Wiktor Wise
If your electric dryer is malfunctioning, you can use a multimeter to test if it's receiving enough power. Multimeters can measure electrical resistance within a circuit and come in two types: digital and analogue. To test the voltage of your dryer's outlet, first unplug the dryer and put on safety gear, then turn on the multimeter and plug in the probes. You can then insert the probes into the side slots of the outlet to check the voltage. If your dryer is not functioning properly, you should contact a qualified electrician to diagnose the issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of multimeter | Digital or analogue |
| Purpose | To test if the dryer is receiving enough power |
| Safety precautions | Wear safety gear such as gloves and goggles |
| Steps | 1. Unplug the dryer. 2. Turn on the multimeter and plug in the probes. 3. Insert the probes into the side slots of the outlet and check the voltage. 4. Repeat the process for the top and bottom slots. |
| Readings | A functioning outlet should read between 220-240 volts for the side slots and 120 volts for the top and bottom slots. |
| Testing heating coils | Set the multimeter to 200 ohms of resistance and attach the black and red probes to the leads on the heating coils. |
| Testing thermostat | Remove wires and leads from the thermostat, set the multimeter to the lowest ohms setting, and place the black and red probes on the edge of the prongs. |
| Testing thermal fuse | Remove the thermal fuse from the exhaust vent, set the multimeter to ohms, and place the red and black probes on the thermal fuse switches. |
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What You'll Learn
Multimeter settings for testing power
To test power using a multimeter, you will need to set the device to measure voltage, resistance, or continuity.
Voltage
To test voltage, you will need to set the meter to the Volts AC setting. On the meter, this will likely look like a capital "V" followed by a "~". There will usually be multiple settings within the range, and you should choose the setting that is higher than the expected voltage. For example, in the US, a lighting circuit is typically 120 volts, so you would choose the "200" setting typically found on most meters.
Resistance
To test resistance, you will need to set the multimeter to the ohm meter function. If the resistor is labelled with a number, set the multimeter to that number. Plug the multimeter probes into the jacks labelled "common" and "VΩ" (DC voltage). Use the black plug for common and the red plug for DC voltage.
Continuity
To test continuity, set the multimeter to Continuity mode. This may vary among multimeters, but you should look for a diode symbol with propagation waves around it (like sound coming from a speaker). Touch the probes together, and the multimeter should emit a tone. Note that not all multimeters have a continuity setting.
General Tips
When testing, always start with a high range and dial it down. A range that is too low can cause problems. Always set your multimeter to the correct unit to avoid danger and blown fuses. When testing voltage, it is recommended to start with the red probe plugged into the 10A port and the 10A knob setting if your system has the potential to use more than 100mA.
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How to test the heating element
Before performing any tests on your electric dryer, make sure to unplug the appliance from its power source. This can be done by going to the back of the dryer and unplugging the large wire connected to a wall socket.
Testing the Heating Coils
- Remove the heating coil panel with a screwdriver. Take out all the screws lining the side of the coil panel, which looks like a metal box.
- Remove the two screws attaching the heating element to the dryer and slide out the panel.
- Attach the black and red multimeter probes to the three red wires (also known as leads) on the heating coils.
- Set your multimeter to 200 ohms of resistance. This is the most accurate way to test continuity in an electric dryer.
- Press the metal ends of the multimeter leads on top of the two leads positioned at the top of the heating coil.
- Observe the multimeter screen. If you get a numerical reading, your leads are functioning and do not need replacement.
Testing the Thermostat
- Remove the back panel of the dryer to access the thermostat, which looks like a pronged, circular piece of metal with a rectangle going down its middle.
- Remove any wires and leads from the thermostat.
- Set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting and place both the black and red probes on the edge of the prongs.
- If the reading is 0, then the thermostat needs to be replaced.
Testing the Thermal Fuse
- Unscrew the thermal fuse from the exhaust vent at the rear of the dryer. The thermal fuse looks like a flat, curvy piece of metal with a metallic cylinder in the centre.
- Set your multimeter to ohms, a continuity measurement.
- Place the red and black probes on the two thermal fuse switches.
- If the multimeter gives a reading other than 0, the thermal fuses are functioning. If the reading is 0, the thermal fuse needs to be replaced.
It is recommended to consult a professional when dealing with faulty appliances.
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Checking the thermostat
To check the thermostat on your electric dryer, you will need a multimeter. This device will allow you to test the thermostat's electrical flow and continuity.
Before you begin, make sure you have unplugged your dryer or turned off the power source at the main fuse or breaker box to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Now you can start by removing the rear access panel of your dryer. This will usually require a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver, or an electric drill. Once you have removed the panel, locate the thermostat. The dryer thermostat will have two wires connecting it to the heating element. Label each wire prior to removal so you know how to reconnect them later.
