The thermal fuse in your dryer is a critical safety component that prevents overheating and potential fires by shutting down the machine when temperatures rise too high. Installed in dryers since the 1980s, this small, inexpensive device plays a major role in keeping your appliance and home safe. When the thermal fuse blows, it must be replaced before using the dryer again. By locating the fuse on the exhaust duct, testing it with a multimeter, and replacing it with the correct part for your model, you can quickly restore safe operation. Regularly cleaning your dryer vent will also help prevent the fuse from blowing again.
Don’t Use the Dryer Until the Thermal Fuse Has Been Replaced
Remember, as the thermal fuse is a safety component, do not use the dryer again until you have replaced it. With a new understanding of what the dryer thermal fuse does, you might still be wondering, where is the thermal fuse on a dryer?
Dryer Thermal Fuse Location
The thermal fuse is just 1 or 2 inches long and should be located on the exhaust duct, but the location of the exhaust duct itself may differ depending on your brand and model. Once you have located it, you’re ready to figure out whether it may have blown.
How to Tell if a Dryer’s Thermal Fuse is Blown
You may now know where to find your thermal fuse, but how can you tell if a thermal fuse has blown? These simple steps summarize the process below:
- Unplug your dryer and ensure it is no longer connected to the gas or electricity.
- Locate the thermal fuse, as above.
- Disconnect the thermal fuse from the wires.
- Test the fuse with a multimeter.
- If the needle on your multimeter does not move, your thermal fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
Once you understand how to tell if a thermal fuse is blown, you can move on to the next step: thermal fuse replacement.
How To Replace a Thermal Fuse In a Dryer
Once you have established that your thermal fuse has blown, you will need to replace it. Luckily, replacing your thermal fuse is a relatively easy task that does not require specialist equipment.
The first step towards dryer thermal fuse replacement is to purchase a replacement thermal fuse. Popular brands include Maytag dryer thermal fuses, Kenmore dryer thermal fuses, and Whirlpool dryer thermal fuses. You should choose the thermal fuse that works best for the make and model of your dryer.
The following is a simple overview of the steps you will take to a successful thermal fuse replacement.
- Unplug and disconnect your dryer from its power source.
- Remove the panel covering the blown thermal fuse.
- Remove the wires and mounting screw from the blown fuse, to then remove the blown fuse itself from the dryer.
- Replace the blown fuse with the new fuse, securing it with a screw and reattaching the wires.
- Replace the dryer panel.
- Reconnect the dryer to its power source.
- The most common cause of a blown thermal fuse is a blocked exhaust vent. Clean the exhaust vent to prevent the thermal fuse from blowing again very quickly.
Replacement Thermal Fuses for Maytag, Kenmore, Whirlpool, and Other Dryers
Ready to get started with dryer thermal fuse replacement? Visit Repair Clinic and type your dryer model number into our search bar to find thermal fuses for your dryer. Shop for Maytag parts, Maytag dryer parts, and dryer thermal fuses, Kenmore parts and dryer thermal fuses, Whirlpool parts, Whirlpool dryer parts, and dryer thermal fuses, and more.