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Roper Dryer tripping breaker

If your Roper dryer keeps tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely causes are a weak breaker, a heating element or heating element assembly that has shorted to the housing, or faulty power cord and terminal connections that are burning or shorting out. A weak or aging breaker can trip below its rated load, so have an electrician rule that out first. Next suspect the heating element: if a coil has continuity to the case it is shorted and will pull excess current. Check the terminal block and power cord for loose, melted, or burnt connections, since bad cord terminals commonly cause trips. Less often the drive motor winds short and trips the breaker. Use a multimeter to check continuity to chassis on suspect parts and visually inspect cords and terminals before replacing components. Enter your dryer model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, power cord, terminal block, drive motor, or circuit breaker part that fits your machine.

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.
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02 - Roper 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.
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03 - Roper Dryer Heating Element Assembly

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.
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04 - Roper Dryer Power Cord

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.
Highly Likely

05 - Loose or Burnt Power Cord Connections

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 - Roper 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.
Common

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer keep tripping the breaker?
Could a shorted heating element be tripping my dryer breaker?
Can a bad power cord or terminal block cause the dryer to trip the breaker?
My dryer starts then trips the breaker after a few seconds. What should I check first?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?