Old Smokey electric smoker trips the household breaker or GFCI as soon as it is turned on.

Safety first: Do not repeatedly reset a tripped breaker. Unplug the smoker and leave it unplugged until the fault is found and corrected.

Steps to find the cause of breaker tripping:

• 1. Inspect the power cord and plug: Look for cuts, melted areas, or exposed copper. Replace the cord if any damage is found.
• 2. Check for moisture: If the smoker has been stored outdoors or used in rain, remove access panels and look for water inside. Dry thoroughly before further testing.
• 3. Examine the heating element: Look for cracks or spots where the element touches the smoker body. Test for continuity between each element terminal and the chassis; any reading other than infinite resistance indicates a ground fault.
• 4. Inspect internal wiring: Follow all wires from the cord to the control and element. Look for insulation rubbed through at sharp edges or where wires pass through holes without grommets. Repair or replace damaged wiring.
• 5. Test on a different circuit: After repairs, plug the smoker into a different known-good circuit to rule out a weak breaker.

Warning: If you are not comfortable performing electrical tests, have a qualified technician inspect the smoker. Ground faults can cause serious shock hazards.