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Frigidaire Dryer tripping breaker

If your Frigidaire dryer is tripping the circuit breaker, start with what fails most often and work down the list. A weak or failing home circuit breaker is the top cause and can trip even when the dryer’s draw is normal, so try other high-load appliances on the same circuit and consider having an electrician replace the breaker. Next check the heating element or heating element assembly; a coil that shorts to the heater housing will pull current and trip the breaker, and you can confirm that with a multimeter by testing each terminal for continuity to the case. Inspect the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, because bad cord terminals commonly cause trips. Finally, a drive motor with shorted windings can also cause the breaker to flip. If you need parts, enter your dryer model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement heating element, power cord, motor, or other parts that fit 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 - Frigidaire 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 cause my dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I check the dryer power cord and terminal block for shorts?
Can the dryer drive motor trip the circuit breaker?
How do I find my model number to order the correct replacement part on RepairClinic?

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