Caple Electrical Short or Earth Leakage

Dryer trips the household circuit breaker or RCD when started.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Shorted heating element to chassis, Damaged mains cable, Moisture ingress in wiring or motor, Faulty suppression capacitor or filter

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset the breaker. Unplug the dryer and keep it disconnected until the fault is found. Risk of electric shock and fire.

  • Visual inspection: Check the mains cable and plug for damage or burns. Replace if faulty.
  • Inspect heater and wiring: Remove the rear panel and look for signs of arcing or burnt insulation around the heater and wiring.
  • Insulation test (for professionals): Use an insulation tester to check for leakage between live parts and earth. Replace any component (heater, motor, filter) that shows low insulation resistance.
  • Dry out moisture: If the dryer has been exposed to water, allow it to dry completely in a warm, ventilated area before retesting. If tripping continues, seek professional service.
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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Heating Element
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