GE Oven Keeps Tripping Breaker? Here’s Why and How to Fix it

An overload or a short circuit usually causes a GE oven to trip the breaker. To fix it:

• Turn off the oven and reset the breaker.
• If the problem persists, unplug the oven and check the wiring and heating elements for damage or lose connections.
• Replace or repair any damaged components, and call an electrician if necessary.

You might be worried about your GE oven tripping continually. It greatly bothers me as a working mom who bakes by the side. But when I consider the potential disaster if this feature wasn’t present, I see it as a good thing. Why? According to The Spruce, circuit breakers are designed to trip when the current exceeds its limit to protect the electrical system from overheating, which could result in a fire. From this, you can see that the continuous tripping breaker often helps prevent any disaster from happening.

However, because breaker tripping can cause damage to the electrical circuit and compromise both the electrical system and the appliance, it is important that you resolve it immediately. I’ll tell you how to do that in this article and advise when you should seek professional assistance. Let’s dive in!

How to Troubleshoot a Tripped Circuit Breaker

You’ve seen the many causes of a tripped circuit breaker. But how can you find out the exact cause? That’s where troubleshooting comes in. Here are some ways to do that.

Note: Always exercise caution when working with electrical appliances and circuits. Call a professional electrician if you’re unsure about any troubleshooting steps or uncomfortable working with electrical components.

Most Common Causes of GE Oven Continuously Tripping Breaker

In this section, you’ll learn some of the most common causes of a tripping GE oven and how to fix them.

Wrong Size Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers have an indicated amount of current that flows through a given point every second. Most household circuits have breakers with a 15 to 20-amp rating. GE oven breakers’ ratings vary depending on the circuit voltage requirements:

1.30 amp (or higher) circuit breaker for electrical ranges and ovens with a 208/240-volt requirement

2. 15–20 amp circuit breaker for gas ranges and ovens with a 120-volt requirement

If your oven breaker has an amp rating lower than required, it will keep tripping, with the risk of damaging the circuit and the appliance.

How To Fix

The right GE oven breaker size should be ensured at installation. The installer should strictly follow the instructions provided in the model’s installation manual on the breaker size.

Note that circuit breakers usually handle 80% of their total amperage, which means a 30-amp breaker provides a 28-amp electrical charge.

If the amp rating indicated on your GE oven circuit breaker is lower than specified in the installation instructions, call the installer or a professional electrician to fix the installation mistake.

Shorted Heating Element

A power surge to the oven heating elements can cause them to fall out. An oven heating element may also short out against the sheath of the surface unit. Whatever the case, the circuit breaker will trip to protect the circuit and appliance from damage. 

A shorted heating element will likely show signs of damage, such as breakages and blisters, and must be replaced.

How to Fix

To fix a shorted GE oven heating element, you must replace the parts. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Disconnect power to the range/oven.
2. Remove the racks from inside the oven.
3. Remove the shorted-out oven element by unscrewing it from the oven wall.
4. Disconnect the heating element’s electrical wires and pull out the element.
5. Reconnect the wires to the new element. Ensure you order the right one designed for your model.
6. Screw the new element to the oven wall. Your new heating element should work without causing harm to the breaker unless the appliance or circuit has other issues. Call a professional electrician or oven technician for a more precise service if the latter is the case.

Issues with the House Wiring

If your circuit breaker is the right size for the range or wall oven and the heating elements are sound, then the next possible cause for a breaker tripping over and over is bad house wiring. 

How To Fix

By cycling power to the oven, you can determine if the house wiring has faults. If the breaker trips immediately after the oven is turned on again, then you should suspect house wiring issues.

A trained electrician should resolve electrical wiring issues. Do not attempt to troubleshoot electrical wire issues on your own, as this can be very dangerous.

Should an electrician rule out issues with the house wiring, your GE appliance could have other non-manifesting faults. Call a GE oven repair technician to service the appliance thoroughly.

Overloaded Circuit

What this means is that the electrical demand exceeds the capacity of the circuit. This then leads to a tripped breaker. It happens when too many appliances are running on the same circuit simultaneously. For example, the breaker will trip if you use your GE oven while the microwave, dishwasher, and toaster also run on the same circuit. To solve this problem, you can upgrade the circuit or use fewer appliances simultaneously.

Malfunctioning Temperature Sensor

A faulty temperature sensor can cause the oven to overheat or underheat, leading to a tripped breaker. This is because the sensor regulates the temperature in the oven. If it is not working properly, it can send incorrect signals to the oven, causing it to heat up beyond its capacity. This can lead to a tripped breaker. To solve this issue, you may need to replace the temperature sensor.

Corroded or Damaged Electrical Contacts

When electrical contacts are eroded, it can cause resistance and heat, leading to a tripped breaker. What can you do to tackle this problem? First, you can clean or replace the corroded contacts. This can be done by disconnecting the power supply and carefully removing the contacts. It may be best to replace them if they are heavily corroded. Once new contacts are in place, the power supply can be reconnected, and the oven can be tested to ensure it functions properly.

Faulty Door Switch or Interlock

If the door switch or interlock is faulty, it can cause the oven to malfunction and trip the breaker. For example, the oven won’t turn on if the switch doesn’t activate when the door is closed. To fix this issue, you can check the switch or interlock for damage or wear and tear. If necessary, it can be replaced.

In conclusion, if your GE oven keeps tripping the breaker, it’s important to know the potential causes and how to fix the problem. By following the troubleshooting tips, you can safely get your oven back up and running and avoid the frustration and inconvenience of constantly tripping breakers. Always prioritize safety when dealing with electrical appliances, and feel free to seek professional help if you need clarification on any aspect of the repair process.

Steve Rajeckas

Steve Rajeckas is an HVAC hobbyist with an avid interest in learning innovative ways to keep rooms, buildings, and everything else at the optimal temperature. When he’s not working on new posts for Temperature Master, he can be found reading books or exploring the outdoors.