If your Speed Queen commercial dryer is tripping the circuit breaker, start with the most likely culprits so you can fix it fast. The breaker itself is often the problem: breakers weaken with age and can trip below their rated load, so have an electrician test or replace it after you rule out the dryer. Next most likely is a shorted heating element or heating element assembly that is contacting the heater housing; use a multimeter to check each terminal for continuity to the case and replace the element if it’s shorted. Faulty power cord connections or a damaged power cord and terminal block are common causes too—look for loose, burnt, or melted terminals and replace the cord or terminal block as needed. Less often, a drive motor with internal winding shorts will trip the breaker and will need replacement. These failures are straightforward to diagnose with basic tools, and RepairClinic carries the parts you’ll need. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to see the exact replacement 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.
Top Solution
02 - Speed Queen Commercial 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.
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
03 - Speed Queen Commercial 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.
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.
Common
06 - Speed Queen Commercial 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.