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HomeRepair HelpKelvinator Dryer RepairKelvinator Dryer tripping breaker Repair
Kelvinator Dryer tripping breaker
If your Kelvinator dryer is tripping the circuit breaker, the most likely culprits are, in order, a weak circuit breaker, a shorted heating element or heating element assembly, faulty power cord or terminal connections, and less commonly a shorted drive motor. A breaker that has weakened with age can trip even when the dryer’s draw is normal, so have an electrician test or replace the breaker after you rule out appliance faults. The heating element or its assembly can short to the housing; a multimeter test for continuity to the case will confirm a short. Always shut off power before inspecting the power cord and terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, since damaged cord terminals often cause overheating and trips. If motor windings are shorted they will also trip the breaker. If you need replacement parts, enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact heating element, power cord, motor, or other parts that fit your dryer, and use our step-by-step repair guides if you want to do the work yourself.
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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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 - Kelvinator 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?
How do I test the heating element if the dryer trips the breaker?
Can a bad power cord or terminal block cause the dryer to trip the breaker?
Could the drive motor be causing the dryer to trip the breaker?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic to buy the correct replacement?
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