Dehumidifier trips the household breaker or GFCI outlet
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.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Repeated breaker tripping can indicate a serious electrical fault. Do not keep resetting the breaker without inspection.
- Step 1 – Try another outlet: Plug the unit into a different circuit (non-GFCI if allowed by code) to rule out a weak breaker. Do not use extension cords.
- Step 2 – Inspect cord and plug: Look for cuts, burns, or melted areas. If damaged, the cord must be replaced by a qualified technician.
- Step 3 – Check for moisture: Inspect the interior (with power disconnected) for signs of water leaks onto the control board, pump, or wiring.
- Step 4 – Isolate components (advanced): A technician can disconnect the compressor, fan, or pump to identify which component is causing the trip.
When to call a technician: Any suspected short circuit, ground fault, or component replacement involving mains voltage should be handled by a licensed technician.