So I've read that I should get about 10-50 ohm reading on my dryer element. I do get a reading of around 10(jumps around alot) on my element, but this is with the multimeter set to 200(the lowest setting), so the reading is around 2,000 ohms. The guide I read just said set the meter on the lowest setting, but that could make a big difference depending on what one reader's lowest setting is versus another, so I wondered if "10" is the readout, or if they really mean 10 ohms.
So if I'm getting a reading of around 2,000 ohms (readout of 10 on a 200 scale) on my heating element, does that mean the element is bad?
I have confirmed the thermal cutoff fuse is bad, and shorted it to verify the the dryer works(don't worry, I did this only for a few seconds, I plan to replace it).
What I am wondering, is why did the thermal fuse blow. Is the heating element going bad, and the higher resistance causing it to overheat?
I don't want to only replace the thermal fuse and have it blow again because I didn't find the cause of the problem.
Best Answer
As others said, you need to tell us more about your readings, meter type.
I'm thinking your reading is probably 10 ohms. 120 volts / 10 ohms = 12 amps, sounds about right. Check the nameplate rating on the dryer, see if its close to that. What is the thermal fuse rating?
Check the wiring, see if the circuit measures a low resistance to the dryer case, indicating a short. If all checks are good, it could be a stressed fuse that went over time. If you have a clamp on ammeter, check the running current against the nameplate rating on the dryer with a new fuse in place. If the thermal fuse is expensive or hard to get, then substitute a temporary fuse of the same rating just to test with before replacing the OEM fuse.