Why does my dryer fuse keep blowing? Do you find that your dryer keeps turning but has no heat? Well we can help answer those questions so read on.
The main cause of your dryer fuse keep blowing is heat. Heat builds up in the fuse holder or the thermal overload and causes the fuse to blow. The heat is generated by loose connections or wear overtime.
Why Does My Dryer Fuse Keep Blowing The Same Fuse?
Chances are if you have a dryer that keeps flowing the same fuse then you have a fuse panel in your home or a fused disconnect next to the dryer for servicing.
Believe it or not this is not actually the dryer.
There are many working parts to a fuse block they can wear out overtime.
As fuses become a thing of the past and breakers seem to be the proper method of electrical installation, these old fuse parts are harder to get.
They become warn out overtime. If the same fuse keeps blowing then this is most likely the problem.
Dryers require two fuses to run 240 V to the dryer itself.
One side of the fuse rotates the drum but both sides run the heating element.
All you can do as a consumer is firmly tighten the fuse clockwise to try to make a better connection.
Do not install a time delay fuse because this will only add to the problem. The same fuse keeps continuously blowing because the internal mechanism of the fuse holder is wearing out.
If you’re handy enough to take the fuse holder out then we recommend cleaning the contacts up on the fuse holder with sandpaper.
If you notice pitting or arcing on the fuse holder this is a sign that it is worn out.
Heat generated by this is what is causing the fuse to blow. At this point we recommend that you contact your local electrician they have the parts replaced.
You can replace the fused service disconnect with a breaker one and not have any more issues.
Why Does My Dryer Fuse Keep Blowing Different Fuses?
If different fuses keep blowing for the dryer this is a sign that could be the dryer itself.
There could be internal problems with the dryer with the thermal overload. There could also be problems with the internal fuse inside the dryer.
Or there could be problems with the outlet where the dryer plugs in.
You can feel your hand on the back of the dryer outlet to see if it’s warm. If it is warm in there there is a sign that the plug is wearing out due to loose connections.
If not and all the fuses and the outlets seem cool then it is time to call the service repair man or replace the dryer.
The simplest an easy solution to take care of all of these issues is to eliminate all your fuses.
You can have your local electrician to come and install a breaker panel for you and eliminate the disconnect to the dryer.
If you do not want to eliminate the disconnect to the dryer and you can install a breaker sourced disconnect next to the dryer. Have the electrician check all of the connections on the dryer outlet to make sure and ensure that they are adequately tight.
It may be time to replace the dryer outlet itself will you plug the dryer into the wall.
These commonly wear out and they’re very inexpensive at a cost of only around eight dollars for the part itself.
Can I Install A Larger Fuse To Stop It?
The largest P type fuse that you will find on the market to screw in for your dryer is a 30 amp one time or 30 amp time delay.
We do not recommend using a time delay is the fuse keeps blowing for reason.
If you can find a larger fuse do not install it.
The wire running to the dryer is only rated for 30 amp, if you try to fuse it out more than you were creating a fire hazard.
If the wire is allowed to draw more than it’s rated amperage then you will cause heat in the cable itself which will eventually burn.
This is exactly why fuse panels are becoming a thing of the past to stop people from installing larger fuses where there shouldn’t be.
There is a specific size fuse in the fuse holder for a reason.
Why Does The Thermal Cut Off Keep Blowing?
The thermal fuse inside your dryer can keep tripping or blowing for two reasons.
One the thermal fuse itself can become faulty are worn out and need to be replaced.
You will need to contact your local service repair man to do this for you.
The second reason which is more alarming is that the thermal fuse is sensing a blockage.
The blockage is coming from a blocked dryer vent or lint trap. It may not be blocked all the way just blocked enough for the thermal fuse to detect that there’s too much heat inside the dryer and shut it down.
Thermal and formal cleaning of the dryer vent and lint trap should be performed anyway at six months but if you know you should try this first.
Is It Safe To Run A Dryer Without The Thermal Fuse?
If you’re handy enough to know how to disconnect or thermal overload inside of the dryer then you should know better that it is not OK to run the dryer without this thermal overload.
The thermal overload to text too much heat buildup inside of the dryer like talked about above.
This will definitely cause a fire if you disconnect this part.
As electricians we never remove parts that shouldn’t be removed or interfere with a customers safety.
Why Is The Dryer Turning But Not Heating?
Inside every dryer you have 120 volt and 240 Volt.
The 120 volt turns the drum. The other side of the 120 volt usually runs the thermal overload the timer and the settings especially if there are any electronic settings in the dryer.
Between both lines is 240 Volt which is what powers the heating element.
If you lose an element inside the dryer then the dryer can actually still keeps spinning and act like it’s working but simply not heating.
This could be caused by a faulty thermostat. A faulty element. Or a faulty thermal switch.
Any of these issues will cause the dryer to stop heating. Again at this point it’s a good idea to call your local service repair man.
Can A Dirty Dryer Vent Cause It?
Yes a dirty dryer vent can cause you definite issues.
Although it is a good idea to clean the dryer vent out once every six months. Once a year you should unplug the dryer pull it out of its space and give it a thorough clean out.
This includes the internal part of the lint trap. Take the back of the screws off the dryer and inspect that there is no lint laying inside of the dryer.
You may also want to lubricate the bearings on the drum or the tumbler itself.
Of course she shouldn’t do any of this if you are not handy enough.
In any case you should be handy enough to clean .
The key to having a good work and dryer is keeping the lint trap and the vent cleaned.
If you cannot reach in to clean all the lint out then you should use the crevice tool in a vacuum or even compressed air to blow it out clean.
We strongly about recommend having a clean dryer. We have seen too many dryer fires over our years of electrical experience.
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