channel it into the rotating hamper. The warmed air picks up moisture from the laundry, as it passes through the hamper. The blower finally directs the moisture-laden air through a lint filter that traps most of the dry, lightweight particles of lint and other foreign materials picked up by the moving air before the air is discharged from the dryer.

The heating assembly in an all-electric dryer consists of a set of nichrome heating elements situated in the forced-air steam. The heating assembly in a gas dryer performs exactly the same function, but it uses gas flame heat.

The electrical sections of modern clothes dryers can be rather simple compared to some other kinds of modern appliances. The basic electrical units of a dryer include heating controls that maintain a fairly constant drying temperature and a timer mechanism that turns off the dryer at the end of a selected drying interval. The essential differences between the simpler dryer models and the top-of-the-line versions can be found in the number and types of heat and timer controls.

All automatic dryers include a basic cycle that is normally labeled a "Timed Cycle" on the timer control knob. When operation is done in this mode, the dryer tumbles the laundry continually and regulates the level of the forced air throughout the entire drying interval. The tumbling and heating actions both stop at the end of the selected drying time. You can set the drying interval to any point between zero and about 180 minutes, depending on the amount and wetness of the load.

Operation

Automatic clothes dryers operate on a simple principle, involving the following essential parts:

An exhaust fan

Automatic controls

A perforated metal drum

An electric motor to rotate the drum

A source of heat - either gas or electric.

In operation, wet or damp clothes are placed into the drum, and after the door is closed, the thermostatic control is set to the correct heat level; the timer is also set to the desired running time. The best temperature and running time combination depends on the type of clothing, the material of which it is made, the weight of the clothing, and the amount of water it contains. The correct combination for various loads is normally indicated on a chart near the control knobs; if not, consult the owner's manual.

Once the correct control combination has been set, the drum begins to rotate at about 50 revolutions per minute, and the heat turns on to start the drying function. Air circulation is provided simultaneously by the motor-driven fan, circulating the heated air through the clothing. Baffles on the sides of the drum tend to carry the clothes to the top of the dryer drum, at which time they drop to the bottom. These baffles prevent the clothes from lumping together and provide a tumbling action that speeds up the drying process. The door may be opened at any time during the cycle. When the controls are functioning properly, any opening of the dryer door stops the dryer cycle, turning off the heater and other motors. If more time remains in the cycle, the drying action resumes when the door is closed; in some cases, the start button must be pressed.

Although a motor drive belt may break from time to time or a bearing becomes jammed, most problems involving automatic clothes dryers are in the automatic controls. In most cases, the contacts become worn, wiring becomes short-circuited or open, and so on.

Installation

When installing a dryer, either a new one or one that has been repaired, observe all codes and ordinances that apply to the particular dryer. The information below will help you in installing, repairing, and locating a dryer. Leave enough space around the dryer for ease of installation, use, and service.

If the dryer is to be installed in a confined area, such as a closet or bathroom, it must be exhausted to the outside. Furthermore, it must have enough space around it and enough air circulation to operate properly. The electric service should conform with the National Electric Code as well as local codes and ordinances. When gas is used as the heat source, the installation must conform to the National Fuel Gas Code and local codes and ordinances.

Never exhaust the dryer into a chimney or any other duct or vent. The dryer must have its own exhaust system. Before putting a dryer into use after installing or servicing, replace all access and service panels. If still attached, read and follow all caution and direction labels attached to the dryer.

While servicing, review the wiring diagram that accompanies the dryer. This diagram is usually