6 replies to this topic

[dragndrop]

(skip to bottom for the problem)

I just moved into an apartment a month ago and the kenmore dryer was functioning fine at first, but would stop intermittently sometimes. I could just press the start button and it would start working again though. Suddenly it stopped working so I had a repairman come out and he investigated every aspect and decided that the dryer was fully functional and the problem is probably with the electrical system. (My landlord doesn't cover the washer/dryer so I paid for this out of my pocket)

My landlord sent out an electrician and he decided that the outlet is putting out enough voltage so the dryer must be the problem.

I had another repairman come out and he found that the dryer was fine, but maybe the problem was with the motor. He brought a dryer that he tested and made sure it was functional and was going to sell it to me...but it wouldn't work in my apartment.

So I brought out the electrician again...and he still insists that the problem is with the dryer.

THE PROBLEM: I don't know what to do here. The electrician plugged my 240V stove into the outlet for the dryer and it worked. He insists that the outlet is showing 240V so it must be fine. The repairman said that even though the outlet has the right voltage, the breaker box isn't putting out enough current, but in that case, my stove shouldn't have worked either..right?

[nickfixit]

If the stove worked properly, then the outlet and power supply is good. Stoves actually draw more amperage than dryers. Ranges are normally on 50 amp circuits, dryers are 30 amp circuits. You could reverse the test and put the range cord on the dryer, drag it into the kitchen and plug it in. If it doesn't work, it's the dryer that is the problem.

I would quess your repair guy is wrong.

[RegUS_PatOff]

It sounds like the Dryer Motor may be bad...
would need some more electrical testing to determine.
The Dryer Outlet & Cord should be a different configuration than the Range Outlet & Cord.
Also, the Dryer may be wired for a (3) Wire Outlet / Cord, or a (4) wire Outlet / Cord
Can you post a picture of the Outlet ?
and model numbers of the Dryers ?

[certified tech group 51]

You said " It would not work in my apartment".........same problem??? When the dryer is operating correctly, the element is drawing about 4800 to 5400 watts,......When the RANGE was plugged into the dryer receptical, did the electrician turn on all of the elements and possibly put it in a bake cycle????....... ( large current draw, but for a short time, 30 amp system VS. a 50 amp. ) .................An 8 " element draws about 2500 watts...............I have had a leg drop off at the breaker after a duration of use, the wire was loose at the breaker terminal...........

[Samurai Appliance Repair Man]

Come git you a new dryer motor ==> http://www.repaircli...yer-Motor-Parts

[jambatt]

Have had three in the last month with similar symptoms. Receptacle read 240v with meter but only 120v at terminal block. Receptacle not making good contact with cord. Replaced receptacle and/or cord and problem solved.

[RegUS_PatOff]

if the Wall Outlet and Dryer Cord aren't wired correctly,
you could have 240v going to the 120v Motor