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Testing with an ohm meter checking on a
dryer....
These are the places that pass voltage to the heater
elements on an electric dryer. In order to check a dryer for no heat, here is a list of
places to check. Remember to always unplug the appliance
before starting testing with an ohm meter. Always remove wires from the part you are
testing with an ohm meter ( write down what goes where first before removing any
wires ).
Meter
testing and usage tips.
1. Power supply-check power
supply at terminal block where cord enters the dryer. Should read 240V. If you read
240V here,
tested with a volt meter, unplug dryer and test components with ohm
meter.
2. Thermostats-Cycle and
safety thermostats-read them with an ohm meter. Should show
continuity . How common thermostats work.
3.Timer-The timer has a set
of contacts that pass voltage to the heaters. If you can not determine by wiring picture
what they are, check across the two terminals with the largest wires on them. The heater
wires are almost twice as large as the others. You should read continuity with timer in heat mode.
4. Thermal fuses-In recent
years the makers of dryers are using thermal fuses to let you know something is wrong with
your dryer. They are generally non resetting and have to be replaced. The thermal fuses
are located on the heater element housing and should read
continuity if read with an ohm meter. Most blown thermal fuses are the result of vent/air
flow problems or a grounded
heating element.
5. Selector Switches-Read the
wiring picture and determine which switch is closed. You should read continuity across closed switches.
6. Safety Switch on Motor-There
is a safety switch on motor to insure that heaters can not come on unless motor is
running. It is normally open when the motor is idle/not running, and closes when motor runs. In order to check
with an ohm meter, remove the two large wires on motor switch and make them electrically
safe. Tape them. Plug the dryer in and start motor. Check continuity across the terminals
on the motor switch you removed the heavy wires from. If it is ok you should read
continuity. Remember that the smaller wires in a
dryer carry the 120V and the large wires carry 240V. There is no voltage on these two
terminals with wires removed. It is ok to test with ohm meter.
7. Heat elements-Test heater
element with an ohm meter. You will read continuity
across a good element 8-12 OHMS
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