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kurthall · Feb 5, 2007, 11:09 PM

I recently purchased a new dryer (220 v appliance) to replace an older model. The old dryer was connected to the panel via a double-pole breaker except that there was no clip or tie between the poles. I changed the location of the outlet when installing the new dryer, replacing the cable with the correctly rated cable for a 220 circuit.

Now one of the breakers trips every time we try to run the full cycle of the dryer (usually about 2/3 of the way through). This cuts the heat but the electronic controls and the drum motor still have power. There is no perceptible heat build-up in the cable or at the panel when this happens (and I have checked immediately after it trips). Resetting the breaker works and the cycle then finishes normally.

I have purchased the proper replacement breaker (a true double-pole) but I am not sure that this is the right course of action. Could you please provide advice?

Kurt Hall

Peter Kwan · Feb 6, 2007, 12:22 AM

For electrical dryer, you require the following:

1) Cable from the panel must be rated for 30 AMP, i.e. #10 NMD90 copper, 3 conductors+ ground.
2) Outlet box size 4 11/16 X 4 11/16 X 2 1/8 inches
3) Breaker must be 30 AMP each.

Is it possible that your breaker is not 30 AMP rated?

tkrussell · Feb 6, 2007, 03:36 AM

The dryer load should not be more than 5760 watts or 24 amps at 240 volts. If it is more then a larger circuit is needed.

Or the tripping could be caused by heat being created at a loose connection at the breaker, either the screw terminal for the wire, or at the point the breaker plugs into the panel.

Why is there no handle tie on the original breaker? Is is a true two pole just missing the handle? Better to change the breaker out with your new two pole breaker with the handle tie.

kurthall · Feb 6, 2007, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Peter Kwan

For electrical dryer, you require the following:

1) Cable from the panel must be rated for 30 AMP, ie #10 NMD90 copper, 3 conductors+ ground.
2) Outlet box size 4 11/16 X 4 11/16 X 2 1/8 inches
3) Breaker must be 30 AMP each.

Is it possible that your breaker is not 30 AMP rated?

All the above conditions have been met. The two breakers are both 30 amp, although I stated in the Question, they are not tied so can trip independently.

kurthall · Feb 6, 2007, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by tkrussell

The dryer load should not be more than 5760 watts or 24 amps at 240 volts. If it is more then a larger circuit is needed.

Or the tripping could be caused by heat being created at a loose connection at the breaker, either the screw terminal for the wire, or at the point the breaker plugs into the panel.

Why is there no handle tie on the original breaker? Is is a true two pole just missing the handle? Better to change the breaker out with your new two pole breaker with the handle tie.

Thanks for your quick response.

1) I can not detect any heat at the panel or in the cable (not warm to touch) when the trip occurs.
2) I don't think this is a true two pole because there is no evidence of a pin or a connector having been used in the past.
3) Regarding the load; I am quite sure that the dryer load would be rated within the expected range for a 30 amp circuit (it is a brand name purchased new from a reputable appliance retailer). But I will check its specifications just in case.

Tonight I will install the new breaker and then test it; I will post my experience here after that. Thanks again.

Stratmando · Jun 13, 2007, 07:16 PM

I'm currious about breaker
Good advice from above. First, install New 2 pole breaker. Look at Buss where breaker plugs onto, and like all say"loose connections generate heat", and can cause breaker to trip.
If you don't want to buy 2 pole breaker, buy an amprobe, and it will tell you if it is breaker is bad or not, and then buy a new breaker.