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what causes a thermal fuse to keep blowing

by Dr. Magdalen Brekke Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Clogged or restricted exhaust vent air flow is the most frequent cause of a thermal fuse blowing. Check the lint screen for lint or a build-up of debris that could be inhibiting air flow through the dryer.Feb 26, 2009

Full Answer

How to troubleshoot and replace a thermal fuse?

What you need:

  • Performance Tool Star Key Set I like this set because the T-Handle gives you more leverage when taking out a star screw that may be very tight. ...
  • Innova 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter You’ll need a good multimeter to test the thermal fuse for resistance
  • Whirlpool Thermal fuse W10402110 Your replacement fuse

How to bypass a thermal fuse?

  • Remove the two screws holding thermal fuse in place
  • Flip over the old fuse so that it’s upside down
  • Twist clockwise and pull out of socket
  • Remove one screw holding thermal fuse in place
  • Push new thermal fuse into place

What will cause a thermal fuse to blow?

To replace the thermal fuse, you need to:

  • Make sure that the power supply to your dryer is turned off.
  • If you haven’t already, you will need to remove the top and/or side panels of the dryer so you can access the thermal fuse.
  • Once located, remove the thermal fuse by unthreading the mounting screws that hold it in place, and then disconnect the wires that are attached to it.

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  • Starter. ...

What causes a blown thermal fuse?

A thermal fuse will blow when the temperature gets too high, not when it's drawing too much current. When it blows, the dryer stops generating heat. It's necessary to replace it before the dryer will run again. The thermal fuse is different from the thermal cutoff.

Why does my dryer keep burning thermal fuses?

Clogged Dryer Vent When your dryer's heating unit overheats, it can cause a thermal cutoff fuse to trip. This happens when lint builds up in your dryer's ventilation duct, preventing proper circulation of air. To get your dryer back in working order, check the back of the dryer to remove any clogs or lint buildup.

Why does my thermal cutoff keeps blowing?

The number one cause of dryer overheating is poor venting, and while it may be caused by a defective blower motor, it's more often the result of a clogged lint filter or lint-clogged vents. You're especially likely to have clogged vents if your pipes are made with corrugated metal or worse, plastic.

Can you temporarily bypass a thermal fuse?

Locate and Bypass the Fuse The thermal fuse will look like a thin strip of white plastic with a wire coming out of each end. In order to bypass the thermal fuse, use electrical tape to tape the two ends together. The thermal fuse will then be bypassed. Turn the dryer on to a heat cycle for no more than 90 seconds.

Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown?

Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown? Unlike a thermostat that can reset itself, once a dryer thermal fuse blows, it will need to be replaced with a new one before the dryer will run.

How long does a thermal fuse last?

The highest temperature of the thermal fuse at which it does not open the circuit while passing rated current for 168 hours. (Applicable to UL, cUL and CCC). The highest temperature of the thermal fuse at which continuity does not occur for 10 minutes after the function of the thermal fuse.

How do you fix a thermal fuse?

2:273:43Thermal Fuse Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOnce you've accessed the fuse detach the wires from the terminals. And unthread the mounting screwMoreOnce you've accessed the fuse detach the wires from the terminals. And unthread the mounting screw or screws to release the old fuse. Install the new thermal fuse by securing it to the housing.

How do I reset my thermal fuse?

2:524:55Reset Dryer Thermal Fuse / Switch (Dryer won't heat fix) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you have this issue and you keep spot or you trip this you may want to try drilling this. AndMoreSo if you have this issue and you keep spot or you trip this you may want to try drilling this. And then you got a little bit of pressure. And it resets. It. So if you're testing your dryer.

How do you test a thermal cut out?

To test for this, set your multimeter to a low resistance setting. Then, using the probes, check the electrical connection of the thermal cut out. If there is no reading at all, it means the thermal cut out has failed and needs replacing.

Are thermal fuses universal?

Product Description. Thermal fuse WP3392519 shuts off the burner in a gas dryer or the motor in an electric dryer when the dryer overheats. A universal part, widely used in dryers of various brands: Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Crosley, Amana, Admiral, Estate, Roper, etc.

How do you test a thermal fuse?

1:042:10Dryer Not Heating? Thermal Fuse Testing, Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the meter reading shows zero ohms of resistance. The fuse has continuity. If the needle does notMoreIf the meter reading shows zero ohms of resistance. The fuse has continuity. If the needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly. There is no continuity.

