Tumble Dryer Tripping The Electrics

What is this?

Tumble dryers are high-power appliances that generate significant heat. When a dryer trips the electrics, it is typically because the heating element has degraded, the motor is faulty, or lint buildup is causing overheating and insulation breakdown. Condenser dryers and heat pump dryers can also develop faults in their water collection systems that lead to earth leakage.

Common causes

• Heating element has cracked or degraded, leaking current to earth
• Lint buildup around the element or motor causing overheating and tracking
• Motor insulation has broken down due to age or overheating
• Thermal fuse or thermostat has failed
• Condenser unit has a water leak reaching electrical components

Is it dangerous?

Tumble dryers are one of the most common causes of domestic fires in the UK. A dryer that trips the electrics may have a fault that could lead to overheating and fire. Do not continue using a dryer that trips — unplug it and have it inspected. Lint buildup combined with electrical faults is a particularly dangerous combination.

Can I fix it myself?

Clean the lint filter thoroughly — a blocked filter causes overheating. Check the vent hose (on vented models) is not blocked or kinked. Clean any accessible lint from inside the machine. If the dryer still trips after cleaning, the fault is internal and needs professional repair. Register your dryer with the manufacturer to receive safety recall notices.

When to call an electrician

Call an electrician if you believe the fault is in the socket or circuit rather than the dryer. If the socket is hot or discoloured, the problem may be a loose connection in the fixed wiring. For internal dryer faults, contact an appliance repair engineer. Given the fire risk with dryers, do not delay getting the fault investigated.

What will an electrician do?

Typical cost