Dryers at a first glance are very simple machines: you load in the wet laundry, turn on the machine and let it do its stuff.
However, not only are dryers more complicated than they seem, the specific set-up of the systems can sometimes vary.
Knowing the differences between the options, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in different situations, is important if you want to get the most out of a dryer.
The variations in dryers start with the very first step of turning the machine on.
There are two main types of switches to activate a dryer: rotary switches and push start switches. Each of them works in its own way and has its own pros and cons that buyers should consider when selecting a dryer.
Now, let us consider the differences between these two types of dryer switches.
Rotary Switch
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A rotary switch can, in general, be defined as a switch that functions through a rotation process.
Essentially, there is a spindle-like rotor that clicks between different positions to switch the device on and off. Multiple electric circuits are in place at the individual positions along the rotor, and the rigid set-up of the specific points enables a switch to quickly move between spots without getting stuck halfway.
Because of the rotating nature of the rotary switch, they can often be configured in a variety of ways by users, enabling greater flexibility of choice for the switch’s options.
On the other hand, it is also possible for users to block off certain positions on the rotary switch to thereby limit and streamlines the choices. Many dryers to this day continue to feature rotary switches to turn them on and off.
Push Start Switch
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A push start switch is also a fairly simple device in theory: you push a switch, and the push effect in the machine triggers the circuits to activate the dryer. This occurs by pushing the interior component of the switch into a circuit when you push the switch, thus starting a flow of electricity.
The flow is only temporary.
Once the switch is no longer pressed, the electric circuit for the switch will promptly cease.
The push switch is further subdivided into two separate categories: push to make and push to break. The former does what was mentioned earlier, with the circuit flow occurring only when the switch is pressed. In contrast, a push to break switch has the switch in the active flow state in its default setting. By pushing the switch, you actually move the interior switch out of the flow to stop it temporarily.
Pros and Cons
Both the rotary switch and the push start switch have their own advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before making your purchase.
Each one will work well in certain scenarios yet not as well in others.
The primary strength of a push start switch is in its simplicity. The whole process is rather straightforward, reducing the potential complexity. This is why it is so highly valued as a dryer switch.
On the other hand, the push start switch’s simplistic design can sometimes be a detriment, as it limits the variability of options for the switch.
In contrast, the rotary switch, while sometimes being too complicated with the multiple options, makes the switch user-configurable and allows for greater flexibility. This can have its own uses on a dryer when you want multiple choices.
Photo credit to Wirecutter
Testing the Effectiveness with a Multi-Meter
Aside from the main differences between rotary switches and push start switches, it’s also a good idea to check the overall voltage and resistance of the switches before choosing one or the other.
In fact, it is a good measure to check those levels for your dryer as a whole to see if it meets your expectations. For that purpose, you should use a multi-meter.
HomeSteady explains that a multimeter measures important aspects of your machine such as continuity, resistance, and voltage.
To use it, unplug the dryer, insert the multimeter into the circuit of your choice, and analyze the results to see if the circuit is working properly.
Keep in mind that different kinds of multimeters are available on the market and in both digital and analog varieties, so pick one best for you.
Photo credit to Gierad Laput
Lots of Facets to a Dryer
As you can see through the differences between the rotary and push start switches for dryers, a dryer, in fact, has many different components that you need to consider.
To make the most out of a dryer, you should pick one that has the qualities you want and need to meet your personal objectives.
Find out more about rotary switches, push start switches, and other possible parts of your dryer, and check out Dryernotheating.net. You can find all the tips, repair hacks, and how-to’s you need to run your dryer and fix any problems it may have.