Tag Archives: HOW TO

Why Is My Appliance Tripping the GFCI Breaker?

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If your refrigerator, range, dishwasher, or another major appliance keeps tripping a breaker, it can feel like something is wrong with the appliance. But in many cases, the issue may be tied to the outlet, breaker, wiring, or GFCI protection in the home, not the appliance itself.

GFCI outlets and breakers are important safety features designed to help protect against electric shock, especially in areas where water and electricity may come into contact. They are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, basements, and other damp or wet areas of the home.

What Is a GFCI Outlet or Breaker?

GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. A GFCI outlet or breaker monitors the electrical current flowing through a circuit. If it senses an imbalance, it quickly shuts off power to help reduce the risk of shock or electrocution.

You may see GFCI protection as:

  • A wall outlet with “Test” and “Reset” buttons
  • A breaker inside your electrical panel
  • A circuit that protects multiple outlets in the same area

These are especially common in rooms where moisture is present, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Why Does a GFCI Breaker Trip?

A breaker trips when it senses something unsafe or unexpected in the electrical circuit. This can happen for several reasons, including:

  1. The circuit is overloaded: Some appliances draw a higher amount of power when starting up or running. If the circuit cannot handle the amount of current being used, the breaker may trip to protect the appliance and wiring.
  2. The appliance needs a dedicated outlet: Major appliances need their own properly rated circuit. If other items are sharing the same circuit, it may cause the breaker to trip more easily, even if only one item is being used at a time.
  3. The outlet or breaker may be wired incorrectly: This can be especially common in new construction or recently remodeled homes. If the outlet, breaker, or circuit was not wired correctly, the GFCI may trip even when the appliance is working normally.
  4. The appliance may be overheating: If the breaker trips after the appliance has been running for a while, heat could be part of the issue. Pay attention to whether the appliance feels unusually hot or if the breaker trips only after extended use.
  5. There may be an electrical short: Short circuits can happen inside an outlet, switch, wiring, or appliance. This is a safety concern and should be reviewed by a qualified professional.

First Things First: Try Resetting the Breaker

Before assuming the appliance needs repair, you can try resetting the breaker.

  1. Locate your electrical panel, which is often in the basement, garage, utility room, or mechanical room.
  2. Find the breaker that has tripped. Some breakers show an orange or red indicator when they are off.
  3. Flip the breaker fully to the “off” position.
  4. Wait a few minutes, then flip it back to “on.”
  5. Test the appliance again.

For safety, stand to the side of the electrical panel while resetting the breaker rather than directly in front of it. If the breaker trips again right away, stop using the appliance and contact a licensed electrician or appliance service professional.

Refrigerator Tripping the GFCI Breaker

Refrigerators can sometimes trip a GFCI breaker when they first turn on. That’s because the motor inside the refrigerator may need an extra burst of power to get started. Some GFCI breakers are more sensitive and may shut off when that happens.

A few things to pay attention to

If the breaker trips right away
If the breaker trips as soon as the refrigerator starts running, the issue may be with the breaker, the outlet, or how the refrigerator works with that specific GFCI setup.

In some cases, an electrician may recommend a different type or brand of GFCI breaker, or confirm that the outlet is set up correctly for the appliance.

If the refrigerator runs for a while, then trips
If the refrigerator works for a bit and then trips the breaker, there may be an issue with the refrigerator itself. At that point, an appliance service visit may be needed to take a closer look.

Range or Oven Tripping the GFCI Breaker

Ranges and ovens can also trip GFCI breakers, especially in newer homes where electrical safety rules may require more appliances to be connected to GFCI protection.

For a brand-new range or oven, a small amount of moisture from shipping or storage can sometimes cause the breaker to trip during the first few uses. Running the oven or broiler may help dry it out, but if the breaker keeps tripping, it should be checked by a professional.

If your range keeps tripping the breaker, an electrician may need to check whether the appliance is causing the breaker to shut off, or whether the breaker itself is being overly sensitive.

Dishwasher Tripping the GFCI Breaker

Dishwashers are commonly connected to GFCI protection because they use both water and electricity.

If your dishwasher trips the breaker, the cause could be the dishwasher, the outlet, the breaker, or the way the wiring was installed. If the dishwasher is new or the issue keeps happening, it is a good idea to have the outlet and breaker checked before assuming the dishwasher needs repair.

When Is It an Appliance Repair Issue?

A breaker that keeps tripping does not always mean the appliance is broken. In many cases, the first step is making sure the outlet, breaker, and wiring are working the way they should.

You may need appliance service if:

  • The appliance runs for several minutes before the breaker trips
  • The appliance gets unusually hot
  • The breaker trips even when the appliance is plugged into a proper outlet
  • An electrician has already confirmed the outlet and breaker are not the problem
  • The appliance is also having other performance issues

You may need an electrician if:

  • The breaker trips immediately
  • The outlet or breaker was recently installed
  • The home is newer construction
  • The appliance works fine when plugged into a different outlet
  • The outlet feels warm, looks damaged, or seems loose
  • You are not sure whether the appliance has the right type of outlet or circuit

Who to Contact About a GFCI Breaker

If your appliance keeps tripping a GFCI breaker, the breaker manufacturer may be able to help with questions about replacement options or compatibility.

