Dryer Breaker Conundrum

[midlifecrisis]

I have a 12-year-old LG electric dryer. A couple of weeks ago I noticed the breaker was tripped. I reset it and went along with my business. Then my wife pointed out it had done it again, and it happened to me as well. Otherwise, this thing is working like new still.

I had planned on testing the continuity and resistance on the heating element as soon as I had a day with free time. Today, while doing a quick load of clothes for a weekend to trip to CA I noticed the breaker had tripped again, but this time it occurred to me that it had tripped when not in use. it has since done it a couple of times. I check it as soon as it is done with its cycle and there is power still. then come back later to a tripped breaker.

Any thoughts here? It isn't tripping while the unit is in use. I am wondering if it is possibly the breaker that has gone bad. New house (1 year this month). Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[Newdude]

Google says the most common cause is a bad cord or the terminal/connection screws have come lose.

Start there. If it all seems Ok, leave the dryer plug out and see if it still trips.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Thanks. I've checked the cord connections and they are secure. but duh... on unplugging. Me thinks I need a nap. This is why I'm here.

 

[woodyp]

Breakers go bad all by themselves too.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Breakers go bad all by themselves too.

Agree - I've never encountered a new one go bad, not to say it isn't and that is why my mind went that direction, I think. Thank you.

 

[Newdude]

Breakers go bad all by themselves too.

That's my first choice once it happens with the dryer unplugged.

 

[Texas Splash]

Last year the 30 amp breaker to my water heater went bad.

 

[kimkats]

Follow up---------did it still trip unplugged?

 

[Mdragger88]

In this order
#1 check all possible failure points with the dryer.
#2 check the receptacle & connections (w/power off)
#3 then check the breaker/blame the breaker- it should be crisp when you turn it off & on. If it’s floppy at all its weak.
Breakers get weaker with each trip - so you could have problems on both sides.
Something wrong with the dryer or connections that caused the multiple trips & now you have a weak breaker as a result.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Follow up---------did it still trip unplugged?

Will update.. In California for the weekend. Head back tomorrow grab new suitcase from car then off to Florida and then DFW. New episode Thursday.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Breaker was not tripped when I arrived home yesterday. I plugged it in and did a load. it is still fine. I will pull it tomorrow and test the resistance/continuity of the heating element and look for any other signs of an issue.

 

[midlifecrisis]

Update: I finally managed to grab enough time to check this thing out. Pulled the heating element and checked the coil continuity and it well was within spec. The insulators were intact and not grounded. I checked the resistance on the high-limit thermostat and the thermostat. All good. Checked the door/light switch. All good. put it back together, plugged it in, and after several loads it is working just fine. I did buy a new bulb just to feel like I did something.

In the end, I'm okay with the exercise because the heating element on that unit is $250.