3387747 Heating Element & 280148 Thermal Cut-Off (8557403 Hi-Limit Thermostat & 8318314 Thermal Fuse)

3387747 Heating Element & 280148 Thermal Cut-Off Repair Kit

Key Features

• High-Grade Nickel-Chromium Coil: The 3387747 element is manufactured with a premium Ni-Cr alloy wire that features a higher density of coils per inch, providing rapid, consistent heat generation and superior resistance to burnout compared to standard replacement coils.
• Enhanced Thermal Cut-Off Kit: Includes the 280148 kit (comprising the 8557403 high-limit thermostat and 8318314 thermal fuse), designed as a multi-stage safety system that prevents the heater box from reaching catastrophic temperatures.
• High-Temperature Ceramic Insulators: The heating coil is supported by reinforced ceramic insulators that prevent electrical "arcing" against the metal housing, ensuring a safe and efficient electrical circuit.
• Precision-Calibrated Trip Points: The safety components are engineered to trip at specific factory-set temperatures, protecting the dryer motor and your home's electrical system from overheating due to airflow restrictions.
• Corrosion-Resistant Steel Housing: The element is encased in a heavy-duty, galvanized steel frame that resists warping and oxidation in the high-heat environment of the dryer’s heater duct.

Replaces / Cross-Reference Part Numbers

• Heating Element (3387747): WP3387747, AP6008281, PS11741415, 3387747VP, 80003.
• Thermal Cut-Off Kit (280148): AP3131474, PS346931, 280148VP, 8557403, 8318314.

Compatibility & Fitment

This heater and safety kit is the primary restoration set for Whirlpool-built "Duet" and "Cabrio" style electric dryers. Key compatible models include:

• Whirlpool Duet & Cabrio: Fits hundreds of models including GEW9250PW1, GEW9250PW0, WED5100HW1, WED8300SW2, and GEW9200LW1.
• Maytag Bravos & Epic: Compatible with many MED, MGD, and MDE series high-capacity electric dryers.
• Kenmore Elite (110 Series): Fits dozens of 110-prefix HE (High Efficiency) models produced by Whirlpool.
• Note: This kit is specifically for Electric Dryers. Gas models utilize a burner assembly instead of a resistance coil.

When to Replace

• No Heat: The dryer runs and the drum turns, but the air remains cold. This is usually caused by a "break" in the heating coil or a blown thermal fuse.
• Dryer Takes Too Long to Dry: If the heating element is partially shorted or the thermostat is out of calibration, the unit may provide some heat but not enough to dry a full load efficiently.
• "HE", "F01", or "tE" Error Codes: Modern Whirlpool and Maytag dryers will display these error codes on the console when the control board detects a failure in the heating circuit.
• Tripping Circuit Breaker: If the heating coil has snapped and is touching the metal heater box, it will cause a direct short and trip your home's circuit breaker.
• Continuity Test Failure: Use a multimeter to test the 3387747 element. If it shows "Open" (no continuity), the internal coil is broken and must be replaced.

Installation Tips

• Safety First: You MUST unplug the dryer. Electric dryers operate on 240V, which can be lethal. Ensure power is completely disconnected before removing the back panel.
• Accessing the Heater: On most Duet/Cabrio models, the heater box is located at the bottom-right of the cabinet. Access it by removing the lower front kickplate or the rear panel.
• Clean the Lint Path (CRITICAL): The #1 cause of heating element failure is lint buildup. Before installing the new parts, vacuum out the internal blower housing and the entire exhaust duct to the outside wall.
• Replace as a Kit: Always replace the thermal cut-off and high-limit thermostat (280148) when replacing the heating element. If the element burned out, the safety sensors were likely stressed by the heat.
• Check the Terminals: Ensure the wire connectors are tight and free of corrosion. A loose connection will create "arcing" and localized heat, which can melt the wires or cause the new element to fail prematurely.