How do I test a thermal fuse without a multimeter?

0:305:14How to test a fuse without multimeter!! #fuse ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna test it with a voltmeter first. And i was gonna make this video earlier with just with aMoreWe're gonna test it with a voltmeter first. And i was gonna make this video earlier with just with a voltmeter then i realized that of course not everybody's gonna have a volt meter at their house.

How to Test a Thermal Fuse

Testing the thermal fuse is quite a straightforward exercise. However, you should only attempt to test it if you have some knowledge of repairing appliances and you have and know how to operate a multimeter.

Dryer Thermal Fuse Replacement

Once you have confirmed that the thermal fuse has blown, the next thing to do is to purchase the correct replacement part. All of the major dryer manufacturers, such as Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool, and LG, make and sell replacement thermal fuses and they thankfully don’t cost a lot of money.

How to Stop the Thermal Fuse from Blowing Again

The main reason that a thermal fuse will blow is a blocked exhaust vent. This is because when the exhaust vent is blocked hot air cannot properly get distributed out of the dryer and this causes it to overheat. So, if you give the exhaust vent a regular clean, it should stop the thermal fuse from blowing again.

First of all, what is a thermal fuse?

Almost all electrical appliances that have a risk of overheating to dangerous levels are typically fitted with thermal fuses. Thermal fuses are used most often in any device that produces heat, like clothes dryers for example.

How do you know if the fuse has blown?

Generally, depending on the model of dryer you have, there might be different ways to tell that there’s an issue. On some, it might just stop working completely, while others might have an error message.

Causes of a blown thermal fuse

Figuring out the reason behind certain issues is generally the most important step to identifying the problem and finding the best solution. In some instances, changing the fuse without addressing the underlying cause could lead to the same thing happening again and again – and it could even be worse next time around.

Check Thermal Fuse On Blower Wheel

The Dryer’s Thermal Cutoff is designed to trip on high heat to protect the dryer and your clothes. The thermal fuse can be checked by using a multimeter set on ohms (Ω). Measure the continuity of the thermal fuse between the two terminals. If no continuity exists, then replace the thermal fuse. Check all wires for looseness at ends and terminals.

Control Board Relay Is Not Working

In many modern dryers, the thermal fuse is a safety device that cuts power to the heating element if it detects high heat. In some cases, however, a thermal fuse can be tripped by a bad relay. In this case, the relay may be stuck in “ON” position and fail to receive commands from the thermostat.

Remove all Lint Around Thermal Fuse

As lint is collected, it can easily bypass the lint trap and end up in areas such as the dryer vent. While this can be quite common, our products are designed to protect against such mishaps — particularly through use of thermal fuses and other safety measures.

Dryer Thermal Cutoff Fuse Keeps Tripping

The thermal cutoff is located at the base of the dryer and it works to cut off the flow of energy should that dryer overheats. It also serves to monitor the temperature of the dryer so you can ensure it’s heating up at an appropriate rate.

Clogged Dryer Vent

When your dryer’s heating unit overheats, it can cause a thermal cutoff fuse to trip. This happens when lint builds up in your dryer’s ventilation duct, preventing proper circulation of air. To get your dryer back in working order, check the back of the dryer to remove any clogs or lint buildup.

Check If Heating Element is Grounded

If the coils in your dryer’s heating element touch the casing, it can cause the heating element to become grounded. Grounded coils can keep your dryer’s heat engaged even during air-only or fluff cycles, causing the machine to work harder than is necessary and damaging your clothing over time.

Why does my thermal fuse blow?

They include a broken wire, a problematic wire harness, loose electrical connections, or even a problem with the machine’s pressure switch.

Why does a thermal fuse stop working?

In simple terms, the fuse stops working or ‘blows’ to break the electrical circuit and protect the rest of the appliance from further damage. In doing so, the thermal fuse also protects you from suffering an injury as you use the appliance.

Why does my dishwasher blow a fuse?

Your dishwasher keeps blowing the thermal fuse (or high-limit thermostat) because it might have a broken wire, a problem with the wire harness, loose electrical connections (most common), water is too hot, or a faulty temperature sensor.

What is a thermal fuse in a dishwasher?

