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Thread: Dryer current-off alarm

  1. #1

    Default Dryer current-off alarm

    Hello:

    I have an old, but still-going-strong washer and dryer. Old means no alarms. I do not care so much about the washer, but when the dryer goes off, cloths begin to crease, and I need to take them out right away.

    So, I need a dryer-going-off alarm. I am ideally looking for an alarm that plugs into the electrical outlet and into which the dryer plug can be plugged in. The alarm should go off when the dryer turns off, that is, when no AC current flows in the electrical outlet. There should be an off switch for the alarm (of course), and preferably a volume adjustment and an alarm-frequency adjustment (constant alarm, alarm every x minutes).

    Can you point me to any place where I could possibly find something like this?

    Thank you very much in advance.

    Hans L

  2. #2
    Jack of all trades DonL's Avatar
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    Hello Hans L,

    Is your dryer Gas or Electric ?

    If your dryer don’t have a buzzer to alert you when the load is finished, setting a oven timer would be a cheaper alternative.


    Have a good day.


    DonL
    Don't pay someone to do a job fast, when you can do a half-fast job yourself.

  3. #3
    DIYer, not in the trades LLigetfa's Avatar
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    Instead of sensing current, why not sense temperature? A simple thermostat on the duct would do it.

  4. #4
    Jack of all trades DonL's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by LLigetfa View Post
    Instead of sensing current, why not sense temperature? A simple thermostat on the duct would do it.

    Good Idea, Or Air flow.
    Don't pay someone to do a job fast, when you can do a half-fast job yourself.

  5. #5
    DIYer, not in the trades LLigetfa's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DonL View Post
    Good Idea, Or Air flow.
    Ja, my first thought was to use a small mercury switch like what is used in a thermostat could be glued to the flapper.

    The other thought was to use a baby monitor.

  6. #6
    DIY Senior Member BobL43's Avatar
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    I agree with Don on this for sure. Just set a timer somewhere where you can here it. Our laundry is in the basement and the washer and dryer both have timers, but you can't hear them upstairs, so my wife just sets the oven timer as Don said, or even the microwave timer,
    I am definitely not a pro plumber, but I am a pro crastinator

  7. #7
    Moderator and Plumber jimbo's Avatar
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    Are you sure yours doesn't have a buzzer?? That would be rare. Check to see if it is switched off, or just needs a new buzzer. Give me the model number and I can tell you if there is a buzzer

  8. #8
    General Engineering Contractor ballvalve's Avatar
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    And just when the 100$ alarm is in the dryer dies. New electrics are only about 300$

    Thats about like casino odds.

  9. #9
    In the Trades Gary Swart's Avatar
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    Our dryers have always had a buzzer, but since the washer and dryer are in the basement, we often would not hear the dryer buzzer. I bought another buzzer at Radio Shack and mounted it at the top of the basement stairs. I ran a wire between them. Cost almost nothing, and it works just fine. Nothing on the washer, I don't think there is any way to do it and no need to anyway.

  10. #10
    Jack of all trades DonL's Avatar
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    I used a baby monitor for years, and it worked good.

    Of course we all know that you should not leave a cloths dryer running unattended.


    Have a Great Day.


    DonL
    Don't pay someone to do a job fast, when you can do a half-fast job yourself.

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