What Causes a Dryer to Flip a Breaker?

Faulty Outlets and Switches

• A faulty power outlet or switch can contribute to electrical overheating, which can lead to a dryer's operation causing a breaker to flip. Inspecting the electrical outlet where you plug your dryer in for smoke damage, loose connections and dark marks on the surrounding wall space can help you determine if the outlet is the root cause. An old power switch can also cause the same problem if it controls the flow of power to the dryer's wall outlet. Failing to replace these damaged electrical components can potentially lead to an electrical fire.

Loose Breaker Connections

• Loose breaker connections at the circuit breaker controlling your dryer's wall outlet can lead to circuitry overheating, which can cause the breaker to flip when you're running the appliance. Over time, the damaged circuitry can cause wiring to melt and may lead to a fire. Examine your circuit breaker box for rust on its connecting screws, discoloration of the housing and cracking of the plastic box itself. These are sure signs that your circuit breaker has a heat distribution problem. You should stop running your dryer until you can replace or repair the circuit breaker to avoid further damage to your home wiring.

Cracked Wire Insulation

• Cracked wire insulation leading from your dryer or from the corresponding circuit breaker can cause overheating and lead to a breaker flip. Overheating can also melt the circuit breaker's aluminum conductors while your dryer is in operation, which will cause the breaker to flip to avoid a fire. You may need to replace entire sections of wiring due to damage caused by the cracked insulation. Failing to do so could ruin your circuit breaker and may cause damage to your dryer's electrical components.

Dryer Current Problems

• If your dryer is malfunctioning, it may be drawing too much current for your outlet to manage. This causes the circuit breaker controlling the outlet to flip to avoid a damaging electrical surge. Using a clamp meter to check your dryer's electrical current draw and comparing that figure to the dryer manufacturer's specifications can help you determine if the problem rests with your appliance and not your home's wiring or the circuit breaker.