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Why Does My Dryer Trip the 220 Volt Circuit Breaker?

An electric dryer requires a dedicated 30 amp 220 volt circuit. Double check that the circuit breaker is a double or 2-pole circuit breaker and its says ……


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Electrical Question from Roseanna about Circuit Breaker

Received from Roseanna a Homeowner in Fort Wayne, In.

[ad#block]Question: I just moved in 5 weeks ago to this 57yr. old house. If my brand new electric dryer is on a 220 separate line, then why does it trip the circuit breaker when I run a load in it?

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question.
Hi Roseanna – An electric dryer requires a dedicated 30 amp 220 volt circuit. Double check that the circuit breaker is a double or 2-pole circuit breaker and its says 30 amps.  If the circuit appears to be correct then its possible that something happened to the dryer during the move and may require a service technician to troubleshoot the problem. If the circuit is not a 30 amp 220 volt then you will need to have one installed.

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This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Why Does My Dryer Trip the 220 Volt Circuit Breaker?”
  1. Robert Tilton says:

    When I turn my new dryer on, all I get is a faint buzz sound. My circuit breaker is OK. The receptacle appears OK although it has a small chip out of one of the prong outlets. Could the receptacle be faulty. The wiring checks OK. The receptacle reads 240.
    Thanks

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Robert,
    If your reading 240 volts from the receptacle then the circuit should be good. I would also check to see if you have 120 to ground or neutral as well. The other check to make would be to make sure the connections for the cord wiring to the dryer are correct. Click on the dryer at the top of the page to see the dryer cord wiring diagrams.
    Dave