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HomeRepair HelpMontgomery Wards Dryer RepairMontgomery Wards Dryer tripping breaker Repair
Montgomery Wards Dryer tripping breaker
If your dryer keeps tripping the breaker, start with the most likely culprit: a weak or aging circuit breaker that can trip below its rated load. After that, the next things to check are the heating element or heating element assembly, which can short to the heater housing; use a multimeter to check each terminal for continuity to the case. Faulty or loose power cord connections at the terminal block, or a burnt power cord, are also common causes and can overheat the breaker, so shut off power and inspect the cord and terminals for damage. Less often, the drive motor can short internally and trip the breaker. These problems are straightforward to diagnose and fix if you take proper safety steps, and RepairClinic carries the parts you need—heating elements, power cords, motors and more. Enter your dryer model number at RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part for your machine and get step-by-step repair guidance.
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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 - Montgomery Wards 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 circuit breaker?
Can a shorted heating element cause my dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I test the heating element and drive motor with a multimeter?
Could a loose or burnt power cord or terminal block cause the dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I enter my model or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the right replacement part?
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