Menards Thermal Fuse (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to bypass a thermal fuse? ›

Operating a dryer with a bypassed thermal fuse is both unnecessary and unsafe, so a bypass should only be done long enough to troubleshoot a potential problem. Even short usage without a thermal fuse in place could result in irreparable damage to the appliance or injury to yourself.

The number one cause of thermal fuses blowing is the build-up of lint inside the exhaust venting which makes the dryer overheat. At least once a year you should detach the venting from the rear of the appliance and use a vent brush to clean out the lint and any other debris to ensure good air flow.

Unlike electrical fuses or circuit breakers, thermal fuses only react to excessive temperature, not excessive current, unless the excessive current is sufficient to cause the thermal fuse itself to heat up to the trigger temperature.

In many cases, if your dryer has a malfunctioning thermal fuse, the dryer will not turn on at all. However, with some other dryers' models, the drum will turn and the dryer will operate, but the heating element will not turn on to heat up the clothing inside the dryer.

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.

Thermal switches are an obvious alternative to thermal fuses. A thermal switch opens when it detects an overtemperature.

A thermal fuse is a cutoff which uses a one-time fusible link. Unlike a thermal switch which may automatically reset itself when the temperature drops, the thermal fuse is more like an electrical fuse: a single-use device that cannot be reset and must be replaced when it fails or is triggered.

For an electric dryer, if one of the volt lines is damaged or malfunctioning, you may find the dryer is spinning but not heating. With gas, the dryer will run but won't get hot if the gas isn't on or isn't getting to the appliance. If insufficient power is the cause, contact a dryer repair professional.

When the thermal fuse blows in an electric dryer, the display lights still work but the drive motor won't run. You can't reset the thermal fuse; if it's blown, replace it with the manufacturer-approved dryer part.

Once a thermal fuse is blown, it can't be reset or reused and must be replaced.

How much does it cost to fix a thermal fuse? ›

Step 1: Set the multi meter to continuity and or resistance. Step 2: Touch each end of the leads to each of the fuse terminals. If you get a reading of 0 or a beeping sound then the fuse is good. Otherwise it is bad and will need to be replaced.

Unfortunately, the thermal fuse is a part in your dryer that is only used a single time.

Thermal fuse for dryer cost

The cost to replace a thermal fuse on a dryer is $75 to $150 on average. The cost of a dryer thermal fuse is $5 to $10 for the part or up to $60 for OEM parts. This safety device stops the motor when the dryer overheats.

The thermostat in your dryer regulates heating temperature so clothes get dry without overheating. A failed operating thermostat can prevent the dryer from heating or cause the dryer to overheat and damage garments.