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Shifftali · Aug 30, 2016, 04:08 PM

I have a 30 amp electric dryer with an eight gauge wire running to a 40 amp circuit breaker. As my dryer keeps stopping midcycle and I've narrowed down the problem to a bad breaker, how should I proceed in changing the breaker? Should I put in a 30 amp breaker with an 8 gauge wire?

ma0641 · Aug 30, 2016, 04:45 PM

How did you determine it is the breaker? What would you accomplish by putting in a 30, 8 is rated for 40.

Shifftali · Aug 30, 2016, 07:18 PM

1) I determined it was the breaker by thorough process of elimination 2) I don't know what I'd accomplish by putting in a thirty - except that the dryer instruction calls for a thirty amp breaker but I currently have a 40 breaker with 8 gauge - and I was just wondering if it's better to stick with their instructions -- i.e. is it unsafe to keep a forty/8 wire ? Or is more amps OK to have even it'll only pull 30 amp.

hfcarson · Aug 31, 2016, 05:22 AM

Would you clarify for us what exactly is happening?
When the dryer stops midcycle as you say, does the circuit breaker trip?
Or does the dryer just stop...?

Missouri Bound · Aug 31, 2016, 07:37 AM

Follow the dryer manufactures specifications. But changing the breaker won't fix your problem. Even if it is the breaker tripping, a breaker of lesser value will most likely trip more often. You need to troubleshoot the dryer first. Does the dryer restart?
Does the breaker trip? What is more likely is that the dryer is overheating and that is what is stopping it. You need to provide more information if you want more complete and helpful answers.

Shifftali · Aug 31, 2016, 08:51 AM

The dryer is six months new. I opened it, cleaned out the vent and all areas, ensured that the motor runs smooth, I tested the thermal fuse, and the dryer keeps shutting off mid cycle. The terminal block is also OK. Any other ideas?after researching, I was advised to change the breaker, which was warm to the touch upon investigation. This is when I discovered it was a 40 amp circuit breaker despite dryer rec's for 30 amp. SO: if I were to change the breaker-- should I just replace the 40 amp breaker or put in a 30 amp breaker? If I were to replace it with a 30 amp breaker, would it be a problem with the 8 gauge wire that is presently supplying the dryer? Or perhaps I should just replace the existing 40 amp breaker and see what happens.help!

Missouri Bound · Aug 31, 2016, 09:53 AM

If the mfg. specifies a 30 amp breaker then that is what you should use. Using the 8 Ga. wire is absolutely fine, in fact it is advised when the circuit is long.
You may want to shut off the breaker and check the connection to it. If it is getting warm there could be a loose wire at the breaker. If the power to the dryer is compromised that could trigger the dryers actions. Turn off the power, check all wiring connections, including that on the dryer and try again. If the dryer still quits mid cycle it is most likely a dryer problem. Is the circuit direct from panel to dryer or is there a junction box? If there is, check for loose connections there.
Do you have access to an ammeter? That's a sure way to determine if the dryer is drawing too much amperage or if indeed the issue is within the dryer circuit.

Shifftali · Aug 31, 2016, 09:55 AM

Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

If the mfg. specifies a 30 amp breaker then that is what you should use. Using the 8 Ga. wire is absolutely fine, in fact it is advised when the circuit is long.
You may want to shut off the breaker and check the connection to it. If it is getting warm there could be a loose wire at the breaker. If the power to the dryer is compromised that could trigger the dryers actions. Turn off the power, check all wiring connections, including that on the dryer and try again. If the dryer still quits mid cycle it is most likely a dryer problem. Is the circuit direct from panel to dryer or is there a junction box? If there is, check for loose connections there.
Do you have access to an ammeter? That's a sure way to determine if the dryer is drawing too much amperage or if indeed the issue is within the dryer circuit.

OK thanks! I will try this and hopefully it'll work, ill re-post

Shifftali · Aug 31, 2016, 07:38 PM

Originally Posted by Missouri Bound

If the mfg. specifies a 30 amp breaker then that is what you should use. Using the 8 Ga. wire is absolutely fine, in fact it is advised when the circuit is long.
You may want to shut off the breaker and check the connection to it. If it is getting warm there could be a loose wire at the breaker. If the power to the dryer is compromised that could trigger the dryers actions. Turn off the power, check all wiring connections, including that on the dryer and try again. If the dryer still quits mid cycle it is most likely a dryer problem. Is the circuit direct from panel to dryer or is there a junction box? If there is, check for loose connections there.
Do you have access to an ammeter? That's a sure way to determine if the dryer is drawing too much amperage or if indeed the issue is within the dryer circuit.

So I rechecked all of the dryer components, and I swapped out the 40 amp to thirty amp circuit breaker (the 40 amp breaker had one of the screws jammed in and twisted sideways I couldn't even get it out - I had to cut the wire). I ran a load of wet towels on HIGH heat and... it works!!
Thanks for all your help!

Missouri Bound · Aug 31, 2016, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by Shifftali

So I rechecked all of the dryer components, and I swapped out the 40 amp to thirty amp circuit breaker (the 40 amp breaker had one of the screws jammed in and twisted sideways I couldn't even get it out - I had to cut the wire). I ran a load of wet towels on HIGH heat and... it works!!
Thanks for all your help!

I'm glad you got it straightened out.
Troubleshooting is a step by step process that only works when every possible scenario is worked out.