The Typical Wiring Schematic for a Gas Dryer

Burner Assembly

• The burner assembly consists of wiring to the ignitor and flame sensor. Electrical power starts the ignitor, which heats up the filament. Whenever gas is released over the filament, it combusts. The flame sensor alerts the control panel to turn off the ignitor’s filament. If the flame goes out, the flame sensor alerts the control box and turns the ignitor on again. If there is no flame when the gas valve opens, it’s possible that the ignitor has lost continuity.

Heat Monitoring

• Gas dryers also have wiring to ensure temperatures are in an acceptable range. A high limit thermostat transfers temperature information through wiring that connects from the burner unit, through a fuse and to the heater relay. If the heat has reached a preset limit, the control box reduces the gas supply. If the heat reaches unacceptable levels, the thermal fuse can blow and stop operations. The thermistor helps regulate heat temperatures for the various dryer settings. There can also be a thermostat near the dryer’s exhaust area to monitor exiting heat.

Motor

• The drive motor operates the drum’s rotation once it’s electrically powered. The motor has wiring to the door switch so that if the door is open, it won’t start. The power supply wiring leads directly to the motor. The timer switch is also wired to the drive motor. If a timed cycle is selected, the timer switch shuts off the motor once the cycle has ended. The belt switch also shuts off the motor should the drive belt snap.

Additional Controls

• The power supply wiring also leads to the main control box, which houses different signaling and command wiring dependent upon your gas dryer model. These can include timing cycles, different temperature settings, moisture control signals, additional heat control and lighting. Most of these wires are bundled through a harness running down the back of the dryer and to the various sensors. The door switch wiring is separate from the harness and leads to one or two door sensors so that the dryer knows not to operate when the door is open.