakers, like overloaded circuits, lint buildup, and worn parts. We’ll explain how to diagnose the issue and make basic repairs so you can get your dryer happily humming again.
What is a Circuit Breaker?
A circuit breaker is a very important safety device found in the electrical panel box in your home. Did you ever wonder what it does and why it is there?
Circuit breakers are designed to help protect our homes from electrical fires or shocks. Electricity can travel very fast, and a breaker helps ‘break’ or stop the flow of electricity if too much power goes through the wires. This helps keep us safe.
| Function | Details |
| Monitor power usage | Breakers continuously watch how much electricity is being used on each circuit. |
| Trip if overloaded | If a circuit tries to use too much power, the breaker will ‘trip’ or shut it off automatically. |
| Click to reset | When tripped, you just need to flick the breaker switch backward to ‘reset’ it and restart the power flow. |
| Color-coded | Breakers are usually labeled to match the room or devices on each circuit. |
Does this help explain what breakers do and why they are important? Let me know if you have any other questions!
How Does a Dryer Work?
A clothes dryer has several main parts that work together to dry your wet clothes. Here is a simple overview:
- Drum – This is where your clothes spin and tumble to dry. Most drums are made of metal or plastic.
- Motor – An electric motor turns the drum to tumble and fluff your clothes. Larger motors dry faster.
- Heating system – Dryers use electricity to power a heating element made of metal coils. The heat warms and dries the air blown through your clothes. A thermal fuse protects the heating system from overheating.
- Thermostat – This monitors the temperature inside the dryer drum and turns the heating element on and off to keep the right heat level.
- Lint filter – A thin mesh screen collects lint and keeps it from escaping the dryer and clogging vents. Clean it after every load.
Common Causes of Dryer Tripping Breaker
Now that we know how breakers and dryers work let’s look at some of the most common reasons a breaker might trip when you use your dryer. Don’t worry – often, the problems have simple solutions!
Overloaded Circuit
A circuit can only handle so much electricity before it hits its limit. Too many devices plugged in at once can overload it. Have you ever noticed your dryer takes longer lately? That’s a sign too many things may be on that circuit.
We need to free up space on the circuit for just the dryer. Unplug anything you’re not using from nearby outlets. It’s also best that dryers have their own circuit instead of sharing with other things. Does your dryer share an outlet with anything else? That’s a quick fix – call an electrician to add a new dedicated outlet. With just the dryer using it, the breaker won’t trip as easily.
Electrical Short
Bare wiring or damaged cords can cause electricity to escape where it’s not supposed to. This is called a short. You may see sparks or the dryer getting very hot in spots during use. Carefully inspect cords for cracks or fraying, especially near outlets. Also, check inside the dryer cabinet for any bare wires. Cover or fix problems right away to prevent fires. A professional can also test for any hidden electrical issues.
Faulty Wiring
Cracked insulation around wires, loose connections, or wires cracked with age can disrupt electricity flow and cause issues. Sometimes, you just can’t see them. The dryer may heat unevenly or stop working occasionally. A pro can check all wiring is installed correctly and up to code, tighten loose spots, and fix or replace damaged wires so it run smoothly again.
Clogged Dryer Vent
For a dryer to work well, hot air and lint must flow freely out of the machine. But over time, that lint can build up in the vent tube behind your dryer or outside the home. When this happens, hot air has trouble escaping, which causes the dryer to work harder than it should. This extra strain on the motor and heating element can trip the breaker.
To clean the vent, you’ll need a dryer vent brush or vacuum attachment. Start by disconnecting the vent tube from the back of the dryer. Use the brush to scrub away lint buildup inside the tube and where it connects to the dryer. Also, check the vent opening on your outside wall and clean it as needed. Do this cleaning at least once per year or more often for high use. A clear vent means happy drying!
Defective Components
Like any machine, dryer parts can wear out over time. Common trouble spots are the belt that turns the drum, heating element coils, and thermal fuse. The fuse protects wiring from extreme heat. If replaced, make sure to get the right specifications. Watch for other problems like a drum that’s hard to turn or uneven heating. A service person can test components using tools and special training to pinpoint issues. Replacing broken or faulty dryer parts helps reliability.
Preventive Measures
Taking good care of your dryer is important to help it last as long as possible. Here are some maintenance tips and things to check to help keep it running smoothly:
Regular Maintenance Tips
It’s recommended to clean the lint filter after each use. Lint build up is dangerous and can cause problems over time.
Once a month, gently clean around the drum with a soft brush to remove any lint residue inside. Wipe down the outside of the machine, too.
Also, swap positions of wet and dry clothes partway through each cycle. This helps distribute wear and promotes more even drying.
Some other periodic tasks include vacuuming out lint in the vent and ductwork, cleaning the lint screen area, and lubricating moving parts with special dryer lubricant if your model needs it. Regular care keeps everything flowing.
Read more: Tips for Caring for Your Dryer | Clothes Dryer Maintenance
Proper Installation
When setting up a new dryer, is it level and stable? Are gas lines secure if gas is used? Electric wiring and vents also need inspecting. A professional can ensure it’s installed safely per codes.
Correct connections and ventilation are important for performance and preventing issues like overloaded circuits. Does your dryer vent outside with a smooth, short duct system? All these details matter.
When to Call a Professional
Most dryer problems have fairly simple DIY fixes. But sometimes, it’s important to call in reinforcements. Here are some signs it’s time to contact a skilled technician:
Signs You Need Professional Help
- The problem keeps coming back even after cleaning/fixing. This may point to something needing closer inspection.
- You notice cracked or broken parts inside the dryer. Replacing electrical components needs care.
- The dryer blows a fuse or trips the breaker immediately after replacement. A pro can trace wiring issues.
- Your vent is blocked outside, where you can’t access it safely. Blockages must be cleared.
- The machine heats unevenly, shows unusual smells/noises, or won’t start at all. internal problems are likely.
- You’re unsure about gas dryer issues for safety reasons. Gas requires more expertise.
- Warranty coverage from the manufacturer applies to professional diagnoses or repairs.
A pro has the right tools and certifications to thoroughly evaluate and properly repair all systems. When in doubt, they can ensure your dryer is safe to operate again.
Choosing the Right Professional
Look for technicians certified by professional associations with appliance repair training. Ask for references from others they’ve helped. Reputable electricians and appliance repair shops will come to inspect the problem and provide estimates upfront so there are no surprises. An honest assessment from an expert can give peace of mind.
Conclusion
We covered a lot in learning about circuit breakers, how dryers work, common issues that cause breaker trips, maintenance, and when to call a technician. To quickly review some key points:
- Breakers automatically shut off power to protect devices and wiring from overloads or shorts.
- Dryers rely on heating components, drums, motors, and proper ventilation to dry clothes effectively.
- Common breaker trip culprits include overloaded circuits, loose wires, lint buildup, and worn parts like heating coils.
- Regular cleaning and basic safety checks go far in keeping appliances running reliably.
- Professional help is best for serious problems or ensuring correct installation for new purchases.
With some simple maintenance and fixes, most issues are easy to manage. Don’t forget to show your dryer some TLC – it works hard for you!