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what does a cycling thermostat do in a dryer

by Bert Weber Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What Does a Dryer Cycling Thermostat Do? A dryer cycling thermostat monitors and controls the temperature inside your dryer while it's operating. This thermostat has an electrical circuit that is usually closed, allowing electricity to flow through it freely and deliver power to the heating element.

Full Answer

What is a cycle thermostat used for in a dryer?

This thermostat (Dryer Operating Thermostat, Dryer Cycling Thermostat, Cycling Thermostat, Dryer Thermostat) is used to maintain a temperature of 155 degrees in the dryer drum. The internal bias heater also allows this thermostat to provide a low heat temperature of approximately 140 degrees when the low temperature setting is selected.

Can a bad thermostat cause a dryer to get hot?

If the dryer does heat up, a bad dryer thermostat can result in loss of temperature control. If you have a faulty dryer thermostat, the dryer may keep the heat on for too long, causing the dryer to get too hot. If the cycling thermostat is defective, the dryer will not heat up.

How do you test a thermostat on a dryer cycle?

Testing the thermostat is not easy to do, so you should first inspect the other more commonly faulty parts. If you do test your dryer’s cycling thermostat, use a multimeter, and the test should give you a reading of either zero or infinity. If your test produces any other reading, the cycling thermostat needs to be replaced.

How many thermostats does a dryer have?

Modern dryers usually have more than one thermostat: a cycling thermostat that turns the heating element off and on to keep the temperature even; and either a high-limit or thermal thermostat that cuts power to the heating element if the dryer overheats. Temperature Control.

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How do I test my dryer cycling thermostat?

1:002:53Test the part by touching the probes to the outer terminals. Only if the meter reading shows zeroMoreTest the part by touching the probes to the outer terminals. Only if the meter reading shows zero ohms of resistance. The thermostat has continuity.

What happens when a dryer thermostat fails?

If the dryer does heat up, a bad dryer thermostat can result in loss of temperature control. If you have a faulty dryer thermostat, the dryer may keep the heat on for too long, causing the dryer to get too hot. If the cycling thermostat is defective, the dryer will not heat up.

How do I know if my dryer needs a new thermostat?

Measure the thermostat's ohms. Place each of the meter's probes onto the wire terminals. You should receive a reading of 0. Resistance that is low, or near 0, means that the electrical flow is good. If the meter does not indicate 0, but reads infinity, your thermostat should be replaced.

How do I reset my dryer thermostat?

2:464:55We'll. We'll trip it. Again all right so just tripped blow my dust away here. And we'll grab ourMoreWe'll. We'll trip it. Again all right so just tripped blow my dust away here. And we'll grab our little drill. Bit. So right here is a little 1 16. Like i said i did 3 30 seconds now i did 1 16.

How do I know if my cycling thermostat is bad?

Hold the two multimeter probes against the outer terminals as the griddle or skillet heats up to the designated temperature. If the cycling thermostat switches off, or displays no electrical continuity, within five percent of that temperature, the part is functioning properly.

How many thermostats are on a dryer?

It will break electrical contact to the dryer's burner or heating element if it senses that the dryer is reaching an unsafe temperature. The thermal cut-off is a set of two thermostats, one of which will not reset once cool.

How much does a thermostat for a dryer cost?

Dryer Thermostat Replacement Cost Replacing a dryer thermostat ranges from $100 to $260.

Will a bad thermostat cause a dryer to overheat?

Malfunctioning Thermostat Just as a broken cycling thermostat may cause dryer overheating, it may also keep the dryer from getting hot enough to run well. A thermostat that isn't reading temperatures correctly may sense that the temperature is much hotter than it actually is.

Where is the thermostat located on a dryer?

0:363:06And then remove. Them. Otherwise have been removed which now need to undo. Two little screws thatMoreAnd then remove. Them. Otherwise have been removed which now need to undo. Two little screws that are holding the thermostats in place just to note that on this one one's got a green spot.

Does unplugging a dryer reset it?

Resetting your dryer is easy. Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the dryer (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. That's it. That's all it takes to reset.

What will dryer do if thermal fuse is blown?

A gas dryer will run but won't heat if its thermal fuse blows because the dryer overheated (usually because the vent is clogged, so check the vent path). Use a multimeter to check the thermal fuse and replace the thermal fuse if you don't' measure continuity.

How can you tell if a thermal fuse is blown?

Multimeter Test Remove the two wire leads from the thermal fuse and touch a multitester probe to each wire terminal on the fuse. If you get a reading of infinity, the fuse is fine. Any reading less than infinity indicates a triggered thermal fuse you will need to replace.

How much does a thermostat for a dryer cost?

Dryer Thermostat Replacement Cost Replacing a dryer thermostat ranges from $100 to $260.

Why do tumble dryers have two thermostats?

Most tumble dryers will have one or possibly two control thermostats depending on the design. All should have an overheat thermostat fitted for safety in case the tumble dryer should overheat and this one will cut power to the heater or the whole tumble dryer.

What controls the heat in a dryer?

The cycling thermostat helps to regulate the temperature of your dryer and is just one of the components in your dryer that works to make sure the dryer doesn't get too hot. If the cycling thermostat is broken, the temperature of the dryer could go unchecked and may reach unsafe levels.

Where is the thermostat on a dryer?

