Dehumidifier Keeps Tripping the Breaker or GFCI? Causes and Fixes

A dehumidifier trips a breaker because it draws too much current on a shared circuit, has a short, or has an internal wiring fault. It trips a GFCI when current leaks to ground, often through moisture in the cord, plug or outlet. Unplug it, check the cord, try another circuit, and call an electrician if it still trips.

Basements are damp, so the problem and the cause tend to meet in the same room. Work through the checks below in order.

Common causes

• Overloaded circuit. A dehumidifier plus a freezer, a sump pump or a space heater on one circuit can pass the limit.
• Damaged cord or plug. Cuts, kinks or a hot plug can cause a short or ground fault.
• Moisture at the plug or outlet. Damp basements make this common.
• Internal fault. A failing compressor or fan motor can draw too much current or leak to ground.
• A worn GFCI or breaker. Old devices can trip too easily.

How to fix it

1. Unplug the unit and reset the breaker or GFCI. If it will not reset with nothing plugged in, the breaker, GFCI or wiring is the problem. Call an electrician.
2. Dry the plug, cord and outlet with a cloth. Check for damage.
3. Move other loads off the circuit and plug the dehumidifier in alone.
4. Plug straight into the wall. Avoid thin extension cords.
5. Try another circuit or a different outlet. If it runs fine, the first circuit was overloaded or the outlet is at fault.
6. Let it rest. If it trips only after running for a while, the motor may be overheating. Clean the filter and coils and make sure the air can flow.

For running cost, see the running cost of a dehumidifier. If the whole house feels damp, humidity with the AC on may be the bigger issue.

When to call a professional

• It trips the moment you plug it in on any circuit: the unit has a fault, so stop using it.
• The GFCI trips with nothing plugged in.
• The outlet is wet, warm or discolored.
• The cord is damaged.

A shared GFCI can trip from combined small leaks, as explained in our GFCI fridge guide.

What not to do

• Do not bypass a GFCI in a damp basement.
• Do not use a damaged cord.
• Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips immediately.
• Do not stand in water to unplug or reset anything.

Bottom line

Check the cord, dry the outlet, run the unit alone on a circuit and test another circuit. If it still trips, the dehumidifier or the wiring has a fault and needs a professional.