main breaker tripping

larsalan · 07-16-2012, 11:27 PM

So I have this breaker box with a 100amp main.
About 2 months ago or so our 220v clothes dryer blew not only the breaker it was on but also another random breaker and the main as well.
Now if I use the dryer it can blow cold air but when it's set for heat it will run about 3-5min and then just blow that main 100amp.

What gives? I would expect the breaker for just the dryer to trip not the main!
What should I do to repair the problem?
Maybe I thought that half that 220v system got messed up and that only 1/2 of the wires are carrying the whole load? I dunno, thanks in advance.

jbfan · 07-17-2012, 07:22 AM

Bad breaker for the dryer or main.
You need to call an electrician.

ben's plumbing · 07-17-2012, 08:18 AM

when the main trips my guess it hot to the touch....... my be bad breaker from dryer,maybe weak main breaker, this is not a diy...call for service...

biggles · 07-17-2012, 08:56 AM

is the dryer the only 220V load on the panel.if you have AC and that isn't tripping the breaker then the dryer elements are shorting out after heating up..the 100 amp might be that sensitive that when the load breaker trips for a split second might sense the over amp and trip out...disconnect the dryer electric and the elements need to be checked..the breakers are doing there job

larsalan · 07-17-2012, 09:28 AM

Well, I'm trying not to call an electrician and I do know how to swap a breaker out. I guess I could start with the 220 breaker. $5 breaker and 1hr of my time is a far more realistic than the electrician.

There's a stove that's 220 as well. That would trip that main too but only if you really pull a load on it with all the burners and the oven on or something. So maybe that points to a problem with the main breaker.

If it's as simple as a new breaker I'll be pleased as punch.

Guess I need a pro to swap the main since there's no good way to be safe around those leads from the street.

jbfan · 07-17-2012, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larsalan

Well, I'm trying not to call an electrician and I do know how to swap a breaker out. I guess I could start with the 220 breaker. $5 breaker and 1hr of my time is a far more realistic than the electrician.

There's a stove that's 220 as well. That would trip that main too but only if you really pull a load on it with all the burners and the oven on or something. So maybe that points to a problem with the main breaker.

If it's as simple as a new breaker I'll be pleased as punch.

If the stove trips the main at times, then changing out the "220" breaker will not change anything!

You have a main breaker issue, but it is your house so don't listen to anyone!

biggles · 07-17-2012, 09:39 AM

check the stove breaker vs the actual total amprage rating on that stove,if an element was shorted in either it would take the breaker right out,for the main to trip the load has to pass thru the dryer or stove breaker and hold...something is wrong there....verify the amperage on both and the amp size of the breakers for each.are the 2 units voltage rated for 220V on those tags check that also..

larsalan · 07-17-2012, 09:41 AM

Yeah, they are like sold as 220 devices not some jerry rigged situation. Also, they had both run just fine for 8 months or more then one day that dryer started throwing the main and it does consistently now.
Prolly need the new main, and find someone to put it in.

bobelectric · 07-17-2012, 10:44 AM

If dryer runs 3-5 min. I wouldn't say the elements are shorting out. Weak breaker or bad connection somewhere.

biggles · 07-17-2012, 11:18 AM

is the dryer and the stove total amps over 100 amps to trip the main...with random stuff running frig...window unit...washer machine???if an electrican comes in have him amp out the wires into the individual breakers on both...breakers are installed to protect the wiring not the loads

bobelectric · 07-17-2012, 11:25 AM

Upgrade service.

ben's plumbing · 07-17-2012, 11:50 AM

bobelectric took the words out of my mouth...what size is service and how old?????my be time to upgrade....before the fire....

Yoyizit · 07-17-2012, 03:27 PM

a 100amp main.

our 220v clothes dryer blew not only the breaker it was on but also another random breaker and the main as well.
>this dryer should pull maybe 25A.
>ideally, as soon as one breaker goes, the rest have no current

it will run about 3-5min and then just blow that main 100amp.
>this means more than 1x rated current and less than 2x rated current for that breaker if it is good

What gives? I would expect the breaker for just the dryer to trip not the main!
>Me too. What do all these breakers have in common? Localized heating due to bad connections?

What should I do to repair the problem?
>Check all currents with a clamp on ammeter. You can also check some of the breakers at 2x or 3x rated current if you know their trip curves.