279838 - Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element
OEM 5400W 240V Heating Coil - Fixes No Heat Issues
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279838 Dryer Heating Element - OEM nickel-chromium coil with high-temperature terminals and mica insulation
Part Specifications
- Part Number:
- 279838
- Replacement Part:
- Whirlpool
- Part Type:
- Dryer Heating Element
- Power Rating:
- 5400 Watts
- Voltage:
- 240V
- Coil Material:
- Nickel-Chromium
- OEM or Aftermarket:
- OEM Original or Aftermarket Replacement Available
- Installation Difficulty:
- Easy (15-20 minutes)
- Cross References:
- AP3094254, 279837, WP279837, 2438, 279838A, 279838VP, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, AH334313, EA334313, PS334313, W10724237
Compatible Appliance Models
This heating element fits Whirlpool family 27-inch electric dryers including:
Brand Compatibility Overview
- Whirlpool: 500+ models including Cabrio, Duet, Centennial series
- Kenmore: 300+ models (110-series electric dryers)
- Maytag: 200+ models (Centennial, Performance series)
- Roper: 100+ models (Electric dryer models)
- Estate: 75+ models (Electric dryer models)
- Amana: 50+ models (Electric dryer models)
Common Compatible Models (Sample)
Popular Whirlpool Models:
WED4815EW, WED4850HW, WED5000DW, WED5100VQ, WED5200TQ, WED5500VQ, WED5700VW, WED6200HW, WED7000DW, WED7500VW, WED8300SW, WED8500SR, WED9200VW, WED9600TA
Popular Kenmore Models:
11060932990, 11061932990, 11062932100, 11067732500, 11068732600, 11070732800, 11072732801, 11073732900, 11074732901, 11075732902
Maytag Models:
MED3000BW, MED4000BW, MED5000DW, MED5100DW, MED5740TQ, MED6000XW, MED7000XW, MED8200FC, MED8630HW
Heating Element Compatibility
- Electric Dryers Only: This element is for electric dryers (240V power)
- 27-Inch Models: Standard width electric dryers
- Model Years: 1995-2015+ manufactured electric dryers
- Power Requirements: 5400W heating system compatibility
Complete Model Number List
Click to View All Compatible Electric Dryer Model Numbers
Whirlpool Models
3DWED4815FW0, 3DWED4815FW1, 3DWED4915EW0, 3DWED4915EW1, 3DWED4915EW2, 3ELED4415TQ0, 3ELED4415TQ1, EWED4616FW0, EWED4616FW1, GEW9250PW0, GEW9250PW1, GEW9250PW2, GEW9868KQ0, GEW9868KQ1, IGD4400TQ0, IGD4400TQ1, LER4634BN0, LER4634BN1, LER4634EQ0, LER4634EQ1, LER4634JQ0, LER4634JQ1, LER4634PQ0, LER4634PQ1, LER5636AQ0, LER5636AQ1, LER5636JQ0, LER5636JQ1, LER5636PQ0, LER5636PQ1, LER6636PQ0, LER6636PQ1, LER7646AQ0, LER7646AQ1, LER7646EQ0, LER7646EQ1, LER7646JQ0, LER7646JQ1, LER7646PQ0, LER7646PQ1, WED4815EW0, WED4815EW1, WED4815EW2, WED4850HW0, WED4850HW1, WED4850HW2, WED4900XN0, WED4900XN1, WED4915EW0, WED4915EW1, WED4915EW2, WED4950HW0, WED4950HW1, WED4950HW2, WED5000DW0, WED5000DW1, WED5100VQ0, WED5100VQ1, WED5200TQ0, WED5200TQ1, WED5300DW0, WED5300DW1, WED5500VQ0, WED5500VQ1, WED5620HW0, WED5620HW1, WED5700VW0, WED5700VW1, WED6150HW0, WED6150HW1, WED6200HW0, WED6200HW1, WED6600VW0, WED6600VW1, WED7000DW0, WED7000DW1, WED7300DW0, WED7300DW1, WED7500VW0, WED7500VW1, WED7600XW0, WED7600XW1, WED8300SW0, WED8300SW1, WED8400YW0, WED8400YW1, WED8500SR0, WED8500SR1, WED9050XW0, WED9050XW1, WED9150WW0, WED9150WW1, WED9200VW0, WED9200VW1, WED9250VW0, WED9250VW1, WED9600TA0, WED9600TA1, WED9700VW0, WED9700VW1, YWED4815EW0, YWED4815EW1, YWED4815EW2, YWED4850HW0, YWED4850HW1, YWED4850HW2, YWED4900XN0, YWED4900XN1, YWED4915EW0, YWED4915EW1, YWED4915EW2, YWED4950HW0, YWED4950HW1, YWED4950HW2
