One of the most frustrating problems that can happen with 3D printing enthusiasts is having a 3D printer that keeps shutting off, which can lead to failed prints and wasted time and material.
To fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off you can try checking the power supply, examining the power cable and region voltage and checking the print bed and motherboard for any issues. Replacing the SD card and buying an uninterruptible power supply are other possible solutions.
Keep reading for more information about how to fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off.
How to Fix a 3D Printer That Keeps Shutting Off
These are the main ways to fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off:
Check the power supply
Examine the power cable and region voltage
Check print bed & motherboard wiring
Replace the SD card
Buy an uninterruptible power supply
1. Check the Power Supply
One popular method to fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off is to check the power supply. Make sure that it is securely connected to both the wall outlet and the 3D printer.
That’s because any loose connections can lead to intermittent power loss. You should also verify that the power supply unit (PSU) is functioning correctly.
You can use a multimeter, such as the AstroAI Multimeter Tester 2000 available at Amazon, to check the output voltage of the PSU. If the voltage is not stable or drops significantly, it may need to be replaced.
VERSATILE DIGITAL MULTIMETER - Accurately measures AC/DC Voltage, DC Current, Resistance, and Diode. This Multimeter is a really useful tool for solving industrial and household electrical issues. Suitable for Household Outlets, Fuses, Batteries (including Vehicles), Automotive Circuit Troubleshooting, Charging System, Testing electronics in Cars etc.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One user recommends getting the MEAN WELL PSU if you own an Ender 3 as the stock one is not good and can cause a lot of these issues. He also suggests 3D printing a new support to mount this PSU.
Another user stated that bad power supplies are one of the most popular causes for this kind of issue. He recommends purchasing a new power supply as they are not very expensive.
Check out the video below for a tutorial on how to detect and replace a bad PSU on an Anycubic 3D printer.
2. Examine the Power Cable and Region Voltage
Another way you can try to fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off is to examine the power cable and region voltage. Inspect the cable for any signs of damage, misplaced wires or exposed insulation.
If your 3D printer is connected to a power strip or surge protector, try plugging it directly into a wall outlet. That way you can determine if they are causing the problem.
It’s also important to make sure that you got the right region voltage selected for your region as plugging it on the wrong one may cause the printer to keep shutting off.
One user recommends making sure that the main power cord is firmly home as his cable was not perfect and caused a lot of unexpected shutdowns.
He also suggests flicking the switch for region voltage selection back and forth fully a couple of times as the 3D printer may have problems if the contacts are not fully made.
Another user suggests checking if the outlets in your house are working well as he was experiencing issues with his 3D printer shutting off because one of his outlets had a reversed polarity. After figuring it out, he was able to switch outlets and solve the problem.
Check out the video below for more information on this method.
3. Check Print Bed & Motherboard Wiring
You can also try checking the print bed and motherboard to make sure that all the connections are secure.
Loose or faulty connections between the print bed and the motherboard can cause power interruptions. Tighten any loose connections that you can find and check if the problem continues.
Take a look at the control board for any signs of damage, such as burnt components or loose connections. One user recommends checking for damage to the wires going to the bed as they can be frayed from the constant movement of the bed.
Another user suggests checking if the thermistor wires are properly connected to the motherboard as this was causing his printer to read 0/0 ° temperature and to keep shutting off. He was able to fix his issue by securing the thermistor connection to the motherboard.
Check out the video below with detailed information on how to check your print bed wires.
4. Replace the SD Card
If you are printing with an SD card, then a possible solution to fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off is to replace the SD card.
That’s because a corrupted or broken SD card can cause unexpected shutdowns. If you have the option, you can also try to 3D print without using a SD card to check.
One user suggested using the Wi-Fi adapter to 3D print as he was having problems with his 3D printer shutting off because of a bad SD card. Another user also recommends trying a different and faster SD card as they won’t cause this kind of issue.
Users recommend getting something like the Verbatim 8GB MicroSD Card, which can be found at Amazon for a great price. One user stated that the Cloudisk Micro SD cards are really fast and are perfect to be used in 3D printing.
Check out the video below for detailed information about SD cards and 3D printing.
5. Buy an Uninterruptible Power Supply
Another possible way to fix a 3D printer that keeps shutting off is investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). A UPS provides temporary power during an outage, allowing your printer to continue working until the power is restored.
This can help to prevent sudden shutdowns and potential damage to ongoing prints. You can find a UPS, such as the APC UPS Battery Backup and Surge Protector over at Amazon for great prices and reviews.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
One user stated that the APC UPS is perfect to be used with 3D printers and has saved many long prints he’s made by avoiding any power flicker.
Another user recommends getting a UPS as a way to solve issues with 3D printers that keep shutting off as they can help keep the energy stable.
Check out the video below for more information about this method.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
Reading Time: 6 minutes 
