Tumble dryer tripping the electrics: what to do now
Stop using it
If your tumble dryer trips the electrics, stop using it and don’t keep resetting the switch. Switch it off and unplug it only if that’s safe; otherwise leave the circuit off. Never run a dryer from an extension lead. A tripping dryer needs a qualified engineer. Check whether your model has been recalled.
Also covers: tumble dryer tripping RCD · tumble dryer blowing fuse.
What to do now
- You smell burning, see smoke or scorch marks, or the appliance trips your electrics. Stop using it, and switch it off at the wall only if it is safe to reach. Otherwise switch off at the consumer unit.
- Another appliance doesn’t work in the same socket, or the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling. Stop and call a registered electrician.
- The manufacturer says not to use the appliance with this fault. Leave it switched off and unplugged until it has been repaired.
Switch the appliance off safely and don’t use it
- If it is safe to reach and the plug and socket look and feel normal, switch off at the wall and unplug.
- If the plug or socket is hot, scorched or crackling, or there is water around it, don’t touch it. Switch off at the consumer unit instead.
- Don’t use the appliance again until it has been checked by the manufacturer or a qualified engineer.
Don’t: Don’t keep resetting a consumer unit switch that trips again.
Check whether your model has been recalled
- Find the model and serial number on the appliance’s rating label. Your manual shows where it is.
- Search the GOV.UK product safety alerts, reports and recalls register and the manufacturer’s own recall pages for your model.
- Register your appliance with the manufacturer so they can contact you about future recalls.
Why it happens
- An electrical fault inside the dryer
- An overloaded extension lead, socket or household circuit
Finding the cause means opening up the tumble dryer, which is a job for the manufacturer or a qualified engineer. Read our safety information.
Related problems
- Tumble dryer burning smellIf your tumble dryer smells of burning, stop it and unplug it straight away if the plug…
- Tumble dryer won’t startA tumble dryer that won’t start usually has no power at the socket, a door that isn’t…
More tumble dryer problems and codes, or use the fault finder.
Sources
- Electrical Safety First: Tumble dryers usage and safety Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Fire prevention tips Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
- GOV.UK (OPSS): Product safety alerts, reports and recalls UK regulator · checked 11 October 2026
- AEG UK: Washing machine emits a burning smell Manufacturer UK · checked 11 October 2026
- Electrical Safety First: Washing machines usage and safety Safety charity · checked 11 October 2026
Last checked against these sources: .
We write every page in our own words from manufacturer guidance and check it against the sources above. If your manual says something different, follow your manual. How we check.