LG dryer nP means No Power to the heater—the dryer receives 120V (motor/display work) but not full 240V for heating. Reset the circuit breaker completely (flip OFF for 10 seconds, then ON) and check the power cord connection. If nP persists, the outlet or wiring may need electrician inspection.
| Error Code | nP |
|---|---|
| Meaning | No current detected at heater—partial power supply |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Time to Fix | 15-30 minutes |
| Tools Needed | Flashlight, Multimeter (optional) |
| DIY Fixable | Yes |
| Official Source | LG Support |
The nP code indicates your LG electric dryer is receiving partial power—enough for the motor and control panel (120V) but not enough for the heating element (240V). This is a home electrical issue, not a dryer malfunction.
This code applies ONLY to electric dryers (DLE/DLEX series).
Electrical Safety Warning
240V electricity can be lethal. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical systems:
- Have a licensed electrician diagnose the issue
- Do not attempt to repair outlet wiring yourself
- Never touch exposed wires with power on
How 240V Dryer Power Works
Electric dryers require 240V to operate the heating element:
- 240V = Full power (two 120V “legs” working together)
- 120V = Half power (only one leg working)
When only one leg is functioning:
- Display powers on
- Drum spins
- Heating element does NOT heat
- nP code appears 5-20 minutes into cycle
Common Causes
- Partially tripped circuit breaker (most common)
- Loose power cord connection at outlet
- Worn or damaged dryer outlet
- Faulty terminal block wiring inside dryer
- One leg of house wiring has failed
Step-by-Step Fix
Step 1: Reset the Circuit Breaker
Even if the breaker appears ON, it may be partially tripped:
- Locate your electrical panel
- Find the 30-amp double breaker for the dryer (two breakers linked together)
- Flip it completely OFF (push firmly to OFF position)
- Wait 10 seconds
- Flip back ON
- Test the dryer
A partially tripped breaker may look “on” but only provide 120V. A full reset often resolves the issue.
Step 2: Check Power Cord Connection
- Pull dryer away from wall (unplug first if possible)
- Check the power cord is fully inserted into the outlet
- Remove and reinsert the plug firmly
- Check plug prongs for damage or corrosion
- Check outlet face for burn marks or damage
Dryer outlets can wear out over time, causing loose connections. If the plug feels loose in the outlet or wiggles easily, the outlet may need replacement by an electrician.
Step 3: Check Terminal Block Wiring
If the power cord was recently installed or the dryer was moved, wiring may be incorrect:
- Unplug the dryer
- Remove the access panel covering the terminal block (usually on the back)
- Verify wiring matches this configuration:
| Wire Color | Terminal Position |
|---|---|
| White | Center |
| Black | Left |
| Red | Right |
| Green (if 4-wire) | Ground |
- Ensure all connections are tight
- Reassemble and test
Step 4: Test Outlet Voltage (Advanced)
If you have a multimeter:
- Set to AC voltage (240V range)
- Insert probes into the two angled slots (hot terminals)
- Reading should be 240V ± 10V
- Test each hot to neutral—each should read 120V
If one hot reads 0V or significantly less than 120V, there’s a wiring problem requiring an electrician.
What If One Breaker Keeps Tripping?
If the breaker trips repeatedly:
- Heating element may be shorted (dryer issue)
- Circuit is overloaded (too many appliances)
- Breaker is failing (electrical panel issue)
This requires professional diagnosis—don’t keep resetting a breaker that trips repeatedly.
Electric vs Gas Dryers
| Electric | Gas | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 240V, 30-amp | 120V, 15-amp |
| nP code | Yes | No |
| Heat source | Electric element | Gas burner |
| No heat code | nP | gAS/9A5 |
Gas dryers don’t display nP because they only need 120V. If your gas dryer isn’t heating, see LG Gas Dryer gAS/9A5 Error.
Model Coverage
nP applies only to:
LG Electric Dryers: DLE and DLEX series
Does NOT apply to:
- Gas dryers (DLG/DLGX)—use 120V only
- Heat pump dryers (DLHC)—use 120V only
When to Call an Electrician
Contact a licensed electrician if:
- Breaker reset doesn’t resolve the issue
- Outlet shows burn marks or damage
- Plug doesn’t fit snugly in outlet
- You measure incorrect voltage at outlet
- Breaker trips repeatedly
- You’re uncomfortable working with electrical components
Never attempt to repair outlet wiring without proper training.
When to Call a Dryer Tech
If electrical supply is verified good (240V confirmed) but nP persists:
- Heating element may have failed
- Internal wiring may be damaged
- Control board may have an issue
Typical repair costs:
- Electrician outlet repair: $100-200
- Heating element replacement: $150-300
- Terminal block repair: $75-150
Sources
For official LG support: