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HomeRepair HelpTappan Dryer RepairTappan Dryer tripping breaker Repair
Tappan Dryer tripping breaker
If your Tappan dryer is tripping the breaker, start by treating the breaker itself as the most likely cause: older breakers weaken and can trip below their rating, so consider having an electrician test or replace the circuit breaker before tearing into the dryer. If the breaker checks out, the next usual suspects are electrical shorts in the heater; a damaged heating element or heating element assembly can short to the heater housing and immediately trip the circuit. Before you touch anything, shut off power at the breaker and use a multimeter to test each heater terminal for continuity to the case. Also inspect the power cord and the terminal block for loose, burnt, or melted connections, since bad cord terminals will overheat and trip the breaker. Less commonly, an internally shorted drive motor will cause the same symptom. If you find a failed element, power cord, terminal block, or motor, replace it with the correct part for your model. Enter your dryer model number on RepairClinic.com to pull up the exact replacement parts and step-by-step guidance for your repair.
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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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.
Top Solution
04 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 is my dryer tripping the circuit breaker?
How can I tell if the heating element is causing the dryer to trip the breaker?
Can a bad power cord or loose connections make the dryer trip the breaker?
Could the drive motor cause the dryer to trip the breaker and how do I test it?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to get the right replacement part?
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