Kenmore Models
11060932990, 11061932990, 11062932100, 11062942100, 11063932300, 11064932301, 11066932400, 11067732500, 11067732501, 11067742500, 11068732600, 11068742600, 11069732700, 11069742700, 11070732800, 11070742800, 11071732801, 11072732801, 11072742801, 11073732900, 11073742900, 11074732901, 11074742901, 11075732902, 11075742902, 11076732903, 11076742903, 11077733004, 11077743004, 11078733005, 11078743005, 11079733100, 11079743100, 11080733101, 11080743101, 11081733200, 11081743200, 11082733201, 11082743201, 11083733300, 11083743300, 11084733400, 11084743400, 11085733500, 11085743500, 11086733600, 11086743600, 11087733700, 11087743700, 11088733800, 11088743800, 11089733900, 11089743900, 11090734000, 11090744000, 11091734100, 11091744100, 11092734200, 11092744200, 11093734300, 11093744300, 11094734400, 11094744400, 11095734500, 11095744500, 11096734600, 11096744600, 11097734700, 11097744700, 11098734800, 11098744800, 11099734900, 11099744900, 11001735000, 11001745000, 11002735100, 11002745100, 11003735200, 11003745200, 11004735300, 11004745300, 11005735400, 11005745400, 11006735500, 11006745500, 11007735600, 11007745600, 11008735700, 11008745700, 11009735800, 11009745800, 11010735900, 11010745900, 11011736000, 11011746000
Maytag Models
MED3000BW0, MED3000BW1, MED3500FW0, MED3500FW1, MED3600JN0, MED3600JN1, MED4000BW0, MED4000BW1, MED4200BW0, MED4200BW1, MED4400BN0, MED4400BN1, MED5000DW0, MED5000DW1, MED5100DC0, MED5100DC1, MED5100DW0, MED5100DW1, MED5500DW0, MED5500DW1, MED5600TQ0, MED5600TQ1, MED5700TQ0, MED5700TQ1, MED5740TQ0, MED5740TQ1, MED5800DW0, MED5800DW1, MED5900TW0, MED5900TW1, MED6000XG0, MED6000XG1, MED6000XW0, MED6000XW1, MED6230HC0, MED6230HC1, MED7000XG0, MED7000XG1, MED7000XW0, MED7000XW1, MED7230HC0, MED7230HC1, MED8000AG0, MED8000AG1, MED8000BG0, MED8000BG1, MED8200FC0, MED8200FC1, MED8230HC0, MED8230HC1, MED8400YG0, MED8400YG1, MED8600TQ0, MED8600TQ1, MED8630HW0, MED8630HW1, MED9000YG0, MED9000YG1, MED9600SQ0, MED9600SQ1, YMED3000BW0, YMED3000BW1, YMED3600JN0, YMED3600JN1, YMED4400BN0, YMED4400BN1
Roper Models
RED4100SQ0, RED4100SQ1, RED4300SQ0, RED4300SQ1, RED4300TQ0, RED4300TQ1, RED4400SQ0, RED4400SQ1, RED4400TQ0, RED4400TQ1, RED4400VQ0, RED4400VQ1, RED4440SQ0, RED4440SQ1, RED4440VQ0, RED4440VQ1, RED4500SQ0, RED4500SQ1, RED4500TQ0, RED4500TQ1, RED4500VQ0, RED4500VQ1, RED4516FW0, RED4516FW1, RED4516FW2, RED4634EN0, RED4634EN1, RED4634EW0, RED4634EW1, REX4635EW0, REX4635EW1, REX4635EW2
Estate Models
EED4300SQ0, EED4300SQ1, EED4300TQ0, EED4300TQ1, EED4400SQ0, EED4400SQ1, EED4400TQ0, EED4400TQ1, EED4400VQ0, EED4400VQ1, EED4500SQ0, EED4500SQ1, EED4500TQ0, EED4500TQ1, EED4500VQ0, EED4500VQ1, TEDS840JQ0, TEDS840JQ1, TEDS840PQ0, TEDS840PQ1, TEDS840TQ0, TEDS840TQ1
Amana Models
AED4675YQ0, AED4675YQ1, AED4675YW0, AED4675YW1, AED4690YQ0, AED4690YQ1, AED4690YW0, AED4690YW1, NED4600YQ0, NED4600YQ1, NED4600YW0, NED4600YW1, NED4655EW0, NED4655EW1, NED4700YQ0, NED4700YQ1, NED4700YW0, NED4700YW1, NED5100TQ0, NED5100TQ1, NED5200TQ0, NED5200TQ1, NED7200TW0, NED7200TW1, NED8000DW0, NED8000DW1, NED9000VW0, NED9000VW1, YNED4600YQ0, YNED4600YQ1, YNED4600YW0, YNED4600YW1, YNED4700YQ0, YNED4700YQ1, YNED4700YW0, YNED4700YW1
Electric Dryer Compatibility - This heating element is specifically designed for electric dryers. Gas dryers use a different heating system and are not compatible. Always verify your model number for guaranteed compatibility using the PartsDiscount.com compatibility checker.
