AE2
LG Dryer
Severity: CriticalWhat Does This Error Mean?
AE2 means the dryer's arc prevention circuit detected a potentially dangerous electrical arc. An arc is a flash of electricity jumping between two conductors — like a tiny bolt of lightning inside the machine. This error means there is a serious electrical safety issue. Stop using the dryer immediately and do not restart it until a technician has inspected it.
Affected Models
- DLGX5501V
- DLEX5500V
- DLE3500W
- DLGX4001W
- LG electric dryers with arc fault detection (2015 and newer)
Common Causes
- Damaged heating element with a wire touching the element housing or casing
- Frayed or burned wiring inside the dryer creating intermittent contact
- Moisture inside the electrical compartment causing electrical arcing
- Loose terminal connection at the heating element or terminal block
- Defective arc fault detection circuit board reporting a false positive
How to Fix It
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Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet immediately. Do not turn it back on for any reason until it has been professionally inspected.
AE2 is not a code you try to reset and ignore. Take it seriously.
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Do a basic visual inspection of the power cord and the area around the dryer for any signs of scorching, burning smell, or discoloration. If you see any, call a technician immediately.
A burning plastic smell or black scorch marks anywhere on the machine mean an arc has already occurred.
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Check the dryer's circuit breaker in your home electrical panel. If the breaker has tripped, reset it only after unplugging the dryer. A tripped breaker is another sign of an electrical fault.
Never reset a breaker repeatedly if it keeps tripping — this indicates a serious fault in the circuit.
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Call LG support at 1-800-243-0000 or a licensed appliance technician. Provide your dryer's model and serial number. AE2 may trigger a safety review or recall check.
Check the CPSC recall database at cpsc.gov with your model number to see if your dryer is subject to any safety recalls.
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Do not use the dryer until it has been cleared by a technician. After repair, ask the technician to confirm the arc prevention circuit passed its self-test before using the machine.
A technician will inspect the heating element, terminal block, and wiring harness as the primary suspects.
When to Call a Professional
AE2 is a safety-critical error that requires professional inspection before the dryer is used again. Electrical arcing inside an appliance is a fire and shock hazard. Do not attempt to diagnose this yourself unless you have professional appliance repair experience. Contact LG support or a licensed appliance technician immediately. Expect $150 to $350 for inspection and repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electrical arc in a dryer?
An arc is when electricity jumps through the air between two conductors. Inside a dryer, this can happen if a wire's insulation has worn through and the bare wire touches the metal casing. Arcs generate intense heat and can ignite nearby lint or plastic insulation. This is why arc fault protection is a required safety feature on modern appliances.
Could AE2 be a false alarm?
It is possible for the arc detection circuit to report a false positive due to a sensor failure. However, you cannot assume it is a false alarm without a professional inspection. The consequences of ignoring a real arc fault are too serious. Always have it checked first.
Is LG responsible for AE2 if my dryer is under warranty?
If the dryer is within the standard 1-year warranty period, LG will cover inspection and repair. For older machines, check if your dryer is subject to any safety recall. LG has issued recalls on some dryer models in the past — always check before paying out of pocket.