0:363:06And then remove. Them. Otherwise have been removed which now need to undo. Two little screws thatMoreAnd then remove. Them. Otherwise have been removed which now need to undo. Two little screws that are holding the thermostats in place just to note that on this one one's got a green spot.

What is a dryer cycling thermostat?

A dryer cycling thermostat monitors and controls the temperature inside your dryer while it’s operating. This thermostat has an electrical circuit that is usually closed, allowing electricity to flow through it freely and deliver power to the heating element.

How does a dryer cycle work?

This keeps the dryer from overheating or delivering too little warmth to get the job done.

What happens when a dryer heats up?

As your dryer heats up, the thermostat opens and interrupts the electrical connection to the dryer’s heat source. This allows the heating element and the air inside the dryer to cool down.

How to find the thermostat on a dryer?

Find your dryer’s thermostat: With the panel removed, you will see the wheel housing and dryer vents inside. Here you should see a small round or oval-shaped component that is about 1.5 inches in diameter. It may have a label printed with identifying words or numbers.

Why won't my dryer turn off on its own?

The cycling thermostat also regulates the timer on some models, so a dryer that won’t turn off on its own could also be a sign of a defective thermostat. If you observe any of these signs, you should test your cycling thermostat to find out if it needs to be replaced.

How to measure electrical flow in thermostat?

Measure the thermostat’s electrical flow: Set your multimeter to read ohms. Some devices also call this RX1 or X1. Touch the probes onto the wire terminals and check the reading . At room temperature, a good thermostat will read 0. If the readout says infinity instead, your thermostat will need to be replaced.

Why does my dryer wear out?

The components in any appliance, including your dryer, will wear out eventually just because of normal wear and tear and the passage of time. However, certain conditions can also work to accelerate this process.

Why do we need a thermostat for a dryer?

Repair Clinic says that a cycling thermostat cycles the heat on and off to maintain the proper temperature. The high limit monitors the dryer temperature and shuts off the heating element if the dryer overheats. There is also a difference between a thermostat and a thermistor.

What happens if your dryer thermostat is faulty?

If either dryer thermostat is faulty, you can have a dryer that fails to maintain the proper temperature, doesn't shut off or overheats.

What causes a gas dryer to not work?

In a gas dryer, a tripped dryer thermal fuse, faulty gas valve coils, failed igniter or faulty flame sensor will all prevent the heating element from working. Proper dryer maintenance, such as cleaning lint out of the exhaust system, can keep the dryer clear.

Why is my dryer not heating up?

Sears Parts Direct explains that there may be other reasons for air in a dryer not heating up. The culprit can also be the timer or electronic control board that controls the heat. Many other parts, such as the heater relay, thermal fuse or the thermistor, can also prevent the dryer from heating up.

How to tell if dryer thermostat is bad?

If the dryer does heat up, a bad dryer thermostat can result in loss of temperature control. If you have a faulty dryer thermostat, the dryer may keep the heat on for too long, causing the dryer to get too hot. If the cycling thermostat is defective, the dryer will not heat up.

What is a thermal fuse?

Dryer Thermal Fuse. The dryer thermal fuse is a different type of thermostat that is usually on the blower assembly inside the dryer. This is a fuse that if tripped (in other words, the circuit is broken), the dryer will not start. It's a safety feature designed to prevent the dryer from overheating to a dangerous level.

How to keep a dryer clear?

Proper dryer maintenance, such as cleaning lint out of the exhaust system, can keep the dryer clear. If the lint trap is full, it can prevent proper air flow and cause the dryer to overheat.

What does OL mean on a heater meter?

OL on the meter means the internal heater is open. Does not mean that is bad as it depends on what meter scale you used. The heaters oar usually in the 5,000 to 10,000 ohm range so you have to use the 20K resistance scale on the meter to measure it. If there is infinite resistance then it is bad.

Can thermal cut outs be tested in circuits?

The thermal cut outs etc. can be tested in circuit but you must use resistance and see close to 0 ohms.

What is the thermostat on a dryer?

The thermostat in your clothes dryer is an important component to the unit. If you've ever pulled clothes out only to find that they were still damp, or found that your dryer was not shutting off at the timer, the thermostat may be the first thing to troubleshoot. Thermostats regulate the heat used in the drying process.

How many wires does a dryer thermostat have?

The dryer thermostat will have 2 wires connecting it to the heating element. Label each wire prior to removal so you will know how to reconnect them. Identify the metal slip connector attached to the wires. Pull the wires by these connectors. If necessary, use needle-nose pliers.

What color wires are used to connect a dryer to a thermostat?

Top Answerer. If you're connecting the red or white wires that join the thermostat to the dryer, it won't make a difference. However, there are often other wires around, including power wires usually colored blue.

What does a resistance reading on a thermostat mean?

At room temperature, the thermostat should give you a resistance reading of 0 or close to 0. This indicates that there is good continuity within the thermostat. If you warm the thermostat, you may see the ohms reading jump up to around 10. Thanks! Yes No.

How to keep a dryer safe?

It depends on the type of wire. To keep your dryer safe, use a wire of the same size and color. Also, removing wires stops other elements from working, which could damage the dryer.

How long is a thermostat?

Locate the thermostat. Check the blower wheel housing and vent systems and look for a small, oval thermostat, about 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) in length. ...

What does a thermostat reading of 1 or 5 mean?

Assuming your meter is set on the "1 ohm" scale, a reading of 1 or .5 is very nearly zero. That indicates your thermostat is probably good.

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