Quick answer
An electric dryer that keeps tripping its breaker usually has a heating element shorting to the cabinet, a burned or loose power cord or terminal block, a motor drawing too much current, or a worn breaker. Note when it trips: at start points to the motor or cord; after heat comes on points to the element. Unplug the dryer and look at the cord and terminal block for scorching. Do not keep resetting it. Angi puts typical dryer repairs at $100–$430. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
An electric dryer runs on a 240-volt, 30-amp circuit. When the breaker trips, it is cutting power because more current flowed than the circuit should carry, or current found a path to ground.
When It Trips Tells You a Lot
| When it trips | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| The moment you press Start | Motor, cord or terminal block |
| When the heat comes on | Heating element shorted |
| Partway through a cycle | Element, motor overheating, or a weak breaker |
| Only on high heat | Element |
| Even with the dryer unplugged from it | The circuit or breaker, not the dryer |
Check It Safely
- 1Stop resetting it. A breaker that trips again and again is protecting the wiring.
- 2Unplug the dryer and look at the back. Remove the terminal block cover: scorch marks, melted plastic or loose screws mean the cord or block needs replacing.
- 3Try an air-only or no-heat cycle. If that runs without tripping, the heating element is the likely cause.
- 4Look at the breaker. An old double-pole breaker can weaken; an electrician can test it.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Safety
A burning smell, scorch marks or a hot outlet mean stop using the dryer until it is repaired. See dryer smells like burning.
What a Repair Costs
Angi puts typical dryer repairs at $100–$430. An element or cord is a common repair in that range. See dryer repair.
The Call
Call when it trips at start or on heat, or you see scorching at the cord. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dryer keep tripping the breaker?
A heating element shorting out, a damaged cord or terminal block, a motor drawing too much current, or a worn breaker.
Is it safe to keep resetting the breaker for my dryer?
NoA breaker trips to stop overheating wiring. Repeated trips mean a fault that should be found first.
Can a clogged vent trip a dryer breaker?
Not usually directly, but it makes the dryer run hot and longer, which can stress a weak element or breaker.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.