Smoker trips the household circuit breaker or GFCI when heating starts.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker and do not reset the breaker repeatedly without finding the cause.

• Inspect power cord: Look for cuts, crushed sections, or melted areas. Replace the cord if any damage is found.
• Check element for ground fault: With the smoker unplugged, disconnect the heating element wires. Measure resistance from each element terminal to the metal cabinet. Any low resistance indicates a ground fault and the element must be replaced.
• Dry the unit: If the smoker has been stored outdoors or exposed to rain, allow it to dry completely for 24–48 hours in a dry area. Remove the control housing cover and gently dry any visible moisture.
• Inspect chip tray heater: Disconnect the chip tray heater and test for shorts to ground in the same way as the main element.
• Use proper circuit: Ensure the smoker is on a dedicated circuit with the correct amperage rating and avoid using GFCI outlets unless required by code, as some smokers can nuisance-trip sensitive GFCIs.