Why Does My Planer Keep Tripping The Breaker?

Why does my planer keep tripping the breaker?

The reason your planer keeps tripping the breaker is because of a malfunctioning circuit breaker, damaged power cords, and a malfunctioning switch. Another reason your planer keeps tripping the breaker is a failed armature and worn-out carbon brushes.

 

 

Malfunctioning circuit breaker

The circuit breaker prevents the planer from overloading when engaged in its function. A circuit breaker not working properly in the planer will cause the circuit breaker that controls the power source to trip. You will need to replace your circuit breaker if it is old and can’t generate electricity anymore. In addition, if it is not maintained, it will eventually become worn out.

Note: Either circuit breakers or fuses protect the many electrical circuits in your home. The aperture of the electrical panel or fuse box should be accessible and not be blocked by shelves, storage, or furniture.

 

Damaged power cords

A damaged power cord will certainly cause the power source’s circuit breaker to trip repeatedly, posing a threat to public safety and fire risk. Conduct a thorough inspection of your power cord, looking for any cuts, frays, burn marks, exposed wires, and anything else that might be cause for concern.

 

Malfunctioning switch

If your home has a history of poor renovations or electrical rerouting performed by an untrained contractor, the wirings in your home may be in jeopardy. It is time to take off the cover panel on top of your switch box so that you may check on the condition of your switch once it is exposed. In today’s typical home, a circuit breaker that can trip is not very frequent.

However, if your switch is leaning on the side of the grounded box where it is installed, this is a warning sign that something is wrong. When a switch is in the wrong position, the switch pole screw will lie against the switch box, resulting in a short between the runner and the switch box. This will cause the fuse to blow whenever the lights are turned off.

 

A failed armature

The only part of the planer that moves is the armature, which also happens to be the part that produces electricity. The armature is encircled by the field and is composed of wire windings. These windings have the potential to malfunction for a variety of causes, which would result in your planer tripping the breaker.

 

Worn-out carbon brushes

Your carbon brushes wear out because they ride on a commutator and provide power. The carbon brushes can produce other symptoms and cause the power source to trip if they are damaged in any way or if they get extremely worn.

 

How to fix a planer that keeps tripping the breaker?

You can fix a planer that keeps tripping the breaker by reinstalling carbon brushes, reinstalling a new power cord, and replacing switches. Another way you can fix a planer that keeps tripping the breaker is by replacing the armature.

Note: Before you use any of these methods, ensure you refer to your owner’s manual.

 

Reinstalling carbon brush

Carbon brushes are essential because they prevent the power supply from tripping. If the carbon brushes get broken or very worn, they can cause your planer to trip the breaker. Here is to fix;

1. Take off the brush caps on either side of the planer and pull out the brushes.
2. Remove the cap with a screwdriver.
3. Remove the old brush.
4. Remove the brush on the other side.
5. Align the new brush with the brush holder.
6. Insert the brush into the brush holder.
7. Put the cap on the brush to keep it safe. (Be careful not to tighten the brush cap too much because it might break.)
8. Do this again with the next brush.
9. Put the chip guide back in place to finish.

 

Reinstalling a new power cord

If your power cord is damaged, your planer will keep tripping the breaker, and when this happens, it is vital that you reinstall a new one. Here is how to fix it;

1. To install a new power cord, you’ll need to take apart the side and gearbox cover.
2. Remove the chain and sprockets by removing the rings that keep them in place.
3. You need to take the belt off the rollers and remove any spacers you may have used.
4. To remove the belt from your model, loosen the tension on the belt’s tensioner.
5. If your machine lacks a tensioner, you can remove the belt by turning the pulleys by hand while prying the belt off with a screwdriver.
6. Remove the planer’s motor casing and the power cable hold-downs.
7. Detach the grounding cables from the motor’s base.
8. Remove the switch from its housing and snap a photo of the wiring so you can reference it later.
9. Separate the wires now.
10. Remove the strain relief from the old cord.
11. Put the strain relief on top of the wires.
12. Cut the new wires to the right length using the old cord to measure.
13. Take about a quarter of an inch of insulation off each wire.
14. Twist the wires.
15. Slide the eyelet onto the wire and crimp it into place.
16. Put the switch’s wires back in place. The black wire is on the switch side, and the white wire is on the opposite side.
17. Put the field wires back where they should be.
18. Put the strain relief in the right place on the housing.
19. Use the cord clamp to hold the cord in place.
20. Before putting the motor back on the planer, reconnect the ground wires under the motor.
21. Tighten the motor into place, and then reconnect the hold-downs for the power cables.
22. Put the belt back on and tighten it to keep it in place. For models without tensioners, start the belt around the smaller pulley and then use a screwdriver to pry it slightly over the larger pulley.
23. Turn the pulleys by hand.
24. Put any spacers on the feed rollers back on.
25. Reassemble the sprockets inside the chain and put them on the feed roller shafts one at a time, ensuring the keyways line up.
26. Slide them back and put the retaining rings back on once they are on the shafts.
27. Install the gearbox and the side covers.

