The timer is usually the largest dial on the main control panel. It may be a mechanical device much like a simple clock. Or it may be completely electronic, which is just a digital readout.
The timer runs in a pre-determined pattern by sending electricity to each dryer component at the correct time and for the correct amount of time.
Most dryers have one or more other switches or knobs on the control panel. They let you adjust certain settings of the dryer, such as heating temperature, end-of-cycle signal, timer cycle, and so on. Normally, the dryer functions, running the cycle selected by the timer, regardless of how these switches or knobs are set.
There is usually a door switch inside the main cabinet of the dryer. Look for a button or small lever protruding from the main cabinet on or near the dryer door frame. When you close the dryer door, it contacts the button or lever, which activates the switch and lets the dryer operate if it's started.
When you open the door, the switch interrupts the power to most of the dryer's internal components and turns on the interior light, if there is one.
Warning! If the dryer doesn't stop when you open the door, don't use the dryer! If you use a dryer that has a defective door-switch, serious injury may result.
The burner assembly consists of a heating element and one or more thermostats. The electricity supplied to the heating element is turned on and off by the timer, as follows:
First--when you close the dryer door, set the timer, and press or turn the start switch--the motor starts. When it reaches full speed (in about a second), a switch on the motor turns on, which allows electricity to flow to the heating element through a thermostat.
The heating element then glows red hot. Air from the blower flows over the element, through the drum and out the exhaust vent.
When the dryer reaches the pre-set drying temperature, a thermostat turns off the flow of electricity to the heating element.
When the temperature in the dryer falls about 20 to 30 degrees, the thermostat turns on the power to the heating element again and the cycle starts over.
If you selected the Automatic setting, the cycle continues until the clothes are dry, then the timer advances and turns the dryer off.
If you selected a timed setting, the cycle continues until the time has expired, then the timer turns off the dryer.
The timer is usually the largest dial on the main control panel. It may be a mechanical device much like a simple clock. Or it may be completely electronic, which is just a digital readout.
The timer runs in a pre-determined pattern by sending electricity to each dryer component at the correct time, and for the correct amount of time.
Most dryers have one or more other switches or knobs on the control panel. They let you adjust certain settings of the dryer such as heating temperature, end-of-cycle signal, timer cycle, and so on. Normally, the dryer functions, running the cycle selected by the timer, regardless of how these switches or knobs are set.
There is usually a door switch inside the main cabinet of the dryer. Look for a button or small lever protruding from the main cabinet on or near the dryer door frame. When you close the dryer door, it contacts the button or lever, which activates the switch and lets the dryer operate if it's started.
When you open the door, the switch interrupts the power to most of the dryer's internal components and turns on the interior light if there is one.
Warning! If the dryer doesn't stop when you open the door, don't use the dryer! If you use a dryer that has a defective door-switch, serious injury to yourself, children, pets, or other people or animals may result.
The burner assembly consists of the gas valve, the igniter and sensor, and the thermostats. The gas supplied to the appliance is turned on and off by the gas valve, as follows:
First--when you close the dryer door, set the timer, and press or turn the Start button--the motor starts. When it reaches full speed (in about a second) a switch on the motor turns on, which allows the electricity to flow through a simple thermostat to one side of the gas valve.
The gas valve then sends power to the igniter, which glows bright orange.
As heat and light from the igniter warm up a sensor that's right next to the igniter, the sensor circuit opens, then supplies power to the other side of the gas valve. This completes the circuit and opens the valve.
Once the valve opens, the gas rushes out and the igniter ignites it. As the gas burns, it keeps the sensor warm, which keeps the gas flowing.
When the dryer reaches the pre-set drying temperature, a simple thermostat turns off the flow of electricity to the gas valve and therefore turns off the gas.
When the temperature in the dryer falls about 20 to 30 degrees, the thermostat again allows the electricity to flow through to the gas valve, and the cycle starts over.
If you selected the Automatic setting, the cycle continues until the clothes are dry, then the timer advances and turns the dryer off.
If you selected a timed setting, the cycle continues until the time has expired, then the timer turns off the dryer.
