Thermal Cutoff Functions on Kenmore Dryers

Normal Conditions

• Kenmore dryers can use thermostats for thermal cutoff during normal conditions. Thermostats relay heat temperature information to the primary control board. The control board analyzes the readings and determines if more or less heat is needed. For example, a high limit thermostat may be activated if you choose a drying cycle for bulky clothes. Once that temperature threshold is reached, the thermostat signals for the heat to cut off until it returns to an acceptable temperature range.

Safety Cutoff

• Kenmore dryers also have thermal cutoff functions for safety reasons. Safety thermostats are placed near the heating element and the exhaust blower. If the dryer’s temperature poses a danger or signals that something unusual is happening, the thermostats open their circuits and cause the machine to shut down. Possible causes for this include something burning inside the dryer or operation during high ambient temperatures. Some safety thermostats direct the heat supply to cut off but allow the dryer to continue functioning. Kenmore dryers also use a thermal fuse. If the fuse indicates a higher-than-normal temperature, the fuse blows, shutting the dryer off.

Testing

• Thermostats are made with a housing assembly, contacts, a resistor and two terminals connected to either end of the resistor. To test the thermostat, you have to disconnect the terminals from the leads. Set your multimeter to read for resistance. Touch the black lead to one terminal and the red lead to the other. If there is a “zero” reading, that indicates a complete circuit. If testing when heat is applied to the thermostat, you should have an “infinity” reading. If your Kenmore dryer thermal fuse pops, do not test it. Replace it or the dryer will not come back on.

Work Safety

• Before testing your Kenmore thermostats, consider your safety conditions. Do not test thermostats without first shutting off power to the dryer by unplugging the cord from the receptacle. If your dryer was recently operating, the heating element may still be hot to the touch. Clean out any lint build up you see around the thermostat, heating element or other hot parts because it could catch on fire. If you aren't comfortable with the inner workings of the dryer, contact a service technician for assistance.