Menards Thermal Fuse (2024)

FAQs

Can a normal fuse be used as a thermal fuse? ›

No, not safely. Thermal fuses are designed to protect a device from overheating. Conditions that may result in overheating, and thus a risk of fire, don't always result in sufficient current draw to cause a normal fuse to blow.

A thermal cutoff is an electrical safety device (either a thermal fuse or thermal switch) that interrupts electric current when heated to a specific temperature. These devices may be for one-time use (a thermal fuse), or may be reset manually or automatically (a thermal switch).

Try to get a fuse with the same temperature rating as the one in your device. If you can't find one, try to get one which is as close as possible. Some single degrees off won't hurt but not 10 or more. Make sure the fuse is rated for the correct voltage (e.g. 230V) and at least the same current (e.g. 10A).

Regardless of whether your dryer is electric or gas-powered, you'll usually find the thermal fuse at the back or bottom of the machine. It's located close to the exhaust duct, near the heating element or burner.

Thermal switches are an obvious alternative to thermal fuses. A thermal switch opens when it detects an overtemperature.

Operating a dryer with a bypassed thermal fuse is both unnecessary and unsafe, so a bypass should only be done long enough to troubleshoot a potential problem. Even short usage without a thermal fuse in place could result in irreparable damage to the appliance or injury to yourself.

The main reason that a thermal fuse will blow is a blocked exhaust vent. This is because when the exhaust vent is blocked hot air cannot properly get distributed out of the dryer and this causes it to overheat. So, if you give the exhaust vent a regular clean, it should stop the thermal fuse from blowing again.

A thermal fuse must be replaced when it fails or is triggered. Unlike electrical fuses or circuit breakers, thermal fuses only react to excessive temperature, not excessive current, unless the excessive current is sufficient to cause the thermal fuse itself to heat up to the trigger temperature.

Fuses are non polarized and can go either way.

You should NOT bypass any thermal fuse, they are there for safety and prevent fire.. . You need to get a new one, with the same thermal rating. . . Its Amps need to be the same or higher than the old one, but its Temperature should not be higher, if necessary.

Why did my thermal fuse stop working? ›

The Thermal Fuse Is Blown

If the fuse does not conduct electrical current, it needs to be replaced. Keep in mind that a clogged vent, vent hose, lint screen, and lint trap are common causes for a blown thermal fuse.

If you're wondering how to reset a thermal fuse because your clothes dryer overheated, you're on the right track, but a thermal fuse — as opposed to a thermal switch — is not resettable, and if one blows and the appliance stops heating or won't work at all, you have to replace it like you do an old-style electrical ...

Essentially, if the device produces heat, it's going to need a thermal fuse.

Unlike electrical fuses or circuit breakers, thermal fuses only react to excessive temperature, not excessive current, unless the excessive current is sufficient to cause the thermal fuse itself to heat up to the trigger temperature.

A thermal fuse is an essential safety feature found in many electrical and electronic components.

Providing reliable back-up protection for temperature controlling thermostats and other over-temperature conditions, the G4 series MICROTEMP thermal fuse is the industry standard for over-temperature protection. The G4 is rated for continuous operating currents up to 10 amps @ 250VAC.

A thermal fuse should read as a short circuit when it is good and as an open circuit when it is blown. Thermal switches are also normally conducting. They should read as a short circuit when cool and open when hot. Make sure to replace the fuses with the correct current and temperature ratings.