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Samsung Dryer tripping breaker

If your Samsung dryer keeps tripping the breaker, start with the simplest but most common problem: a weakened circuit breaker that trips even when the dryer’s draw is normal, so have an electrician test or replace the breaker first. The next most likely culprits are the heating element or the heating element assembly shorting 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—loose, burnt, or melted power cord connections are a frequent cause of a dryer tripping breaker and are easy to spot once power is shut off. Less often the drive motor can short internally and trip the breaker, which you can confirm with a continuity check on the motor windings. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, power cord, terminal block, drive motor, or other parts that fit 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.
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02 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 - Samsung 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 bad heating element make my dryer trip the breaker?
Could the power cord or terminal block cause the breaker to trip?
Can a failing drive motor trip the circuit breaker?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?

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