Dryer Parts: Understanding How Dryers Work

Dryer parts are designed to do essentially the same thing irrespective of the approach – to dry clothes. Most of the dryers are designed to completely dry clothes without damaging the texture or the color. Automatic dryers excel at doing this and are programmed to “feel” the clothes they are drying so that they don’t damage it. All dryers have the same basic components, namely the control panel, the door switch and interior light, the drive motor and the burner assembly.

Control Panel
The control panel is further subdivided into the timer, the start switch and the selector switches or knobs. The timer is a large knob or display that is used to accurately send electricity to various components in a dryer in a pre determined pattern for the correct amount of time. The start switch is used to initiate the dry cycle once the timer has been set. The selector switches or knobs are used to customize settings on the dryers like heating temperature, end of cycle signal etc. The timer will run irrespective of these settings at default values, if the settings have not been defined.

Door Switch and Interior Light
The door switch is a safety feature that is in the “on” position only when the door of the dryer is closed. It is usually located on the frame of the door and is designed to be tamper proof. If the door is opened when the dryer is operating, the switch gets turned off which effectively cuts power to the main circuit. The interior light is optional and is not found in all dryers. Whenever the door is opened, the light is activated and illuminates the dryer’s contents.

Drive Motor and Related Parts
The drive motor is one of the most important components of the dryer. On one side, there is a drive belt that is attached which turns the drum. On another side, a fan blade is attached which draws warm air through the drum and pushes it out the exhaust vent. Another function of the dryer is to prevent the heat from turning on if the motor doesn’t reach its proper rated speed.

Burner Assembly and Related Parts
The other major component of a dryer is the burner assembly. It is made of the gas valve, the igniter and senor, and the thermostats. Gas is regulated within the appliance by the gas valve. The electricity flowing through the dryer is first used to get the dryer motor up to speed and next, it flows through one side of the thermostat to one side of the gas valve. The gas valve will then transmit the power to the igniter that glows to a bright orange. Heat and light will then warm up a sensor next to the igniter, opening the sensor circuit and supplying power to the other side of the gas valve consequently completing the circuit and opening the valve. Gas rushes out of the open valve which is ignited by the igniter. While the gas burns, the sensor stays warm and keeps the gas afloat. Temperature is maintained by the thermostat and is turned off once the pre set drying temperature is attained until the pre-set drying time is completed. In case of automated cycles, cycle is complete once the clothes are dry.

Looking to purchase a new dryer? Check out our Dryers Buyer's Guide.