Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Dryer Short?

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Samuel Adams
12-27-08, 08:17 PM
I noticed a strange smell coming from my dryer. I looked in back and noticed that the outlet was getting hot. I unplugged the dryer and noticed that one of the prongs on the plug is black and has all kinds of gunk on it. What should I do??


daddyjohn
12-28-08, 12:26 AM
You'll need to replace both the outlet and the dryer cordset. This often happens because of a loose connection in the outlet itself.

Icehouse
12-28-08, 08:54 AM
The reason this happens is due to moisture. You are removing moisture when drying clothes and this gets into the air surrounding it. With a replacement power cord, spray the prongs with WD-40. :)


Samuel Adams
12-28-08, 09:26 AM
Do I have to replace the power cord? Can I just clean up the old one? WD-40 on the prongs... I'm not going to blow anything up am I? :D

pugsl
12-28-08, 09:38 AM
Replace the cord can be bought at any hardware store. You do not want a fire.

Icehouse
12-28-08, 09:39 AM
Do I have to replace the power cord? Can I just clean up the old one? WD-40 on the prongs... I'm not going to blow anything up am I? :D No I don't think you will blow anything up. Just clean the spades and spray a little WD-40. Old trick, dry the receptacle with a hair dryer. :)

Icehouse
12-28-08, 09:43 AM
Replace the cord can be bought at any hardware store. You do not want a fire.
Highly agree. But till he does, clean it for a temp repair.

Samuel Adams
12-28-08, 09:56 AM
Is the cord difficult to replace? I'm clueless...

Icehouse
12-28-08, 10:53 AM
:coffee: Grab a cup and follow this:
Remove back cover after unplugging and you will see the terminal block the cord is connected to. Use either a nut driver, open-end wrench,or adjustable wrench, loosen the nuts holding the wires. Remove wires on old cord and replace with wires from new cord.
Just in case: Black Wire to L1 Red Wire to L2 Green Wireto ground White Wire to N

Samuel Adams
12-28-08, 10:59 AM
I think I can handle that... think being the operative word. :)

In the interim, what's the best method to clean the prongs on the existing cord? Once they are clean, should I spray with WD-40 and wipe off excess? How long after cleaning / spraying should I wait before plugging back in?

I'll also use the blow dryer trick on the socket :)