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HomeRepair HelpJC Penney Dryer RepairJC Penney Dryer tripping breaker Repair
JC Penney Dryer tripping breaker
If your JC Penney dryer is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely problem is a weak or failing breaker that can trip even when the dryer is drawing normal current. After that, the next common causes are a heating element or heating element assembly that has shorted to the heater housing; use a multimeter to check each terminal for continuity to the case and replace the element or assembly if it shows continuity. Also inspect the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, since bad cord terminals or a damaged terminal block can overheat the circuit and cause repeated trips. Less commonly, a drive motor with shorted windings can also trip the breaker. Always shut off power before you test or inspect wiring, and if the dryer components check out, have an electrician evaluate or replace the breaker. 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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?
Can a shorted heating element cause a dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I test the heating element or drive motor with a multimeter?
Could the power cord or terminal block make my dryer trip the breaker?
How do I enter my model number to find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?
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