If your Amana dryer is tripping the breaker or keeps tripping the breaker, start with the obvious: a weakened circuit breaker is the most likely culprit and can trip even when the dryer’s draw is below the breaker’s rating, so have an electrician check or replace it. After that, a heating element or heating element assembly that has shorted to the heater housing is a common cause; use a multimeter to test each element terminal for continuity to the case and replace any element or assembly that shows continuity to ground. Next check the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, since poor connections can overheat and cause the breaker to trip and a damaged cord or terminal block should be replaced. Occasionally a drive motor with internal shorts will trip the breaker, so test the motor windings for continuity. Shut off power before you inspect or test anything, and enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your dryer.
01 - The Circuit Breaker is Weak
Over time, circuit breakers can weaken. If the circuit breaker is weak, it may trip, even if the amperage draw from the dryer is below the breakers limit. If you have already checked all of the potentially defective dryer components, consider having an electrician replace the circuit breaker.
Top Solution
02 - Amana Dryer Heating Element
Sometimes, if the heating element fails, it shorts out against the heater housing, causing the dryer to trip the circuit breaker. To determine if the heating element is at fault, use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case. If the heating element has continuity to the case, it is shorted out. If the heating element is shorted out, replace it.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Sometimes, if the heating element fails, it shorts out against the heater housing, causing the dryer to trip the circuit breaker. To determine if the heating element assembly is shorted out, use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case. If the heating element assembly has continuity to the case, it is shorted out. If the heating element assembly is shorted out, replace it.
If the dryer's power cord wire terminal connections are not secured properly to the terminal block, the terminal block can short out and cause a circuit breaker to trip or a fuse to blow. You should inspect both the terminal block and the power cord terminal connections for damage. If the power cord wire terminals are burnt or melted, you will need to replace the power cord.
Loose or burnt power cord connections can cause restricted current flow, making the circuit breaker overheat and trip. Shut off power to the dryer, then check the power cord connections and receptacle for burnt prongs, wires, or terminals. If the power cord or terminal block is damaged it will need to be replaced.
Common
06 - Amana Dryer Drive Motor
Sometimes, when the drive motor fails, it shorts out internally, causing the dryer to trip the circuit breaker. To determine if the drive motor is at fault, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the motor windings are shorted out, replace the drive motor.