Test Dryers with clothes?

[CharlieS]

I remember seeing one of the experts on this board mention that you should never test run a dryer without a load of clothes in it. I must admit that I test them regularly without clothes, and have not been aware of any related problems.

Could you elaborate on the reason for this?

Thanks
Charlie

[mike]

I would say it is somewhat akin to testing a car in the factory, and not out in the real world.

Ie. We aren't testing how the dryer runs, but how it drys clothes.

[Kitty]

When you need to test a dryer, grab the nearest customer who needs some things dried. They think your so nice to do so.

[CharlieS]

I would agree with the testing theory for some things, where a physical load may alter the results. However, if I am simply verifying basic operation, such as is the heater igniting, the fan blowing, the drum turning, etc, I usually just test that function and shut off the machine. My machines will continue to time out if they just sit, although its amazing how fast a customer will zero in on that machine.

I have offered customers the use of a dryer as a free test load. The downside is, what if it fails the test. Then do you give the clothes back to the customer and say, sorry, put them in that machine and get your quarters back out? No, now you pretty much have to dry their clothes for free.

Charlie

[Winston]

I must be really cheap. I leave a "not in service" card on the dryer until the time runs down. Last time I just let the time expire, a customer used the dryer, then complained that it only ran for 3 minutes!

[TTLES]

With out a load, the dryer does not get taxed. It will reach operating temperature very quickly. If your car has a miss only when accelerating (under load) you will not find it at idle by racing
the engine.
Example: If a customer complains that a dryer did not get hot. ...
Wouldn't you want to test it under the same conditions. An empty dryer with a faulty limit thermostat will usually test ok... put a load in it and it will take forever to dey a load of clothes.
WE ALWAYS TEST WITH A LOADfor problems involving rotation and heat.
Some exceptions, coin mech proplem, door switch problem, no start condition.

[CharlieS]

That's exactly what I was looking for!


Thanks
Charlie

[BWJR]

This probably applies to newer dryers only, not the ones over 12 years old.

BWJR

[TTLES]

ALL DRYERS< ALL AGES..