Electric Tripping Out When Dryer In Use

[Patsy33]

Several times lately, our electrics has tripped out. Not all, usually tv, computers, cooker
Lights still on.
I've noticed it happens every time dryer is in use. I'm sure I could smell like a feint smell of sulphur, when I opened dryer door. Any suggestions what it could be??

[bobbinwales]

what type of dryer is it- vented or condenser. Is filter clean?? Mine has a second filter that needs cleaning every 30 uses

[Patsy33]

Its a beko.
I always clean filter after each use. Where would second filter be??

[andy-hughes]

Sounds like an overload somewhere - that usually causes a trip.

Best get an electrician in - they usually sort this sort of thing out in about five minutes.

[Patsy33]

I only had a small load in earlier. Must admit though, I have been overloading it a times. Thank you both for replying. Will get an electrician out next week.

[bhg481]

Your lights are (or should be) on a completely different circuit from items which are plugged in, so no surprise there.
It sounds very much like a problem with the dryer if that is the common factor. I would expect the dryer to be a 3Kw device so using at the same time as other high-power devices (kettle, dishwasher, washing machine) could just tip the balance.

[Hopkirk]

Is the tumble dryer old?

If so, in the pursuit of safety, replace it. Save on the electrician's charge.

[Patsy33]

That was my first thought, bhg. Hope it is nothing more serious. I always seem to have tons of washing waiting to dry! There's only 3 of us in house...

[Patsy33]

It's about 7 years old, Hopkirk. Plus, my husband doesn't like paying out if he can help it! :-)

[bhg481]

It's not the load in the dryer that's the problem, it's the electrical load on your circuits. The dryer takes the same current however much you put in it; just try to avoid using it at the same time as other high-current appliances. As a first approximation you shouldn't use more than 3 x 2Kw appliances at the same time - that is 26 amps and your circuit will trip at about 30 amps. That leaves a few amps for central heating/fridge etc.

[Patsy33]

Thanks, bhg. I'll try that then. We never had trouble before. So will see.