How to Change the Power Cable of a Dryer

The tumble dryer is a complementary household appliance to the washing machine, which works on an internal heating system. The air is sucked in from the outside by a turbine, it is then heated by the resistors of the dryer. The moist air turns into water which is finally stored in a collection tank.

As with any electrical device, it has a cord, also called the power cable, which performs a fundamental function: the transport of electric current to the device’s power supply system. Because of its importance, this element must be the subject of great precaution. It is an intermediary that connects the device to a power source. This cable has three wires:

• a phase, usually red or brown in color,
• a neutral always blue,
• and a green or yellow ground.

After a period of use, you may encounter problems with the power cable. A breakdown on a power cord is often due to its wear. However, for one reason or another, it can be cut inside the sheath, where wires can touch each other and cause short circuits. The two ends of the cable are the most fragile, because it often happens that they are bent or twisted in these places, which weakens the interior.

When the failure of the device is in the power cord, you may notice that:

• the device does not start at all,
• the display is defective,
• no program is launched,
• the current does not reach the power supply system,
• the cord is torn in places,
• the cord is broken,
• the cord is cut.

After checking, if the fault is at this level, it is essential to replace it. The operation being simple you can do it by yourself.

The power cable is located at the rear of the dryer. It starts from inside the device connected to the interference suppressor and continues to the outside, ending with a mains socket.

The power cable of a dryer is responsible for supplying electricity to the appliance. Over time, the cable may become damaged or worn, leading to safety hazards or issues with the dryer’s operation. If you need to change the power cable of your dryer, it is essential to do it correctly to ensure safety and proper functionality. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of changing the power cable of a dryer.

Please Note: Before starting any repair work on your dryer, prioritize safety. Ensure the dryer is disconnected from the power supply by either unplugging it from the electrical outlet or switching off the circuit breaker dedicated to the dryer.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you begin the process of changing the power cable, gather the following tools and materials:

• Replacement power cable (ensure it is compatible with your dryer model)
• Screwdriver
• Wire stripper
• Wire nuts or connectors
• Electrical tape
• Utility knife or scissors

Step 2: Disconnect the Dryer from the Power Supply

Before working on the dryer, ensure it is disconnected from the power supply to avoid any electrical hazards. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet or switch off the circuit breaker dedicated to the dryer.

Step 3: Access the Dryer’s Terminal Block

The power cable of the dryer is connected to the terminal block located at the back of the appliance. To access the terminal block, you will need to remove the rear access panel of the dryer. The specific steps to access the terminal block may vary depending on your dryer model. Typically, you will need to:

1. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the rear access panel to the dryer’s back.
2. Once the access panel is removed, you will see the terminal block and the power cable.

Step 4: Remove the Old Power Cable

With the terminal block exposed, you can now remove the old power cable:

1. Carefully disconnect the wires of the old power cable from the terminal block. Take note of the color-coded connections for reference when connecting the new cable.
2. If the power cable is secured to the dryer with a strain relief or clamp, loosen and remove it to free the cable.
3. Gently pull the old power cable out of the dryer through the rear access hole.

Step 5: Prepare the New Power Cable

Prepare the new power cable for installation:

1. If necessary, trim the outer insulation of the new cable with a utility knife or scissors to the appropriate length, leaving enough cable to reach the terminal block comfortably.
2. Strip the insulation from the ends of the individual wires using a wire stripper, exposing about 3/4 inch of bare wire.
3. If the new cable does not come with pre-installed terminals, attach new wire nuts or connectors to the stripped ends of the wires.

Step 6: Connect the New Power Cable to the Terminal Block

Connect the new power cable to the terminal block:

1. Match the color-coded wires of the new cable to the corresponding terminals on the terminal block (black to black, white to white, and green or bare to the ground terminal).
2. Tighten the screws on the terminal block to secure the wires in place.
3. If the power cable comes with a strain relief or clamp, reattach it to secure the cable to the dryer.

Step 7: Test the Connection

Before proceeding further, perform a test to ensure that the new power cable is correctly connected:

1. Plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet or switch on the circuit breaker.
2. Turn on the dryer and observe if it powers up and operates correctly.

Step 8: Secure and Insulate the Connection

Once the test is successful, secure and insulate the connection:

1. Make sure the wires are neatly arranged and not pinched or exposed to moving parts of the dryer.
2. Use electrical tape to wrap around the terminal block and wire connections, providing an additional layer of insulation and protection.
3. Reattach the rear access panel to the dryer with the screws.

Step 9: Final Check

Before using the dryer again, perform a final check of the power cable and its connections to ensure everything is secure and properly insulated.

Conclusion

Changing the power cable of a dryer is a task that requires attention to detail and safety. By following this step-by-step guide and prioritizing safety, you can successfully replace the old or damaged power cable with a new one, ensuring your dryer operates safely and efficiently. However, if you encounter any difficulties during the process or have concerns about handling the repair, it’s always best to seek assistance from a professional dryer technician. With the new power cable properly installed, your dryer should function reliably, providing you with hassle-free laundry drying.