How to Test a Clothes Dryer Fuse
If you open your clothes dryer to find garments still wet after a complete cycle, the heat source to this appliance is clearly not functioning properly. A tiny fuse known as a thermal fuse could be the source of the problem. This fuse is sensitive to heat and will blow if the dryer overheats, causing the dryer to stop completely or not heat. Fortunately, a relatively simple test can be conducted to determine if the thermal fuse is working. Use a small device known as a multimeter. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Unplug the dryer or turn off the breaker for the dryer. Open the back cover panel, removing the screws with the screwdriver. Locate the dryer's thermal fuse, which is about an inch in length and often embedded in black resin and mounted on the exhaust duct.
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Locate the wires connecting the thermal fuse to the dryer by way of a metal slip, typically in a white plastic housing. Make a note of which wire goes to each connector. Apply a pair of needle-nose pliers to the connectors. Tug the connectors on the metal slip to remove the wires.
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Place the multimeter on the "R x 1" setting. Touch the two multimeter probes simultaneously to each thermal fuse terminal. Watch for a reading of zero or infinity on the meter to determine if the fuse is working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not receive a zero or infinity reading on the thermal fuse test, you will need to replace the fuse. Check the venting and heating system thoroughly before replacing. Refer to the instruction manual for your specific dryer model before proceeding.
You can purchase a multimeter at a hardware store.
Never test a thermal fuse until the power is disconnected and all wires are removed.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