Like any other type of fuse, a dishwasher thermal fuse is known as a ‘sacrificial device’ . Unlike other types of fuses, though, a thermal fuse reacts to excessive heat. For example, if there’s a short circuit in the dishwasher, the fuse will heat up and blow when it reaches a specific temperature.

What happens if a wire is blown in a harness?

One of the wires in the harness may be broken, burnt, or suffered some other kind of damage that could lead to overheating and a blown thermal fuse. On top of that, exposed wires inside the harness may come into contact with each other, leading to a short circuit.

Why does my dishwasher's temperature sensor fail?

When a temperature sensor fails, it may falsely sense that the water is too cold.

What happens if a dishwasher wire is broken?

That can lead to a short circuit, which causes the thermal fuse to heat up to the point that it cuts the circuit to protect the rest of the machine.

What Is A Thermal Fuse?

A thermal fuse, or thermal cutoff, is an electrical safety device. This device will disrupt electrical currents when heated to a specific temperature. There are several thermal fuses placed in dryers to prevent them from overheating.

How Do I Know The Thermal Fuse Is The Problem?

When your Samsung dryer fails to start, you know there is a problem. It could be from a loose power cord or a tripped breaker. Diagnosing the problem correctly is the first step to fixing it.

Ensure The Dryer Has Proper Airflow

The most common cause of a thermal fuse blowing is a clogged vent limiting airflow to the dryer. The thermal fuse’s basic operating function is to shut off the dryer if it is overheating. Blocked airflow to the dryer can cause a spike in temperature, tripping the thermal fuse.

Run Vent Blockage Tests

Some Samsung models have something called a vent blockage test. You can run this test to self-diagnose if there is a blockage in the exhaust vent.

Can I Repair a Samsung Dryer Thermal Fuse Myself?

Replacing a thermal fuse can seem nerve-wracking, but it’s simpler than you think. Using a few basic tools, most dryer repairs can be done by homeowners themselves.

Related Questions

If your dryer isn’t starting, the most likely culprit is the power supply. Open the door and check to see if the light inside the dryer works. If so, your dryer has power, and you are dealing with a different problem.

What causes a thermal fuse to burn out?

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.

Why do dryers burn out?

Thermal fuses burn out to prevent fires. All dryers have a high limit safety thermostat that cuts power to the element at a lower temperature than the thermal fuse burnout temperature. In addition, the dryer may have a thermometer and temperature control or a simple thermostat. So there are three temperature sensors in most dryers, ...

Why is my furnace blowing fuses?

Reduced airflow can cause your heating unit to struggle and potentially result in blown fuses. For example, an undersized ductwork or blower motor can be the reason why the blower is not able to carry and circulate sufficient air throughout the home. Poor control applications can also generate the same dilemma.

What causes a heater to run silently?

1. Excessive Dirt and Dust. If you are not diligent about maintaining the pristine condition of your heater, nearly all of its parts will silently and continuously gather dirt, dust and other debris. Grime can also build up in a neglected air filter and migrate to the blower motor over time.

Why do heat pumps turn on?

Many models of heat pumps feature supplemental heating elements that can provide extra heat when outside temperatures start to drop too low and the efficiency level of the heat pump decreases . These unique features typically turn on when low temperatures are detected and may be drawing too much power.

What causes a furnace to overheat?

It is fairly simple to operate, and you should not encounter any difficulties when opening or closing it. If the valve appears to be clogged, it may be holding too much heat inside the furnace or pushing too much heat out. This may cause the furnace to not only overheat, but can also cause a fire. 7. Water Leaks.

What happens if a furnace wire is loose?

Loose Wires. A furnace or heat pump naturally emits vibrations that can loosen internal wires over time. If electrical wiring becomes loose, it can cause a short and encourage the fuse to blow. Locating, fixing or replacing is a difficult task to accomplish on your own.

How to ward off overvoltage?

First off, you need to meticulously take note of the voltage requirements of your furnace or heat pump. You should also exercise caution when dealing with insulators. Finally, consult with a local heater technician regularly.

What causes a high limit switch to burn out?

The blower motor is the component that sends heated air from the furnace or heat pump into the living space. If riddled with unwanted dirt, the motor can start to overheat and eventually burn out, which can cause the high-limit switch to malfunction. It is only a matter of time before the unit blows a fuse and turns off.

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