Tumble Dryer Tripping Uncontrollably? Here’S Why And How To Fix It!

A malfunctioning tumble dryer can be a major inconvenience, especially when you have a pile of laundry waiting to be dried. One common issue that can cause a tumble dryer to trip is an electrical problem. In this blog post, we will explore the various reasons why a tumble dryer may keep tripping and provide tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the issue.

Electrical Overloading

One of the most common reasons for a tumble dryer to trip is electrical overloading. This occurs when too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit, causing the circuit to draw more current than it can handle. The excess current can cause the circuit breaker or fuse to trip, cutting off power to the tumble dryer.

Solution:

• Check the circuit breaker panel or fuse box to see if the circuit breaker has tripped or the fuse has blown.
• Unplug any unnecessary appliances from the same circuit.
• Reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown fuse.

Faulty Wiring

Another potential cause of electrical tripping is faulty wiring. This could be due to loose connections, damaged wires, or a short circuit. Faulty wiring can create a high resistance path, which can lead to excessive current draw and tripping.

Solution:

• Inspect the electrical wiring of the tumble dryer for any loose connections or damaged wires.
• Tighten any loose connections and replace any damaged wires.
• If you are not comfortable working with electrical wiring, contact a qualified electrician for assistance.

Overheating

Tumble dryers can also trip if they overheat. This can be caused by a clogged lint filter, restricted airflow, or a malfunctioning heating element.

Solution:

• Clean the lint filter thoroughly before each use.
• Check the exhaust vent hose for any blockages or kinks.
• Ensure that the tumble dryer is placed in a well-ventilated area with sufficient airflow.
• Contact a qualified appliance repair technician to inspect the heating element if you suspect it may be malfunctioning.

Moisture Sensor Failure

Some tumble dryers have moisture sensors that detect the moisture level of the clothes and automatically shut off the dryer when the clothes are dry. If the moisture sensor fails, it may not be able to accurately detect the moisture level, causing the dryer to trip prematurely.

Solution:

• Clean the moisture sensor with a soft cloth.
• If cleaning does not resolve the issue, contact a qualified appliance repair technician to replace the moisture sensor.

Motor Problems

A faulty motor can also cause a tumble dryer to trip. This could be due to worn-out brushes, a damaged armature, or a seized bearing.

Solution:

• Contact a qualified appliance repair technician to inspect and repair the motor.
• Depending on the severity of the damage, the motor may need to be replaced.

Door Switch Issues

The door switch is responsible for ensuring that the tumble dryer does not operate when the door is open. If the door switch fails, the dryer may trip when the door is opened or closed.

Solution:

• Inspect the door switch for any damage or loose connections.
• Clean the contacts of the door switch with a soft cloth.
• If cleaning or tightening the connections does not resolve the issue, contact a qualified appliance repair technician to replace the door switch.

Thermostat Malfunction

The thermostat in a tumble dryer regulates the temperature of the drying cycle. If the thermostat malfunctions, it may not be able to accurately detect the temperature, causing the dryer to trip prematurely or overheat.

Solution:

• Contact a qualified appliance repair technician to inspect and replace the thermostat.

Troubleshooting Tips

Before contacting a qualified appliance repair technician, there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try:

• Reset the circuit breaker or replace the blown fuse.
• Clean the lint filter thoroughly.
• Check for any blockages in the exhaust vent hose.
• Ensure that the tumble dryer is placed in a well-ventilated area.
• If the dryer trips repeatedly, unplug it and contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

Summary

Understanding the various reasons why a tumble dryer may keep tripping can help you troubleshoot and fix the issue effectively. By following the troubleshooting tips and solutions provided in this blog post, you can get your tumble dryer back up and running in no time. Remember, electrical issues can be dangerous, so always exercise caution when working with electrical appliances. If you are not comfortable performing the repairs yourself, do not hesitate to contact a qualified appliance repair technician for assistance.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Why does my tumble dryer keep tripping immediately after starting?

• Electrical overloading
• Faulty wiring
• Overheating

Q2: Why does my tumble dryer trip when I open the door?

• Door switch issues

Q3: Why does my tumble dryer trip when it is not in use?

• Faulty wiring
• Moisture sensor failure

Q4: What should I do if my tumble dryer keeps tripping even after I have cleaned the lint filter?

• Check for blockages in the exhaust vent hose.
• Ensure that the tumble dryer is placed in a well-ventilated area.
• Contact a qualified appliance repair technician to inspect the heating element, motor, or thermostat.

Q5: Is it dangerous to use a tumble dryer that keeps tripping?

• Yes, it can be dangerous as it may indicate an electrical problem that could lead to a fire or electrical shock.