Dryer door switch

Question

I have a Malber dryer (model TD700). They don't make them anymore. The door switch is broken. I would like to replace it. I can't buy a Malber one because they don't make them. I don't care if the door switch just is always "on", meaning opening the door won't work to stop the machine, I just need something that will make my dryer work. For now I just used tape to hold together the contact points. Can someone help me with which kind of door switch I need?

Attached is a photo of the door switch.

This is a picture of the sticker on the aback of the dryer:

Answer 1

As commented, it's really hard to tell with such poor photos.

However, it does look like a pretty bog-standard microswitch, such at this

or without the arm

I'd just look for one with the correct dimensions.

• For voltage, they're mostly rated for 250VAC, but just ensure the one you buy is.
• For current rating, it's hard to say without details from the pic, but judging by the burnt nature of the one you're replacing, I'd say it's underrated. Best to assume it's switching the whole load, so greater than (Total Dryer Power in Watts/Mains Voltage) Amps is required. Minimizing how often you open the door whilst it's running will minimize the chance of it burning out again, although with a properly-sized switch, it should not be a problem
• You may need to experiment to get the right normally open / normally closed contact.

Edit after new photo's. The power is 1480W, Voltage is 110V, so the current would be 1480/110 = 13.45A, so I'd suggest a 16A one.

Answer 2

I never heard of Malber before, but a quick search shows that at least some parts are available. If the parts are standard enough (as is often the case for older washer and dryer parts) then even if Malber doesn't make/sell the part, somebody else might. The only way to find out is with the specific model # (TD700 from comment), as replacement switches may vary with the size of the dryer and/or model year.

Unfortunately, Malber parts are very few & far between online, at least in my searches. I'd suggest taking the part to a local appliance parts store to see if someone knows what can replace it. Not a big box store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.), appliance retail store or hardware store - a place that sells parts to appliance installers/repairmen.

Answer 3

A dryer with an inoperative switch will run continuously when the top-panel controls say "Start." That means that when you open the door of the running machine, the drum will keep rotating until you change the top-panel control settings to "Stop." This may result in clean clothes on the floor, or a damaged hand as the user reaches inside the turning drum.

But if you're content to use a dryer with an inoperative switch so the machine thinks the door is closed all the time, just cut the connectors off the two wires to the switch, strip the ends, and connect the wires together, using a wirenut (hardware store item). The dead switch won't be a part of the circuit, so it can be removed or left in place.