You recently bought an electric smoker but it keeps shutting off. Then, you found that it was tripping the circuit breaker. So now you’re wondering, ‘why is my electric smoker tripping the breaker?’
An electric smoker can trip its connected circuit breaker because of different underlying concerns. These issues range from ground faults to malfunctions within the appliance’s features.
Continue reading to know a solution to this frequent circuit breaker tripping issue. Also, you’ll learn other relevant information about electric smokers and their breakers in this post.
Table of Contents
Why My Electric Smoker Keeps Tripping Breaker?
Your electric smoker tripping GFCI or standard breakers often means it has underlying issues. Some of these possible concerns are:
1. Ground Fault
A ground fault typically occurs when electricity doesn’t follow the designated circuit. Instead, it follows an unrestricted path along the ground (as the name implies).
A connected GFCI circuit breaker should be able to prevent serious harm to the electric smoker and the circuit by tripping. But it also means that the appliance will shut off frequently.
This issue usually happens if the smoker and circuit are in a relatively damp area, such as near swimming pools. Moving the assembly may solve this issue.
2. Overload
Electric smokers often need dedicated outlets and circuit breakers. Adding more electronics to the setup than needed can cause the breaker to overload. This type of incident can happen regardless of the breaker being GFCI or a standard model.
3. Faulty Smoker
Sometimes, the circuit or circuit breaker isn’t at fault for the blowing fuse incidents. The problem is the smoker itself. Electric smokers, particularly those left outdoors without protection, can be susceptible to harm from moisture buildup.
Wet smokers can lead to further problems, such as corrosion and rust accumulation. These issues can ruin the smoker’s serviceability, which may encourage its connected breaker to trip.
How Do I Stop My Electric Smoker From Tripping the Breaker?
Perhaps you’re using an old or low-quality GFCI circuit breaker, which might make the electric smoker trip the circuit frequently. If so, replacing the breaker may help solve this concern.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to replace your GFCI circuit breaker for your electric smoker:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Turn off the main breaker.
- Step 2: Attach the ground wire of the new GFCI to the ground terminal of the bus bar.
- Step 3: Connect the neutral wire from the GFCI breaker to the neutral terminal of the bus bar.
- Step 4: The black wire should connect to the power terminal.
- Step 5: Secure the wires by tightening their screws with a screwdriver.
- Step 6: Snap the GFCI breaker into the correct mount.
- Step 7: Turn on the main and GFCI circuit breakers to check if the problems with your electric smoker persist.
What to Do If Masterbuilt Smoker Keeps Tripping Breaker?
First, consult your owner’s manual to identify and verify the reason your Masterbuilt electric smoker keeps tripping the breaker. Also, the exact repair process might be different depending on which Masterbuilt smoker model you own.
Still, here’s a quick preview of a possible solution to fix an electric smoker from Masterbuilt:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Turn off the smoker or disconnect it from the mains.
- Step 2: Open the front panel to expose the heating coil.
- Step 3: Heat the front portion of the coil with a blow torch for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Restore power to the appliance and check if the issues persist.
How Do I Reset My Electric Smoker?
Many electric smokers have reset buttons that allow you to restore their settings to their original configurations. However, the location of the reset button is often different depending on the unit’s brand and model.
For example, Smart Chef’s electric smokers usually have their reset buttons labeled as a start/stop button. Press and hold this button for at least 10 seconds to reset the unit.
On the other hand, electric grills and smokers from Pit Boss may not have reset buttons. Instead, you might only need to unplug the appliance for at least 30 minutes. Then, plug the device in again to check if the encountered issue still exists.
Frequently Asked Question
How Do You Check The Heating Element On An Electric Smoker?
If you need to complete a heating element replacement operation on your electric smoker, you may have to check this assembly first. Do this procedure by following these steps:
- Step-by-Step Guide:
- Step 1: Unscrew and remove the heating element from the smoker.
- Step 2: Put the voltmeter probes on the heating element terminals. Check for electrical resistance.
- Step 3: Lay the voltmeter’s probes on one of the terminals of the heating element. Then, place the other probe on an area of the heating coil.
- Step 4: Continue replacing the heating element if the voltmeter finds an electric current from step 3.
What Are Masterbuilt Smoker Error Codes?
If you have a Masterbuilt electric smoker with a built-in display, it should show error codes if it encounters malfunctions. The error codes that indicate electric smoker problems in Masterbuilt units include the following:
- Err 1: Temperature probe plugged in incorrectly.
- Err 2: Faulty meat probe.
- Err 3: Overheating.
- Err 4: Charcoal failed to ignite.
- Err 5: Probe temperature over 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
At this point, you should now have an idea of how to answer the question, ‘why is my electric smoker tripping the breaker?’ Remember to troubleshoot the appliance first before making any repairs.
Also, if your electric smoker has a built-in display, take note of the error code on the screen. Consult your owner’s manual to identify the cause of the malfunction and proceed with the appropriate countermeasures.
I am Andrew Wright. With 8 years of experience designing, installing, and maintaining electrical power systems. I love my job, and I have always wanted to offer others the necessary help so they can take care of their houses.