You can also contact:

  • A licensed electrician
  • The appliance manufacturer
  • Warners’ Stellian service support, if the appliance needs to be checked

The Bottom Line

A GFCI breaker that keeps tripping can be frustrating, but it does not always mean your appliance is broken. The issue could be the breaker, the outlet, the wiring, the appliance, or the way they are working together.

Before scheduling an appliance repair, pay attention to when the breaker trips and have the outlet or breaker checked if needed. If the electrical side looks good, Warners’ Stellian can help determine whether an appliance diagnosis is the next step.

HOW TO: solve dishwasher problems on your own

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Dishwasher got your goat? I'll help you tame it.

If your dishwasher isn’t working as well as you would like, that doesn’t necessarily mean it needs service or that it’s a clunker. Maybe you just need to perform some cleaning and/or maintenance. Have I already answered your problem in a previous post?

HOW TO: clean a dishwasher

Dishes not drying

Dishes not clean

Dishwasher leaving white film on glasses

Food residue left on dishes

Dishwashing detergent left in dispenser

Dishwasher won’t drain

Or, if you try all of those and you’re still not satisfied, maybe you’re not using it correctly (see HOW TO:  load your dishwasher properly) or maybe it’s time for a new dishwasher. How long have you had yours versus how long is a dishwasher expected to last?

How To Clean a Dishwasher

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Most of us think of dishwashers as cleaning our dishes, but you should routinely clean your dishwasher, as well (especially if you’ve noticed a change in its performance). We are huge advocates for performing regular maintenance on your appliances, just as you would your car, to maintain the life and get the most out of your investment.)

Dishwasher detergent and food residue might build up over time (especially if you use too much dishwasher soap and pre-rinse your dishes, which can leave white film on dishes). Use the following tips to return your dishwasher to its glory days.

Dishwasher Cleaning Tips

Clean out the filters and scrub the spray arm nozzles with a toothbrush to loosen any food residue clogged inside. Then, the real secret of how to clean dishwashers is hiding in plain sight of your own cupboard: white vinegar.

Fill a cup with vinegar and put it in the top rack of the dishwasher (don’t add any soap to the dishwasher dispenser) and run the dishwasher as normal. Voila!

If you don’t have any vinegar (or the smell grosses you out), our St. Paul Store Manager swears by powdered citric acid in the dishwasher soap dispenser.

What are your best tips for cleaning the dishwasher?

Dishwasher Troubleshooting: Dishwasher Detergent Left in Dispenser

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Few things are more frustrating than when you finally work up the energy to unload the dishwasher, but notice the dishes aren’t quite clean. You investigate a little only to find out the detergent is still chilling in the dishwasher, and thus, never washed your dishes.

If you have experienced this phenomenon far too many times, try these dishwasher troubleshooting tips, adapted from Whirlpool.

Dishwasher Troubleshooting Tips

Was the dispenser cup wet when you added detergent?

If dispenser cup is wet, the detergent can clump. This also means that if there’s still detergent left in the cup, don’t think, “Oh, well now I don’t have to refill it!” Clean it out and start over.

Is the cycle incomplete?

If the previous cycle did not complete, the detergent can become caked in the dispenser cup if it is left sitting in the dishwasher. But this probably isn’t the cause for those with chronic detergent-caking issues. Again, clean the detergent from the cup and start over again.

Is the detergent old?

Older detergent exposed to air will clump and not dissolve well, which will cause the dispenser door to stick to the detergent. Buy new detergent, and this time, keep it in a tightly closed container (i.e. not the box with an open flap) in a cool dry place (i.e. not under your sink right next to the wall where your dishwasher runs hot!).

Is the water temperature too low?

For best washing and drying results, water should be 120oF (49o C) as it enters the dishwasher, so check your water heater setting. I also try to remember to run the kitchen sink until hot water comes out to help this.

Were items blocking the dispenser that kept it from opening?

Items blocking the detergent dispenser will keep it from opening. Make sure water action can reach the dispenser.

Other good (if not obvious) detergent guidelines

  • Use automatic dishwashing detergent only.
  • Add detergents just before starting the cycle.
  • The amount of detergent to use depends on the hardness of your water and the type of detergent.
    • If you use too little, dishes won’t be clean.
    • If you use too much in soft water, glassware will etch.
  • Your manufacturer’s suggested amount is based on standard powdered detergent, so follow instructions on the package when using liquid or concentrated powdered detergent.
  • Water hardness can change over a period of time. Want to find out if you have hard water? Get a free testing kit at any Warners’ Stellian location.

Share your best dishwasher tips in the comments section!

How To Move a Refrigerator

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We have fielded many calls inquiring if it’s OK to put a refrigerator on its side when moving it. Certainly, the manufacturers don’t recommend it. But sometimes it’s necessary, right?

So, when you can’t transport your fridge upright, GE suggests laying your top-freezer refrigerator or bottom-freezer refrigerator on the side opposite the hinges, so the door will remain closed. If you have a side-by-side fridge, place it freezer-side down (that door is less likely to come open).

Black Stainless Steel Samsung Refrigerator

When you bring the fridge inside its new home, keep it unplugged and upright for the same amount of time it spent on its side. If the refrigerator spent more than a day on its side, let it stand for 24 hours before plugging it in.

Also, GE suggests wheeling the refrigerator on its side when using a dolly to avoid damage to the front or rear of the unit.

And please, remove all the racks and cover your beautiful Warners’ Stellian refrigerator with a moving blanket. We love appliances too much so see you damage them on accident.