If your Crosley dryer is tripping the breaker, start with the most likely causes and work down the list: a weak or worn circuit breaker is common and can trip even when the dryer isn’t drawing excess amperage, so have an electrician check or replace the breaker if you’ve ruled out the appliance. Next check the heating element and heating element assembly for shorts to the metal housing by testing each terminal to the case with a multimeter; a shorted element often trips the breaker. Inspect the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, and shut off power before you touch anything; damaged cord terminals or a loose connection will overheat and trip the breaker. Finally, a failing drive motor with internal winding shorts can also cause trips. If you need parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, power cord, 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 - Crosley 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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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.
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06 - Crosley 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.