XPARTCO 279973 Dryer Thermostat Kit
The XPARTCO 279973 is an aftermarket replacement dryer thermostat and thermal cut-off kit compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool-family electric dryers including Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Inglis, Roper, and Admiral. The kit contains two components — the high-limit thermostat (L295-80F) and the thermal cut-off fuse — both located on the heating element housing. Together they protect the dryer's heating element from overheating: the high-limit thermostat monitors element temperature and cuts power if it exceeds safe levels, then resets when cooled. The thermal cut-off fuse is a backup one-time device that permanently opens the circuit if the thermostat fails to protect the element.
Both parts are mounted on the side of the heating element housing and can be accessed through the dryer's back panel. The thermal cut-off fuse is a non-resettable one-time device — once it opens, it must be replaced. The 279973 kit includes both parts, an instruction sheet, and hardware. It directly replaces 3391913, 3404151, 3404152, 3977395, 8318314, 897710, 279973VP, AP3094323, and several additional cross-reference numbers. Note: this kit is for electric dryers only. Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 279973 Dryer Thermostat Kit fixes Whirlpool-family electric dryers with no heat, overheating, or a dryer that shuts off too early. Kit includes the L295-80F high-limit thermostat (auto-reset, opens at 295°F) and the thermal cut-off fuse (352°F, one-time). Both mount on the heating element housing. Electric dryers only. Replaces 3391913, 3404151, 8318314, 897710, AP3094323. Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Inglis, Roper, and Admiral.
Common Problems This Kit Fixes
Dryer produces no heat — thermal cut-off fuse or high-limit thermostat has failed
Dryer overheats — clothes or drum too hot at the end of a cycle
Dryer shuts off early before clothes are dry
Dryer takes multiple cycles or very long time to dry clothes
Repeated no-heat failures — underlying overheating condition affecting the element housing components
Dryer tumbles normally but produces no heat at all
What's in the Kit
Part 1 of 2
High-Limit Thermostat (L295-80F)
Opens at 295°F — cuts power to the heating element if temperature exceeds safe levels · Auto-resets when cooled · Located on the heating element housing · Should show closed continuity (near-zero resistance) at room temperature
Part 2 of 2
Thermal Cut-Off Fuse (352°F)
Opens at 352°F — one-time backup safety device on the heating element housing · Permanently interrupts power to the heating element if the high-limit thermostat fails to protect it · Cannot be reset — must be replaced if blown · Should show closed continuity at room temperature when working
Replaces Part Numbers
This thermostat kit directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
279973, 279973VP, 3391913, 3404151, 3404152, 3977395, 8318314, 897710, ER279973, PD00002626, EAP334387, AWP39286, AH334387, AP3094323, EA334387, PS334387.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This thermostat kit is compatible with select electric dryers only from the following brands:
Whirlpool electric dryers (Duet, Cabrio, and standard series)
Kenmore / Sears electric dryers (Whirlpool-built models)
Maytag electric dryers
KitchenAid electric dryers
Amana electric dryers
Inglis electric dryers
Roper electric dryers
Admiral electric dryers
Important: This kit is for electric dryers only. Gas dryers use a different burner assembly and require a different thermostat kit (XP6974 for Whirlpool-family gas dryers). Always verify your dryer type and model number before ordering. Also: if the thermal cut-off fuse has blown, always check for a clogged exhaust vent before replacing — a blocked vent is the most common root cause of overheating and repeated fuse failures.
Key Features
2-part kit — high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse, both on the heating element housing
High-limit thermostat (L295-80F) — opens at 295°F to cut element power, auto-resets when cooled
Thermal cut-off fuse (352°F) — one-time backup safety device; permanently opens if thermostat fails to protect the element
Both parts located on the heating element housing — accessible from the dryer back panel
Replacing both together ensures complete thermal protection is restored on the element housing
Replaces 3391913, 3404151, 8318314, 897710, AP3094323, and over 10 additional cross-reference numbers
Electric dryers only — not for gas dryer models
Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Inglis, Roper, and Admiral electric dryers
Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
Kit Part Number
279973
Condition
Aftermarket Replacement
Application
Electric Dryers Only
Kit Includes
1x High-Limit Thermostat (L295-80F), 1x Thermal Cut-Off Fuse (352°F), hardware, instruction sheet
High-Limit Thermostat Rating
L295-80F — opens at 295°F, resets at 215°F — auto-resets
Thermal Cut-Off Fuse Trip Temp
352°F — one-time, non-resettable
Location
Heating element housing (both parts)
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Inglis, Roper, Admiral
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Electric Dryers Only Disconnect power before beginning. Remove the back panel of the dryer by unscrewing the perimeter screws to expose the heating element housing. Both the high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse are mounted on the side of the heating element housing — the thermostat is typically the larger component and the thermal cut-off fuse is smaller. Test each component with a multimeter before removing (both should show closed continuity at room temperature; the failed one will read open). Photograph the wiring before disconnecting. Disconnect the wires, remove the mounting screws, and install the new components in the same positions. Reconnect the wires and mounting screws, reinstall the back panel, restore power, and run a test cycle to confirm heat. Tip: Before running the dryer, clean the full length of the exhaust duct — a clogged vent is the most common cause of overheating and a blown thermal cut-off fuse. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver, multimeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the high-limit thermostat and the thermal cut-off fuse in this kit?
The high-limit thermostat (L295-80F) is a resettable safety switch that opens at 295°F to cut power to the heating element and resets automatically when the temperature drops. It is the primary protection against overheating during normal operation. The thermal cut-off fuse is a one-time backup device rated at 352°F — it permanently opens the circuit if the heating element temperature climbs beyond the point the thermostat should have caught. Once the cut-off fuse opens, it must be replaced; it does not reset on its own. If the cut-off fuse has blown, it usually means the high-limit thermostat also failed to do its job and should be replaced at the same time — which is exactly what this kit provides.
How do I test these parts with a multimeter?
Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel to access the heating element housing. Disconnect each component from the wiring and probe both terminals with a multimeter set to continuity or resistance mode. At room temperature, both the high-limit thermostat and the thermal cut-off fuse should show closed continuity (near-zero resistance). Any component that reads open circuit (no continuity) has failed and needs to be replaced. The thermal cut-off fuse reads open even after it cools — it is non-resettable. The high-limit thermostat may read open at room temperature if it has failed internally rather than by an overheat trip.
How is the 279973 kit different from the XP6974 thermostat kit?
The 279973 is a 2-part kit — high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse — designed specifically for the heating element housing of Whirlpool-family electric dryers. The XP6974 is a 4-part kit — cycling thermostat, thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and thermal cut-off — designed for Whirlpool-family gas and electric dryers, covering both the exhaust duct components and the burner/element housing components. If your electric dryer is showing no-heat and you need only the heating element housing components, the 279973 kit covers exactly those two parts. If you want to replace all thermal components in one repair, the XP6974 covers a broader set.
Why does the thermal cut-off fuse keep blowing?
If the thermal cut-off fuse blows repeatedly after replacement, it almost always means there is an underlying overheating condition causing the heating element housing to run hotter than it should. The most common cause is a clogged or restricted exhaust vent — lint accumulation in the duct reduces airflow, trapping heat inside the dryer cabinet and around the element. Other causes include a failed cycling thermostat that is not regulating element temperature correctly, a stuck heating element relay, or a dryer in an enclosed space with inadequate ventilation. Always clean the full exhaust duct and check the cycling thermostat (WP3387134) before replacing the thermal cut-off fuse a second time.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement kit built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine Whirlpool OEM part, but is manufactured to match the temperature ratings and specifications of the original 279973 high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse kit.
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