A thermal fuse is an emergency device placed in home appliances and other devices which run at high temperatures and deals with heating. Their function is to shut off when the appliance gets heated excessively. Thus, it works like an air bag in a car preventing the device form getting damaged totally and also protects the user.
Therefore, if your washing machine dryer has stopped blowing out hot air to dry your clothes, it could be that the thermal fuse has blown off. This usually takes place when the dryer vent gets blocked. If the source of the heat stops working, it will lead to dryer getting overheated. As a result the thermal fuse will disable the heat source or current. Once the fuse gets destroyed it will have to be replaced. However, all thermal fuses do not work at the same temperature. It differs by changing the alloy present in their fusible links to high heat resistant or low resistant materials.
Thermal fuses are usually found in heat producing electrical appliances such as coffee makers, hair dryers, clothes dryers etc. The thermal fuse dryers work as a safety device in disconnecting the current which in return helps to stop a fire from breaking out due to extremely high temperature.
Thermal fuses are of many types and the most common one is micro temp thermal fuse. This latest device is designed to detect even the slightest rise in temperature. This prevents the user from getting harmed and also does not spoil the items placed in the appliance.
Different refrigerators and washing machines place their thermal fuses at different locations inside the device. Some have it placed on the side which is accessed from the front; others have it tucked above the large round element known as ‘pan’ behind the drum. The latest machines have their thermal fuse dryers placed at the side of their element can. Many manufacturers supply extra thermal fuses inside the kits which are provided with new appliances.
Without the thermal fuse everyday life would be troublesome and risky. Household appliances save time and make our lives easier but without proper protection the entire object could become a source of impending danger. It is definitely a life-saver.