Whirlpool dishwasher thermal fuse

[RAH52]

What is the purpose of the thermal fuse that is located near the control board on current production whirlpool d/w . What component is it protecting and if its open is the recommended procedure to change it alone or should some other component be suspected of causing the thermal fuse to open .

Model Number: DU1055XTPQ3

[Al Capone]

Hi,

Got a model number?

[JWWebster]

My guess is it has something to do with the dishwashers heating element

[RegUS_PatOff]

as the TCO Thermal Fuse in this model ?

GU3600XTPB0 Tech Sheets

[RAH52]

model # is DU1055XTPQ3

[Al Capone]

I edited the first post to include the model number, thanks.

[whirlpooltech]

You will get two new wires with the fuse kit.

You need to make sure you use the new wires in the kit with the new fuse.

The old wires have a bad connection that create heat and blow the old fuse, part # 8193762

[Repair-man]

Along with all the excellent advice that these other tech have provided, no one answered the gent's original question. The thermal fuse protects the entire dishwasher circuit from overload. Not just the heater or motor, but everything. From the diagram in the tech sheet, you can see that this fuse is between the incoming line voltage and the door switch. This means it is controlling all power to the dishwasher. Any shorted component can open the fuse.

Generally if you replace both wires etc. that come with the kit you will be OK. More on replacing this TCO here.