5 Dryer Thermal Fuse Wiring Tips

The dryer thermal fuse protects the dryer against electrical surges and abrupt changes in voltage. A dry thermal fuse is a standard safety device present in nearly every electric dryer. Like most other fuses, a dry thermal fuse too cannot be repaired once it has blown, i.e. it has to be replaced. Changing the dry thermal fuse is rather easy. However, the fuse wiring could be a bit confusing.

Thermal fuses have a basic construction. Here, small strips of metal are soldered with a specific alloy. This ensures that the metallic strip has a very precise melting temperature and that the fuse disintegrates quickly upon being overheated. When the electrical current surpasses its normal strength, the alloy immediately melts and causes immediate disintegration of the metal strip. Once the strips are disintegrated, the flow of electrical current is broken and the electrical appliance (dryer) is saved.

Use the following tips for safely accessing dryer thermal fuse wiring:

1. Get Started Safely & Identify Conventional Thermal Fuse Wiring

Always start by unplugging the electrical cords of the dryer. Wear plastic gloves. You need to locate the thermal fuse in the dryer. While this may sound simple, it can be quite tedious for those accessing the electrical panels for the first time. Among most household dryers, the dryer thermal fuse is located within the rear panels. The thermal fuse is likely to be located a few inches above the motor. It is usually secured to the sides of the dryer’s internal body. The dryer’s panels are secured with standard screws that you can dissemble using a screwdriver.

2. Access Different Thermal Fuse Wiring: Wiring in Dryers with Toe Panels

A less common type of dryer is present such as those with front-end toe panels. The toe panel is located along the front of the dryer. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry open this panel. Sometimes, there are internal, retaining clips used to secure the toe panel. You can disengage these clips with a putty knife. The blower and its housing are immediately visible, being upfront. The thermal fuse is usually secured at the back-end of the housing. Here, the thermal fuse is likely to be present near to the thermostat.

3. Check Displaced Dryer Thermal Fuse Wiring

Among all dryer thermal fuses, two wires are connected to the fuse. Pull these wires very carefully. Use small pliers for this. When disconnecting these wires, grab them by their metal leads to avoid accidentally breaking them. Wipe the wire-ends with a dry cloth and secure the wires, using the existing clips. This is just a way of ensuring that any fuse problems due to a lose wire are sorted.

4. Use Voltmeter to Check Dryer Thermal Fuse

Before changing the dryer thermal fuse, you have to ensure its working status. Use a voltmeter for this. Use the unclipped wires of the fuse for this. Each of the wires should giving immediate readings, i.e. the needle of the fuse should move. However, wiring from a blown fuse might give an infinite reading or no reading, indicating that the fuse has blown wherein you should proceed with changing the dryer thermal fuse.

5. Wiring Tips when Replacing Dryer Thermal Fuse

In some dryer thermal fuses, you might have to disengage more than one, main screw that secures the thermal fuse. After you have inserted the replacement fuse, re-connect the fuse wires as they were originally positioned along their respective fuse terminals.