If your tumble dryer keeps tripping the electrics, this is not a fault to ignore. Electrical trips are safety systems doing their job. Something inside the machine is drawing too much power, overheating, or shorting.
Unlike mechanical problems, electrical faults can become dangerous if left unresolved.
What tripping actually means
Your fuse board is designed to cut power when it detects abnormal electrical behaviour. This could be excess current, a short circuit, or a grounding issue.
The dryer may trip the fuse as soon as it starts, partway through a cycle, or only when heating begins.
Common causes
- Faulty heating element
- Damaged wiring
- Blown thermal fuse
- Moisture inside electrical components
- Failing motor
- Defective control board
Water ingress is especially common in condenser dryers if internal seals degrade.
Typical UK repair prices
- Heating element replacement: £110 to £190
- Thermal fuse replacement: £50 to £90
- Wiring repair: £70 to £140
- Motor replacement: £160 to £280
- Control board replacement: £160 to £320
- Call-out fee: £40 to £70
Most tripping faults are resolved for £120 to £220.
Why this fault can become expensive
When electrical parts fail, they often damage others. A shorted heater can burn wiring. A blown fuse can mask a deeper problem. Replacing only the obvious part may not solve the underlying issue.
This is why professional diagnosis matters.
Should you keep resetting the fuse
No. Repeated tripping means something is wrong. Each reset risks further damage and potential fire hazards.
If your dryer trips the fuse more than once, stop using it.
Is this type of fault worth fixing
It depends on age and cause. Heating and wiring faults are usually worth repairing. Control board and motor failures on very old dryers may not be.
You can compare options using our Are Tumble Dryers Expensive to Repair guide.
How engineers test tripping faults
Engineers use insulation resistance testing, continuity testing, and load measurements. They isolate each component to find which one is leaking current or overheating.
This is not something that can be reliably diagnosed by trial and error.
Related cost guides
- Tumble Dryer Not Heating. Repair Cost Breakdown
- Burning Smell from Tumble Dryer. Repair Costs
- Tumble Dryer Error Codes and Repair Costs
Final thoughts
Tripping is a safety warning. Ignoring it can be dangerous. Most faults are fixable, but early diagnosis keeps costs down.
You can request free repair quotes on our homepage.