What Controls the Heat in an Electric Clothes Dryer?

During the drying cycle of an electric clothes dryer, the heat inside the clothes dryer must be controlled so that the clothes may be dried safely, efficiently and adequately.

Electric Clothes Dryer

A thermostat controls the heat in an electric clothes dryer.

Identification

A thermostat is the control switch which determines the level of heat intensityt. It is a
temperature-sensitive device that senses the hot air temperature inside the clothes dryer.

Function

When heat is requested, the line voltage electric heaters become energized.

Significance

If the heaters remain energized throughout the drying cycle, they will overheat and a fire will result within the dryer. Therefore, a thermostat is used to control the heat.

Process

According to Elvet Richardson, an HVAC instructor at Technical Career Institutes in New York City, when the drying temperature reaches the level set by the themostat, the themostat opens, de-energizing the heaters. The drying barrel continues to rotate with the clothes. As the temperature within the dryer drops, it soon reaches the cut-in temperature of the thermostat, which is the lower set point.

Result

The thermostat closes and the heaters are energized, maintaining the temperature. This pattern continues throughout the drying cycle. At the end of the cycle, a timer shuts off the dryer.

References

• "GoodHousekeeping"