Maytag (dryer) repair question.... works but no heat

[Midniteoyl]

My breaker is bad.

Well, I can test for that.... it's a 40 amp

Is it not a 40 amp that you needed?

 

[grsthegreat]

Ive never seen a dryer get a 40 amp breaker. There always rated 30 amp. And if it is run with #10 wire it should not be breakered above 30 amps.

 

[two_bit_score]

Glad to hear it was just a breaker. Bet you are glad too. Not having to cut into drywall, etc.

 

[oosik]

With luck my washer - dryer pair will last 20 -25 years. I don't even know if a repair man would come out this far. If he would - the cost would probably give me a stroke.

I just buy a new pair and move on. Same with the water heater.

 

[check]

LOL - easy fix after all. While you are at it, since you have to power down anyway to install the new 30-amp breaker, tighten all the breaker screws. Surprisingly, they can loosen up over time.

 

[ponytug]

LOL - easy fix after all. While you are at it, since you have to power down anyway to install the new 30-amp breaker, tighten all the breaker screws. Surprisingly, they can loosen up over time.

An ounce of prevention. Good advice.

We have an infamous code inspector in the area who is known for checking screws with a torque wrench for tightness. Perhaps a bit over the top...

All the best,

Peter

 

[California]

We have an infamous code inspector in the area who is known for checking screws with a torque wrench for tightness. Perhaps a bit over the top...

I think he's working in the best interest of the homeowner. I've found screws slack on old breakers when I went looking for the cause of erratic lighting. Fixing that may have averted an eventual fire.

His inspections might be a nuisance, but worthwhile.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

They do loosen up sometimes

 

[ponytug]

I think he's working in the best interest of the homeowner. I've found screws slack on old breakers when I went looking for the cause of erratic lighting. Fixing that may have averted an eventual fire.

His inspections might be a nuisance, but worthwhile.

They do loosen up sometimes

I definitely agree that screws loosen up over time. I check them whenever I am at the panel.

All the best,

Peter

 

[California]

I definitely agree that screws loosen up over time. I check them whenever I am at the panel.

I found two problems when I investigated how two 1500w heaters killed a 100 amp panel master breaker at the sub-panel in the barn.

First, the underground cable over to the cabin had a splice before it went underground that consisted of a u-shaped connector where the 'saddle' had been slipped on to the two threaded ends of the U, upside down. So torquing down the nuts didn't force the wires together well. It had apparently been like that since the wire was run in the 1960's.

And second, that 100 amp main panel breaker had apparently tripped only one leg which made it burn up inside. Reading about Federal Pacific breakers, this is the principal reason they are no longer sold. But additionally, the heavy cable into that main breaker was sloppy loose, corroded, scorched. It's surprising any power went through it.

I installed a NOS main breaker, and will check all the screws occasionally.