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LG Dryer nP Error Code
No power at heater / missing L2 voltage leg
Applies to: Electric dryer models.
What's going on
The nP code on an LG electric dryer means the dryer is not getting full power to its heater. The drum can still spin, but the heating side of the circuit is missing voltage, so the clothes stay damp. The most common fix is fully resetting the dryer's double circuit breaker, but wiring problems need a professional.
Electric dryers in the US run on a 240-volt circuit. That power comes in on two separate lines, often called legs. The motor and controls can run on just one leg, but the heater needs both legs to work.
When the dryer senses that one leg is missing, it shows nP. That is why the drum may turn and the display may light up while the dryer blows only cool air. The code applies to LG electric dryer models. Gas models do not heat this way. Codes can vary between model generations, so confirm with your model number and owner's manual.
This code matters because it often points to a problem with the home's power supply or the dryer's power connection, not the dryer itself. Loose or damaged electrical connections can overheat, so they should not be ignored.
Likely causes
- household 240V dual-pole circuit breaker — A dryer breaker is two breakers tied together. One half can trip while the handle still looks on, which cuts power to the heater but leaves the drum running.
- terminal block — This is where the power cord connects to the back of the dryer. A loose, burned, or corroded connection there can drop one leg of power.
- power cord — A damaged cord, or one wired wrong when the dryer was installed, can fail to deliver both power legs to the dryer.
The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your dryer's rating plate before ordering parts.
Can you fix it yourself?
Usually a straightforward DIY fix.
Safe things to check first
- Find the dryer's double breaker in your electrical panel. Push the handle firmly all the way to OFF, then back to ON. A half-tripped breaker may not look tripped until you do this.
- After resetting the breaker, wait a few minutes and try a heated dry cycle to see if the code returns.
- With the breaker switched off, make sure the dryer plug is pushed fully into the wall outlet. Do not touch the plug prongs or outlet with the power on.
- With the breaker off, look at the power cord and outlet without opening anything. Scorch marks, melted plastic, a burning smell, or a cut cord mean you should stop and leave the dryer unplugged.
When to call a technician
If a full breaker reset does not clear nP, or if the breaker trips again, call a qualified appliance technician or a licensed electrician. Problems with the terminal block, power cord, outlet wiring, or breaker involve live 240-volt power and should be handled by a professional.
What the repair usually costs
This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.
Repair or replace?
Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.
A typical new dryer costs about $800–$1,200.
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Common questions
- What does nP mean on a LG dryer?
- nP means: No power at heater / missing L2 voltage leg. The most likely parts involved are household 240V dual-pole circuit breaker, terminal block, power cord.
- How much does it cost to fix nP?
- A typical no-power repair (door switch / fuse / control board) costs about $100–$350 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
- Should I repair or replace my dryer?
- Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.
- Can I fix nP myself?
- Usually a straightforward DIY fix.
- Why does my LG dryer spin but not heat with the nP code?
- The motor only needs one leg of the 240-volt supply, but the heater needs both. When one leg is missing, the drum turns and the dryer runs cool, and it shows nP.
- Can I keep using the dryer while it shows nP?
- It is best not to. If you see burn marks, smell burning, or the breaker keeps tripping, turn off the breaker and leave the dryer off until it is checked.