Digital Old Smokey electric smoker display shows E8 and the unit shuts down shortly after starting, often accompanied by a tripped household breaker or GFCI.

Safety first: Unplug the smoker immediately. Do not reset a tripped breaker repeatedly without finding and correcting the fault. Risk of shock and fire.

Steps to locate a ground fault or short:

• 1. Inspect the power cord: Check the entire length of the Old Smokey power cord for cuts, crushed sections, or melted insulation. Replace the cord set if any damage is found.
• 2. Examine the heating element: Remove the chip pan and drip pan. Look for cracks in the element sheath, burn marks, or points where the element may be touching the metal smoker body.
• 3. Test element to ground: With the smoker unplugged, disconnect the wires from the heating element. Using a multimeter on the highest resistance setting, measure between each element terminal and the smoker chassis. The reading should be infinite (no continuity). Any measurable resistance indicates a ground fault and the element must be replaced.
• 4. Check internal wiring: Remove the lower or rear access panel. Inspect all wires from the power cord to the control board and from the board to the element and sensor. Look for spots where insulation has rubbed through against sharp metal edges.
• 5. Dry out moisture: If you see condensation or water inside the wiring compartment, dry thoroughly and identify the source of the leak. Do not operate until all components are completely dry.
• 6. Replace damaged components: Install a new OEM heating element if it is shorted to ground. Replace any damaged wiring with high-temperature, appropriately rated wire and secure it with proper clips or grommets.
• 7. Test on a GFCI outlet: After repairs, plug the smoker into a GFCI-protected outlet and run a short test. If E8 or breaker trips recur, discontinue use and seek professional service.

Note: Ground faults are serious safety issues. If you are not experienced with electrical testing, have a qualified technician perform these checks.