Replacing 110v element to 220v?

[bellalaundry]

I am using a 24" 110v, 1972 avocado Whirlpool dryer. What I'm curious about is since it looks SO similar to the 220v compact models of the day (kidney shaped lint filter), where the heating elements somewhat interchangable? Would I be able to convert the 110v to 220v heating element, to a wiring harness, and then to the plug?

For anyone who may be in the "know" the model # on the dryer is:

LXE4900G0

Like I need a new project...any ideas?

Guy

 

[toggleswitch]

Depends on the gauge of the wiring and the capacity ("amp-acity") of the thermostats and temp. selector switches.

It just may be that two sets of inventory don't makse sense for a manufacturer to have, so that the heavier duty components requred by 220v may already be in place.

Probably safest to use the 110v leads to the old heater to trigger a relay. Use the relay to convey 220v current to the new heater.

Make sure your (new) wires are of the proper gauge (thickness) and properly heat-resistant.

BE CAREFUL AND THINK IT THROUGH!

 

[toggleswitch]

~so that the heavier duty components requred by 220v

and before anyone has a conniption, it's not 220v per se that may require heavier duty components. It is that IN THIS CASE a 220v element may be much higher wattage than the 110v one and despite the double voltage (which normally means half the amperage if the load/draw/watage is the same)it may still be of sufficient wattege (i.e more than double) to draw more amperage than its 110v cousin.

Clear as mud?

 

[tomturbomatic]

If I understand what you are saying, you want to replace the 110 volt element with the 220 volt element and convert the dryer to 220 volt operation. Using a heat relay, as Toggle suggests will definitely preserve the timer since you will not be running the voltage for the heaters through the timer contacts. We even put those relays in old electric dryers we restore for use to save the timer. Another good reason for using the relay is that the 220 volt timer is different than the 110 volt timer in your dryer because on some models of 220 volt dryers like yours, the timer had a time/temperature auto dry cycle. Since it is a different timer, it might have heavier contacts to handle the heavier voltage, but using the heat relay will allow you to continue to safely use the 110 volt timer. The 110 volt dryers would not have the heat to make that type of cycle work, so when the appliance rules mandated that all dryers have an auto dry cycle to save energy, the 110 volt dryers had to be equipped with an electronic dry control for the automatic dry cycle. The 220 volt model also has a delicate heat cycle or temperature selector. You are smart to keep the dryer. I have not heard any of the 24 inch European dryers that are as quiet as the 24 inch WP made compact dryers.

 

[bellalaundry]

OK, perhaps more trouble..

then I thought! Thank you for suggestions though. I do usually run the clothes thru an AEG 2800rpm spinner. Almost all my loads dry somewhere between 45 and 60 minutes.

The dryer has no fancy electronic dry components, just timed dry. One day I hope to find the matching avocado Whirlpool Convertible washer. Had one 25 years ago. I loved that it was slim but a full sized washer just the same.

Guy

 

[tomturbomatic]

Your dryer was made before the mandatory auto dry cycle; nothing wrong with that. The design is still the best 24 inch dryer made. AND the great thing about that dryer is that the door and tub opening are the same size as the 29" dryer, so if you ever find an old WP dryer with the glass window in the door, you can easily install it on yours!

 

[launderess]

Love my Whirlpool vintage dryer. Reason why one searched and happily found one locally is because of the great build quality (all metal), high heat for a 110v dryer (1350 watts), and lack of auto-sense dry, which one never has liked anyway.