It can be very frustrating when you’re cooking, and your KitchenAid range or other brand keeps tripping the circuit breaker. This sudden stop often means there is an electrical problem with your appliance or the electrical system. The heating elements in ranges use a lot of electricity, which can sometimes cause the breaker to trip. However, if your range keeps tripping the breaker a lot, it’s something to worry about. Let’s look at some common reasons for this issue and how to fix them.
Common Causes of Electrical Trips in Kitchen Ranges
Finding out why your range keeps tripping the breaker means looking at the potential causes. Some of the most common ones are:
- Circuit Overload: Your kitchen range uses a lot of power, especially when you use multiple burners or the oven together. If other appliances share the same circuit, it can cause an overload and trip the breaker.
- Faulty Range Components: If a heating element is broken, internal wires are damaged, or if the thermostat is not working right, it can cause electrical shorts and ground faults, which will trip the breaker.
- Short Circuit: A short circuit can happen when a hot wire touches a neutral wire or a grounded part. This creates a path for the electricity that is too easy, causing a surge and tripping the breaker.
- Ground Fault: Ground faults occur when a hot wire touches a grounded surface or ground wire. This situation can be very dangerous, especially if there is water nearby, and often causes the breaker to trip right away.
It is important to find out the exact reason for these breaker trips to know the right steps to take.
Preparing to Troubleshoot Your Range
Before you start troubleshooting, safety is very important. First, turn off the breaker that controls your range. This will remove the risk of electrical shock while you check things. If you are unsure which breaker it is, turn off the main breaker to cut power to the whole house. This will help keep you safe during troubleshooting.
Next, gather the tools you’ll need. Get a multimeter to test electrical parts and a screwdriver to access range parts if needed. Also, find your range’s user manual or a wiring diagram, if you have one. These will give you helpful information about your model and make the process easier.
Identifying Your Range’s Electrical Requirements
Every electrical appliance comes with specific electrical requirements, and your range is no exception. These requirements dictate the amount of voltage and amperage the appliance needs for safe and efficient operation. Mismatches between these requirements and your electrical system can result in breaker trips.
| Range Type | Voltage | Amperage |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Electric Range | 240V | 40A-50A |
| Small Electric Range | 120V | 20A-30A |
If you’re unsure about your range’s requirements or if your electrical system can handle them, consult with a qualified electrician to ensure everything aligns with safety standards.
Step-by-step Guide to Diagnose and Fix the Issue
Now that you have made safety a priority and collected important information, let’s go through a simple guide to figure out why your range keeps tripping the breaker. Electrical troubleshooting can be risky if you aren’t sure about what to do. Always put your safety first. If you have any doubts, call a licensed electrician for help.
These steps will assist you in finding out the main issue. It could be something easy, like an overloaded circuit, or it might be a more complex problem that needs a professional’s help.
Step 1: Inspect the Range for Visible Damage
With the range unplugged, start by checking for any signs of damage. Look closely at the power cord and plug. Find any frayed wires, burn marks, melted plastic, or other visible issues. Damage to the power cord can cause short circuits and ground faults, so it’s important to change it if you see defects.
Next, check the rangetop for damage, paying attention to the area around the heating elements. Look for cracks, blisters, or discoloration on the surface. Burn marks near the terminals where the heating elements connect to the wiring can also indicate a possible short circuit. If your range uses a coil burner, make sure all the coils are secure and clear of debris that might cause a short circuit.
This visual inspection only shows obvious damage. If the breaker trips right after you reset it, even when the range is unplugged, the issue is likely with the electrical system, not the range. You should then call a qualified electrician.
Step 2: Test the Circuit Breaker for Faults
If you do not see any damage to the range or its cord, the problem may be with the circuit breaker. Over time, breakers can become weak and trip easily, even when everything is normal. To test the breaker, you will need a multimeter, which is a tool that checks electrical properties.
First, turn off the power to the range circuit. Set the multimeter to measure resistance, called ohms. With the breaker in the “off” position, place one probe of the multimeter on the breaker’s screw terminal and the other on a ground screw. You should get an infinite reading, which means there is no continuity. Then, switch the breaker to the “on” position; the multimeter should display zero or very low resistance. If the readings are different, the breaker might be bad and needs to be replaced.
Keep in mind that working with electricity can be risky if you lack experience or knowledge. Testing the breaker with a multimeter might seem simple, but it’s always safer to call a qualified electrician if you feel unsure at any point. They can properly diagnose and repair the issue.
Step 3: Check for Overloaded Circuits and Resolve
If your range and circuit breaker seem to work well, but there is a problem, it might be due to an overloaded circuit that causes circuit breaker trips. This often happens when you use several high-wattage appliances at the same time on the same circuit as your range. To check, unplug all other appliances on that circuit, including microwaves, toasters, or electric kettles.
After you unplug everything, reset the breaker and use your range again. If it works without tripping the breaker, then you likely have an overloaded circuit. You can fix this in a few ways. First, try to be careful with how you use your appliances. Avoid running several high-wattage devices on the same circuit at once.
Another option is to plug some appliances into outlets on different circuits. But if you can’t avoid using them at the same time or change which circuit they are on, you might need to upgrade your electrical system. This could involve adding a dedicated circuit for your range or increasing the amperage of the current circuit. It’s best to have a qualified electrician do this work.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to understand why your range keeps tripping the breaker. This knowledge keeps your home safe. You can stop future issues by following the troubleshooting guide and making sure your electrical system matches your range’s needs. Always put safety first when dealing with electrical problems. If you face difficulties or have questions, it’s best to ask us at KitchenAid Appliance Repair Professionals for help. For more tips on appliance troubleshooting, visit our comprehensive blog about What You Need to Know on Your Electric Range Not Heating for more guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call a professional to fix the issue or can I attempt to resolve it myself?
If you have a tripping breaker, think about how comfortable you are with electrical work. Simple solutions, like resetting the breaker or changing a broken appliance, can be done by yourself. However, if you are not sure or if the problem keeps happening, it is better to call a professional electrician for help.
Are there any preventative measures I can take to avoid my range from tripping the breaker in the future?
Avoid using a lot of high-powered appliances on the same circuit as your range at the same time. Make sure your range is well cared for. If you see any damage to the appliance or its cord, fix it right away.
How do I know if the problem lies with the range itself or the electrical system in my home?
If the breaker trips when the range is unplugged, the issue is probably with your home’s electrical system. If it only trips when the range is being used, then the appliance might be the problem.