Tumble dryers work on electricity or gas. But generally electrically operated models are more popular and they are widely used. Gas based machines are used in areas where there is availability of gas. In UK electricity based tumble dryers are in vogue every since the appliance was introduced for public consumption.
About 60 per cent of the UK households have tumble dryers and most of them are electricity based. It is therefore quite natural that whenever energy related problems in tumble dryers are discussed, the accent will be on electricity powered ones. There are generally two types of problems that afflict the tumble dryers.
1.Electricity or energy related problems and
2.Component failure related problems
The electricity related problems can occur even in brand new products. But component failure, especially those which are due to wear and tear can occur only in machines which are in use for considerable time. The users should be able to identify or diagnose the problems when they strike so that fixing them will be easier. A few of the electricity related problems are enumerated hereunder for the guidance of the consumers.
1.The first symptom of electricity related problem is that the machine will not work when switched on. The users have to check the power point, power plug and power cord to ensure that supply is available at the source.
2.At times the machine may not work but the power plug will get heated. The reason is that the power cord is defective. Some of the internal wires in the power cord must have been broken or disintegrated and power circulation may be disrupted. Power plug and cord will get heated due to the increasing resistance. 
3.Another problem that strikes at times is that the tumble dryer will not attain the required temperature, despite having power supply. It can be a tripped fuse. The users can check the thermal fuse also which is located in the exhaust duct. In case the fuses are OK, the problem must be related to timer or thermostat. Professional’s help may be required to diagnose and to fix this problem.
4.In some cases it can be seen that the motor is not working despite having power supply. There will be two separate power circuits in the tumble dryer. One for motor and another one for heating element. It is to be found out whether the circuit breakers are OK. If not it is to be ascertained which of the above two are defective.
5.Door switch is a potential trouble point. Very often there is a possibility of door switch getting stuck up. Due to this defect the machine may not work even if there is power supply. Fixing a defective door switch is not a very difficult task.
Electricity or energy related problem can be diagnosed easily if the users have the necessary tools, tester and meter. The most important fact is that the user should keep in mind that the power supply should be switched off before attempting to open and inspect the tumble dryer. If the user is not fully conversant with the job, it is better to call a professional.
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