Whirlpool LER6620PQ0 heating element burns open

[violettj]

Hi, I have a 2005 Whirlpool LER6620PQ0 electric dryer and 1 yr ago the heating element burnt open. I replaced the element with an off brand element and it burned open again last week. I checked the cycle and high temp thermostats best I could with a meter and hair dryer and both open and close. I could not determine the temp at which they are opening and closing.

Other than the second element being a cheapo off brand element, what else could be causing the element to burn open? I have ordered a FSP replacement element but want to avoid this one burning open or perhaps an even more serious event happening. I did not notice if the element had grounded itself to chassis.

Also, how much free space should be around an electric dryer? Is the air inlet under the dryer or behind the dryer as I have "stuff" pretty much laying on the top above the control panel and a couple of ironing boards jammed in on the side of the dryer between it and the side wall. Could this be contributing to an overheating dryer and burning open the element?

John

 

[evaappliance]

check your vent to the outside of your house for restrictions

[16345Ed]

Yep cheap element and low airflow will cause it.