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HomeRepair HelpGibson Dryer RepairGibson Dryer tripping breaker Repair
Gibson Dryer tripping breaker
If your dryer is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely cause is a weak or failing breaker that can trip under normal load, so start by checking the home panel and, if needed, have an electrician replace the breaker. Next, a shorted heating element or heating element assembly often shorts to the heater housing and will pull enough current to trip the breaker; test each terminal to the case with a multimeter and replace the element if it shows continuity to ground. Faulty power cord connections or a damaged power cord are another common cause—look for loose, burnt, or melted terminals at the terminal block and replace the cord or block if needed. Less commonly, a drive motor with shorted windings can trip the breaker, so test the motor for continuity issues. On RepairClinic.com you can enter your dryer model number to find the exact replacement heating element, power cord, drive motor, or terminal block that fits your machine, plus guides and parts to get the repair done right.
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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 - Gibson 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 faulty heating element cause a dryer to trip the breaker?
Could the power cord or terminal block be causing the breaker to trip?
How do I test the drive motor and heating element with a multimeter?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?
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