What Is a Thermo Coil in a Dryer?

Accessing the Thermal Coil and Thermo Coupler

• To understand how the heating system works in the electric dryer, it is useful to open the cabinet and essential if you need to repair or replace one of the parts. Unplug the dryer's power cord from the wall outlet and pull the appliance forward to access the back. The rear panel comes off by removing the slotted bolts with a screwdriver. Set the panel out of the way.

Locating the Thermal Coil

• The thermal coil in an electric dryer is mounted inside an oblong box made of stainless steel. On many dryers this box is mounted on the lower left side and is positioned vertically. Two prongs connect the box to an electrical socket underneath the thermal coil. On GE dryers, the thermal coil is round and mounted in the center at the back of the appliance.

Removing the Thermal Coil

• Electricity passes through the thermal coil to create resistance, which produces heat. Because the coil consists of a thin, metal wire, it is encased in a metal box for better heat radiation. To reach the coil, take out the screws in the bottom of the metal box where it attaches to the power socket. Unplug the two prongs at the bottom of the box to release the entire assembly from the dryer. Taking out the remaining screw in the bottom of the box enables you to slide out the thermal coil. If the wire is broken or heavily scorched, the coil should be replaced.

Locating the Thermo Coupler

• The thermo coupler is a heat-sensitive fuse mounted on the exterior of the metal box containing the thermal coil. The coupler acts as a safety switch to shut off the thermal coil if the temperature rises above the rating on the thermo coupler. To remove this part, take out the two screws holding it to the metal box and lift off.

Testing the Parts

• To verify whether the thermal coil and thermo coupler are working properly, use a multimeter to test electrical continuity through the parts. Attach the meter's probe clips to the thermal coil's prongs and check the meter display. A zero reading means the coil is burned out. Now touch the meter's probes to the two contacts on the thermo coupler. If the meter registers an infinite or zero reading, the thermo coupler is bad and must be replaced.