Next, set your multimeter to the lowest setting for Ohms of resistance. If you are using an analog multimeter, calibrate the meter by holding the probes together while adjusting the needle to read 0 (zero). If you have a digital multimeter, you won't need to calibrate it, but you may need to rotate the range selection dial to the lowest setting for Ohms of resistance or "resistance with tone".
Now, place the meter probes onto the wire terminals of the thermostat. A reading of 0 indicates that the electrical flow is good. If the meter reads low or near 0, it means that the thermostat is functioning properly. If the meter does not indicate 0 and instead reads infinity, or if there is little to no change in the multimeter resistance reading, then the thermostat is defective and needs to be replaced.
After testing the thermostat, you can reassemble your dryer by reversing the steps you took to take it apart. Make sure to put the rear access panel back on securely and reconnect the wires according to your labels. Once you've finished, plug your dryer back in and turn the circuit breaker on if necessary.
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Testing continuity in a gas dryer
Firstly, ensure that your gas dryer is unplugged from the power source before beginning any tests. This is a crucial safety measure to avoid any accidents. Once the dryer is unplugged, locate the igniter, which is a long, thin piece of metal attached to a plastic rectangle. Remove the small wires connecting the igniter to the dryer, and unscrew it from the base of the large metal cylinder.
Now, take out your multimeter. A multimeter is a tool used to make a variety of electrical measurements, and it is essential for testing continuity. Set the multimeter to the lowest ohms setting, which is typically represented by the Greek letter omega (Ω). Ohms measure electrical resistance, which is crucial for determining continuity.
Attach the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the igniter. The probes are usually colour-coded, with black and red being common colours. Ensure that the probes make firm contact with the terminals. The terminals are located at the end of the connecting wires of the igniter.
Read the multimeter's display. If you get a numerical reading, it indicates that the igniter has continuity and is functioning properly. If you do not get a numerical reading, it means that the igniter has no continuity and needs to be replaced.
In addition to testing the igniter, you can also check the thermal fuse and radiant sensor in a similar manner. The thermal fuse is typically located at the rear of the dryer and looks like a flat, curvy piece of metal with a metallic cylinder in the centre. The radiant sensor is usually located near the igniter. By testing these components, you can identify any broken elements and take the necessary steps to replace them.
While testing continuity in a gas dryer is a valuable skill, always prioritise your safety and consider seeking professional assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the process.
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Interpreting multimeter readings
To interpret multimeter readings when checking an electric dryer, you must first understand what you are measuring and what the measurements should be. Multimeters can measure voltage, current, resistance, and continuity. Here are some guidelines for interpreting multimeter readings for each of these measurements:
Voltage Readings
When testing the voltage of a dryer outlet, the multimeter should be set to measure voltage, typically in volts (V). Insert the probes into the appropriate slots in the outlet, usually the side slots. A properly functioning outlet should read between 220 and 240 volts. If the reading is outside this range, the outlet may not be working properly and a local electrician should be consulted.
Current Readings
When testing for current, ensure the red probe is inserted into the hole above COM. Holding the probes on a live circuit for too long can blow the fuse, so caution is advised. This will indicate the circuit draw but not the voltage.
Resistance Readings
When testing the heating element, thermostat, or igniter, the multimeter is typically set to measure resistance in ohms (Ω). A reading of 0 ohms usually indicates a closed circuit, suggesting the need for a replacement. For the heating element, a reading of 8 or 9 ohms is acceptable and indicates that the element is not burned to an open circuit.
Continuity Readings
Continuity is also measured in ohms and indicates an unbroken path for current flow. A reading of 0 ohms indicates continuity, while a reading of 1 or an open circuit indicates a lack of continuity, suggesting a faulty component.
It is important to exercise caution when interpreting multimeter readings and performing electrical work. If unsure, it is best to consult a qualified electrician.
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Frequently asked questions
A multimeter is a versatile tool that can be used to measure electrical resistance within a circuit. Multimeters come in two types: digital and analogue.
First, unplug your dryer and put on safety gear. Then, turn on your multimeter and plug in the probes. After inserting the probes in the side slots of the outlet, check how many volts the multimeter is registering. If your plug is working properly, the device should read between 220-240 volts.
You can use a multimeter to examine the heating coils and thermostat. Set the multimeter to 200 ohms of resistance and press the metal ends of the multimeter leads on top of the leads positioned on the heating coil. If you get a numerical reading, your leads are functioning properly.
Always unplug your electric dryer from the power source before performing any tests. It is also recommended to wear safety gear such as gloves and goggles. If you are not a qualified electrician, exercise extreme caution when working with electrical appliances.