 

Replacing switches

Bad switches in a planer need to be changed to prevent your planer from tripping the breaker. Here is how to fix it;

1. Using a screwdriver, take off the side cover from the top handle.
2. Note down where each of the wires is.
3. Remove the wires from the switch.
4. Remove the old switch from its case.
5. Use a screw to hold the black wire in place.
6. Secure the wire from the field.
7. Transfer the wires from the old switch to the new switch
8. Connect the white wire and the second field wire.
9. Reinstall the top handle cover.

 

Replacing the armature

The armature makes the motor work and is the only part that moves. Once the armature is faulty, your planer will trip the breaker. Here is how you can fix it;

1. First, take off the side covers and the cover for the gearbox.
2. Remove the rings holding the sprockets and chain, then slide them off the shafts.
3. Remove any separators.
4. Remove the bolts that hold the motor housing to the planer and then the hold-downs for the power cables.
5. Lift the motor up and unhook the ground wires from the bottom of it.
6. Set the motor on a bench and remove the brush caps and brushes.
7. Take a picture of the connections between the wires and the switch before disconnecting them.
8. Pull the switch housing away from the motor housing and other wires.
9. Remove the screws on the back cover of the motor and then the retaining ring behind the pulley on the other end of the motor.
10. Use only electrical contact cleaner to clean the armature and wipe it dry.
11. Now, put in the new armature.

 

Why does my planer keep tripping the GFCI outlet?

The reason your planer keeps tripping the GFCI outlet is because of an overloaded circuit, a faulty GFCI outlet, and worn-out insulation. Another reason your planer keeps tripping the GFCI outlet is an electrical fault or an improper installation.

Outlets, like other electrical devices and components, typically fail at some point. The lifespan of GFCI outlets ranges from 25 to 35 years on average. However, this time frame might be extended or shortened depending on how a competent electrician installed the outlets. However, a GFCI outlet that isn’t working properly will trip the safety mechanism for no other reason than the fact that it can’t safely handle electricity.

 

It is recommended that you test your GFCI outlets once a month by pressing the TEST button on the outlet’s face. When it trips, it means that the power outlet is functioning normally. After you have done your test, make sure to press the RESET button.

Note: Even though a GFCI outlet that trips is inconvenient, its purpose is to ensure the user’s safety. A GFCI outlet that trips is generally a positive thing since it protects you from being electrocuted and keeps you from putting yourself in danger. It is unusual for these devices to trip without apparent cause, but it is not impossible. You need to figure out why your planer keeps tripping in the first place, and you can do this by conducting tests on your own or hiring a professional.

 

Why does my planer keep blowing a fuse?

The reason your planer keeps blowing a fuse is because of a short circuit, a faulty arc, and when you install the wrong type of fuse. Another reason your planer keeps blowing a fuse is that moisture builds up in the fuse.

When your planer fuse blow, ensure you turn off the main power switch and cut off all electricity to the fuses. You can unscrew the blown fuses and replace the fuse with a new one. However, when you replace it, and the problem still seems serious, it’s best to consult an expert.

 

Why is my Dewalt planer tripping the breaker?

The reason your Dewalt planer trips the breaker is because your circuit breaker is damaged, worn out bearings, and malfunctioning fields. Another reason your Dewalt planer trips the breaker is a bad switch.

Here is how to fix it;

1. Pull the switch off

• Remove the screws that hold the cover of the switch to the housing.
• Take the cover plate off the switch.
• Remove the screws that hold the switch to the case.
• Pull the switch assembly out of the housing (it is not necessary to disconnect the switch).

 

2. Now remove the breaker.

• Remove the two wires from the breaker with long-nosed pliers.
• Use a wrench to loosen the nut that holds the circuit breaker to the housing and then take it off.
• Remove the circuit breaker of the switch housing with long-nosed pliers.
• Remove the square washer (plate) from the old circuit breaker and put it somewhere safe.

 

3. Install the new breaker

• Take the nut off the end of the new breaker that has threads.
• Take off the plate that shows which way the new breaker is set.
• Put the square washer (plate) on the new breaker.
• Connect the CORD wire to the new breaker’s “line” terminal.
• Connect the SWITCH wire to the new breaker’s “load” terminal.
• Put the new circuit breaker into the switch housing and line up the hole on the top of the housing with the threaded stem on the circuit breaker. (You might need long-nosed pliers to put the circuit breaker in the right place from inside the housing.)
• Screw the indicator plate on the new circuit breaker’s threaded stem.
• Use the nut to hold the new circuit breaker in place.

 

4. Put the switch back in place.

• Put the switch into the case (and carefully tuck the switch wires into the housing).
• Use the screws to hold the switch in place.
• Put the cover plate on the switch.
• Use the screws to hold the switch cover plate in place.