Dryer Heat Element Failure Questions

6 years ago

The appliance is Fisher & Paykel top load Dryer (DEGX1 US 96010-B): I stopped the dryer when I heard a rubbing sound while it was running; when opened, there was an odor similar to something burning. There was no odor outside of the dryer prior to opening the door. The inlet cover was hot to the touch. Thinking it was a bad bearing; I decided make an inspection and remove the 11yr accumulation of fluff & dust while the dryer was taken apart. The photos of the heating elements; one has obvious problems with the coiled wires. 4-5 were broken, sprung and wrapped around the remaining intact wires of both elements. My questions are:

1. Are broken wires typical of how an element goes bad? Or is this a random occurrence?

2. The dryer has several trip thermostats; the Service Manual specifically states - the manual reset thermostat should trip if there is a fault in the product, or a failure develops. In this situation, shouldn't an extensively deteriorated element have caused the t-stat to trip (stopping the machine)?

3. Could this have caused a fire if I hadn't stopped the dryer when I heard the rubbing sound? This answer might help others who might otherwise continue to allow the dryer to run.

4. Should the dryer be taken apart to clean and inspect on some type of regular schedule? If yes, how often?

Thank you for all answers/comments/suggestions.

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Comments (2)

dadoes
6 years ago
Broken element wire(s) ... yes, common.

Manual-reset thermostat ... thermostats operate by sensing heat. It wouldn't trip if the temperature in the heater box didn't exceed the limit.

Fire ... possible but one or more of the safety thermostats should trip in time to avoid that. That being said, sometimes a broken element touching the heater box shorts to ground and stays energized whenever the dryer is (depending on the electrical design characteristics) either a) turned on, or b) connected to power. The safety devices are intended to kill the power to the element even in that case ... but sometimes unexpected things happen.

Periodic cleaning/inspection ... yes, that's a good idea. How often depends on the usage. Every two years is sometimes recommended. I have a DEGX1, didn't open it up for 9 years, and found it cleaner than expected when I did. Had a lint clog in the left-side outlet duct (due to torn filter screen) that was obstructing the airflow, and one element broken. I changed the drum bearing while I had it apart, although it was *not* worn to the point of needing a change.

You say "the inlet cover was hot to the touch." It's normal that the heater box, inlet duct at right side of the drum, and the right side interior of the drum where the heated air comes in are all hot during operation. The right exterior side of the machine also gets warm.

Rubbing sound from the element seems odd, unless the broken coils were jiggering around from airflow or thermal expansion/contraction. You might investigate if the drum bearing or belt idler pulleys need replacement. DO NOT oil or grease the drum bearing. The idler pulleys also aren't intended to be oiled but a *very* light bit of oil may be OK (wipe away any excess and don't get it on the belt).
Kat thanked dadoes
Kat
Original Author
6 years ago
Many thanks dadoes. In my Google searches over the last week, your posts came up several times and I found them very informative. I never would've tackled this job and would've been ordering a new dryer if it wasn't for the helpful & knowledgeable people like you that share information/advice on Forums, YouTube and Vimeo. I've read/watched more about F&P dryers than I ever imagined I would.

It's good to know that it should indeed trip the power if it gets too hot. I was concerned when the inlet became very hot so quickly. It was only running long enough to listen to the sound (approx 2 min.). I'm surprised it was able to generate heat with the mangled and tangled broken element wires. It looked like a wild party took place through-out the dryer's interior, between the heat elements and the over-abundance of fluff.

I replaced the bearing & checked the pulleys - removed the fluff jammed in them and they are now rolling freely - more than likely the source of the rubbing sound. The belt looks good.

Since you mentioned your experience with a torn filter screen. I guess it would be a good idea to take apart and thoroughly inspect the left-side since the drum is out until the new elements arrive.

Thank you again for responding and have a wonderful day!
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Dryer Heat Element Failure Questions

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dadoes

Kat
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Dryer Heat Element Failure Questions

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dadoes

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Kat
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