Before you replace the fuse, it's important to figure out and fix the root issue. If you don't, the new fuse might just trip again soon after you replace it. The fuse usually stops working because the exhaust vent is blocked, there's too much lint inside the dryer, or there's an issue with the heating element.
The leading cause of thermal fuse burnout is obstructed airflow. Check the exhaust path for excessive lint or debris all the way to the exit point of the exhaust pipe. Check the blower wheel to make sure it isn't broken or clogged up. This can be done by using ``cool down'' or ``air fluff'' mode.
Fuses are simple but essential parts and the most common cause of a malfunctioning appliance. A blown fuse will make your dryer stop working altogether. If your dryer suddenly stops working, the fuse is one of the first things to check.
The Benefits of Replacing a Dryer Heating Element
You may not even be able to use the dryer at all if the element isn't heating. Replacing it can restore your dryer's performance, making it a more cost-effective solution than buying a new appliance, given the dryer heating element cost.
Blocked vents: If your dryer airflow is poor from an obstructed air vent, heat can build up in your dryer, causing the element to burn out. Having your dryer vent cleaned each year can help to ensure good airflow.
The cost to replace a thermal fuse on a dryer is $75 to $150 on average. The cost of a dryer thermal fuse is $5 to $10 for the part or up to $60 for OEM parts. This safety device stops the motor when the dryer overheats. No one can repair or reset a thermal fuse.
A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting. You'll find the thermal fuse on the blower housing. Unplug the dryer and check the thermal fuse for continuity. Replace the thermal fuse if the multimeter measures no continuity.
Signs You Need to Clean Your Dryer Vent
The outside of the dryer feels unusually hot during operation. There's a burning smell while the dryer is running. Lint buildup is visible around the dryer's lint trap or vent opening. The lint trap doesn't capture as much lint as it used to.
Overloaded Circuit
The most common cause of a blown fuse we see as experienced Electricians in Sheffield is when something draws too much power from the circuit. This is most often caused by either too many lights or from using too many plug-in appliances at once.
Unplug all appliances on that problem circuit and switch off any immersion heaters (if you have one), boilers, outside lights etc. Switch the tripped switch to the ON position and plug in the appliances one by one until the trip goes again. If it does trip again then you will require a new appliance.
Aging or Corroded Fuses: Fuses can wear out over time due to corrosion or age. Incorrect Fuse Rating: Using a fuse with the wrong amperage rating can lead to frequent blowing.
When your dryer overheats, it can cause the thermal fuse to blow as a safety measure to prevent any further damage or potential fire hazards. This can happen if your dryer is overloaded, if the vent is clogged, or if the heating element is faulty.
If you overload your electrical system by trying to draw more power than it is rated for, this may be the reason your circuit breakers keep tripping in your home. The breakers in your panel are designed to trip to prevent the wires from getting too hot and starting a fire.
What is the average life of a dryer, you wonder? A dryer typically lasts about 12-13 years; however, some dryer manufacturers boast up to a 25-year lifespan. It's important to remember, though, that clothes dryer life expectancy goes hand in hand with how often the dryer is used and how well you maintain the appliance.
When the dryer gets too hot, the thermal fuse “trips” or "blows," shutting the power to the heating part of the dryer so that it does not overheat. Once a thermal fuse is blown, it can't be reset or reused and must be replaced.
Various things will cause a dryer not to start, including a blown thermal fuse, clogged vent, malfunctioning motor or control board, misaligned drum or rollers, engaged child lock, overloaded unit, broken or worn-out belt, broken start switch, defective door latch, tripped circuit breaker, faulty outlet, or an ...
When an RCD circuit breaker trips or a fuse blows when you switch the appliance on or off, this is usually caused by leakage to the ground or a short circuit. The problem can be caused by the incorrect connection of the appliance. Plug in the appliance somewhere else.
Dryer repair costs will vary depending on the issue. For example, it will cost much less to replace a dryer belt than a motor. That said, if your clothes dryer is more than halfway through its lifespan—7 years or more—and the repair costs more than 50% of the price of a new one, you should consider replacing it.
In many cases, if your dryer has a malfunctioning thermal fuse, the dryer will not turn on at all. However, with some other dryers' models, the drum will turn and the dryer will operate, but the heating element will not turn on to heat up the clothing inside the dryer.
The heating element is broken if your dryer runs but won't heat up to dry your clothes.
The simple answer as to whether you can repair a dryer yourself is, it depends on the problem. Simple issues such as clogged dryer vents can be fixed without calling a technician if you understand how to do so safely.
Mechanical and electrical failure
Like anything with moving parts and electronic components, faulty wiring and damaged machinery can potentially cause dryer fires. In a 2020 report by NFPA, it was found that mechanical failure caused 27% of dryer fires and electrical failures caused 16%.