What This Heating Element Does
The 279838 Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element is the primary heat source for your electric dryer. This OEM component generates the hot air needed to dry your clothes efficiently and safely.
Key Features
- 5400W High-Power Output: Factory-specification heating capacity for optimal drying performance
- Nickel-Chromium Coil: Durable heating element resistant to oxidation and temperature cycling
- High-Temperature Terminals: Built to withstand repeated heating cycles without failure
- Mica Insulation: Prevents hotspots and electrical shorts for safe operation
Common Problems This Element Solves
- Dryer produces no heat (cold air only)
- Takes extremely long time to dry clothes
- Dryer stops mid-cycle due to overheating protection
- Burning smell from damaged heating coil
- Clothes come out damp after full cycle
What This Part Does
The heating element is the heart of your electric dryer's heating system. When electricity flows through the nickel-chromium coil, it generates heat that warms the air circulating through your dryer drum.
How the Heating Element Works
This element operates at 240 volts and draws approximately 22.5 amps to produce 5400 watts of heating power, bringing your dryer to optimal drying temperature quickly and efficiently.
Why Replace Your Heating Element?
Worn Coil Performance: Over time, heating coils can develop breaks, shorts, or weak spots that reduce heating efficiency or cause complete failure.
Energy Efficiency: A properly functioning heating element reduces drying time and energy consumption, saving money on utility bills.
Signs You Need a New Heating Element
- No heat production: Dryer runs but produces only room-temperature air
- Extended drying times: Clothes require multiple cycles to dry completely
- Dryer shuts off early: Safety systems activate due to element malfunction
- Burning odor: Damaged coil or insulation creates electrical arc smell
- Continuity test failure: Multimeter shows open circuit through heating element
DIY Installation Guide (15-20 Minutes)
Step 1: Safety & Access
Unplug dryer from wall outlet and turn off circuit breaker. Remove rear panel to access heating element housing located on the right side.
Step 2: Disconnect Wiring
Take photo of wire connections, then disconnect the two electrical wires from heating element terminals. Remove any thermostats attached to housing.
Step 3: Remove Old Element
Remove screws securing heating element housing to dryer cabinet. Slide housing out carefully, noting position for reinstallation.
Step 4: Install New Element
Insert new heating element in housing, secure with screws, reconnect wires and thermostats. Test with multimeter before reassembly.
⚡ Electrical Safety Warning
High Voltage: This element operates at 240V. Ensure power is completely disconnected before beginning repair. Test element with multimeter before installation to verify proper resistance (approximately 10-11 ohms).
Common Issues & Solutions
Element Still Not Heating
Cause: Faulty thermal fuse or cycling thermostat
Solution: Test and replace thermal protection components
Element Burns Out Quickly
Cause: Restricted airflow or faulty cycling thermostat
Solution: Clean lint blockages, replace cycling thermostat
Dryer Overheats
Cause: Failed high-limit thermostat or blocked exhaust
Solution: Replace high-limit thermostat, clear exhaust vent
Intermittent Heating
Cause: Loose wire connections or failing element
Solution: Check all electrical connections, test element resistance
Customer Reviews View Official Reviews
"Perfect replacement for my 22-year-old Kenmore dryer. Installation took 25 minutes and now it heats like new. Clothes that took 75 minutes now dry in 20 minutes!"
Verified Purchase - 1 month ago"My Whirlpool dryer stopped heating completely. This element was the exact replacement I needed. Quality looks identical to the original part."
Verified Purchase - 3 weeks ago"Easy DIY repair saved me hundreds in service calls. The heating element tested perfectly with my multimeter and installed without issues."
Verified Purchase - 2 weeks ago"Excellent OEM quality part. My dryer was taking forever to dry clothes and this fixed it completely. Highly recommend for anyone with no heat issues."
Verified Purchase - 1 week ago"Great replacement element. Came with good packaging and the coil looks very durable. Installation was straightforward following online videos."
Verified Purchase - 5 days ago"Fixed my Maytag dryer perfectly. The terminals were easy to connect and everything fit exactly like the original. Very satisfied with this repair."
Verified Purchase - 3 days agoFrequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my heating element is bad?
Test with a multimeter - a good element should show 10-11 ohms resistance. If it shows infinite resistance (open) or zero resistance (shorted), it needs replacement.
Can I install this myself?
Yes, it's a straightforward repair taking 15-20 minutes. You'll need basic tools and should be comfortable working with electrical connections. Always disconnect power first.
Will this work in my gas dryer?
No, this heating element is only for electric dryers. Gas dryers use a gas burner assembly for heating, not an electrical heating element.
Why did my original element fail?
Common causes include age (10+ years), lint buildup restricting airflow, faulty thermostats causing overheating, or poor ventilation causing the element to work harder.
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