[MacKenrick]

Kenmore Ultra Fabric Care ElectricDryer Model 110.96284100

Recently my Kenmore Dryer has been tripping the circuitbreaker at the main panel about every second to third use. We always use the “low” heat setting butsometimes the clothes coming out of the dryer feel extra warm. I’ve read a number of your posts here aboutoverheating dryers and ordered the three thermostats suggested (thank you forthe very prompt shipping). I havecleaned out the lint duct and around the inside case. I have checked the heating coils and none aretouching the heater box. I have replacedthe Thermostat Internal-Bias (Cycling Thermostat), the Thermal Cut-Off and the250 Degree Thermostat. I have checkedthe temperature of the three settings on the dryer by taping an oventhermometer on the inside of the door and running the dryer for 10 minutesallowing time to cool between tests. Thetemperatures are: Low: 125 degrees, Med:140 degrees and High: 150 degrees (Fahrenheit). The dryer is still tripping thebreaker switch about every second to third load of wash. I think the circuit for the dryer is dedicatedto the dryer alone and there is nothing else connected to that circuit. Should my next step be to replace the circuitbreaker? Any suggestions will be greatlyappreciated.

[Simon / APP Team]

HI.

Check all electrical connections:

- the power cord and the plug for discoloration.
- the connector block at the dryer for loose wire.

Check the amps draw.
If everything checks out OK - replace the breaker.

Thank you. Post the results.

Simon.

[MacKenrick]

Thank you Simon,

I checked the power cord and connector block. Nothing unusual. My son is coming over this weekend with a volt meter and we'll run the test you suggested. I did some more testing and I think the heater box may be getting too hot. I touched the right lower side of the dryer (where heater box is) after it had run for about 10 min. (with wet clothes) and it was too hot to keep my hand on it. I don't think that is normal. I ran it again without clothes in the dryer and the side was only warm. I now think it has something to do with the heating coils getting too hot when wet clothes are in the dryer. Here are my test results. All tests done with Temperature setting on LOW.

Set on Timed Dry without clothes: Side is only warm.
Set on Timed Dry with wet clothes: Side gets very hot.
Set on Auto Dry without clothes: Side is only warm.
Set on Auto Dry with wet clothes: Side gets very hot.
Set on Air Dry works normally and runs cool.

For some reason it appears that the heating coils are getting hotter then they should when wet clothes are put in the dryer (even on the low setting).

Any additional ideas? Thank you so much for your help.

Mac

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Check the air flow and vents outside the dryer for restrictions.
You should clean the dryer vents including the lint screen housing.

Simon.

[MacKenrick]

Thanks for the reply. That was actually the first thing I did when this problem started. Cleaned out the whole ducting system, inside and out, and all accessable areas around the bottom inside of the dryer. Air flow seems to be fine.

[Simon / APP Team]

Hi.

Did you clean the lint filter housing and the blower wheel?

Disconnect the vent from the dryer and measure the exhaust temperature at the end of the duct.
To check the current draw you will need the ampmeter not the voltmeter.

Thank you. Post the results.

Simon.