Your tumble dryer stop mid-cycle

Whether it uses draining or condensation, dryer systems are all relatively similar in that they use hot air to dry your clothes. But what happens when when the appliance stops mid-cycle? Actually, this doesn't mean that it is out of service or has to go to the rubbish dump. One or more factors may have caused this malfunction and it can be easily repaired. Use this article to identify the various different factors that might cause your dryer to stop.

THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:

• The power supply is faulty

• The lint filter is full and makes the appliance overheat

• The condensor tray is full and overflowing

• The condenser is blocked

• Your tumble dryer door opened during the cycle

• Your device programmer is defective

• The overheating safety mechanisms triggered

WARNING
For safety reasons, we recommend that you disconnect your tumble dryer from the mains before doing any work on it.
There is a risk of an electric shock.

THE POWER SUPPLY IS FAULTY

First of all, you should definitely check that your device’s power supply is working properly. Also check that the device is connected to the wall outlet properly. If it is, check whether the power cable is damaged or melted. If it has a defect, it should be replaced. Last but not least, the fuseinside the plug might have burnt out or the circuit breaker might have been triggered. If that is the case, you will find that all the devices powered by the same circuit have suddenly stopped too.
Quick reminder: you are strongly advised not to plug large domestic appliances into multi-socket extension leads.

THE LINT FILTER IS FULL

This is the first thing you should check  if your dryer is malfunctioning. The lint finter is actually used to prevent textile materials from getting into the dryer circuit. You are also advised to clean this filter every time after you use the appliance in order to ensure your dryer continues to work properly.

Purchase a filter for a tumble dryer

CONDENSOR TRAY IS FULL

If your dryer is a condenser model, it will condense the water vapour from your laundry and collect it as a liquid in a tray called a condensate tray  or water collector tray. You must empty this tray regularly (ideally after each use) in order to prevent it overflowing. Actually, if this does happen, the dryer will go into safety mode and shut down. On most dryers, this element is located at the top left of the device.

Purchase a water collector tray for a tumble dryer

THE CONDENSER IS BLOCKED

Condenser dryers have a condenser as the name suggests.The latter recovers the hot air passing through your laundry and traps the moisture that, once transformed into water, fills the water collector tray or condensate tray. With use, lint may accumulate in the condenser and can interfere with the air circulating properly. This is why you must check it regularly and clean it if needed (an average of 1 to 2 monthly cleans). Usually located at the bottom left of the dryer, the condenser comes in the form of a cartridge which can be removed for cleaning. Simply open the protective hatch and rinse it using a shower head in a bathtub or shower tray. This also works outside using a hose. To make cleaning easier, use a straightened metal coat hanger to remove textile particles stuck between the stainless steel slats of the condenser.

Purchase a condenser for a tumble dryer

YOUR TUMBLE DRYER DOOR OPENED DURING THE CYCLE

If this is the case, the safety lock system will instantly stop your dryer. This issue may occur if you haven't closed your door properly before you start your dryer or if one of the parts that keeps it closed is worn out. If this is the case, this will happen several times over and you will have to check that there isn't any wear to the lock or the door spring. If you find a defect in the door lock (for example, a defective latch), you will need to replace this part. A problem with the striker plate screwed onto your appliance's bodywork may also cause it to open unintentionally.

YOUR DEVICE PROGRAMMER IS DEFECTIVE

Is your tumble dryer's programmer mechanical? It is possible that the device's programmer is defective. In fact, the timer's little motor may be defective and thus cause the appliance to stop during its cycle. This micro motor is designed to drive different disks. The function of these disks is to close contacts that power the various different elements on the appliance when desired. It is pretty easy to check this micro motor. Take a multimeter set to the AC voltmeter position. Place the multimeter's tips on the micro motor's terminals (while the appliance is on) and check that there are 230 volts of AC. You should be able to hear a gear noise or a mechanism rotating. Otherwise, the micro motor is probably stuck or has been cut off. The programmer must be replaced in that case.

THE OVERHEATING SAFETY MECHANISMS TRIGGERED

Your dryer's safety thermostat dis activated when the device overheats. It will then cut off the power supply to the heating elements and the electric motor (resulting in the automatic shutdown of the dryer). This thermostat is usually located behind the drum, close to the heating element. To check it, use a multimeter in the Ohmmeter position. After disconnecting the thermostat, place the tester's two tips on the thermostat's terminals to check for continuity. Some thermostats have a small push-button on the top to reset them. Otherwise, you can use a paper clip, for example, to hear the "click" when it resets. However, for your own safety, you must replace the thermostat rather than reset it.If the safety thermostat trips, it will likely be another component on your appliance that is actually causing the fault (it's often when the tumble dryer is dirty). So make sure you check your dryer's other parts.

Purchase a safety thermostat for a tumble dryer