XPARTCO 279457 Dryer Heating Element Wire Kit
The XPARTCO 279457 is an aftermarket replacement heating element connection wire kit for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid electric clothes dryers. This kit includes 2 connecting wires and 2 wire connectors that join the dryer's wiring harness to the heating element terminals. Because these connections carry the full current draw of the heating circuit, they're a common failure point — the terminals and wire insulation gradually degrade from repeated heat cycling, and a loose or corroded connection creates resistance that generates even more heat, which can melt the wire insulation or the connector itself.
This kit is the correct fix when you find burnt, melted, or brittle wiring at the heating element terminals rather than a fully failed heating element — replacing just the connection wiring is far cheaper than replacing the whole element when the element itself still tests good.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 279457 Heating Element Wire Kit fixes a dryer with no heat, inadequate heat, or overheating caused by burnt or melted wiring at the heating element connection — not a failed heating element itself. Includes 2 connection wires and 2 wire connectors. Classic symptom: a burning smell, or visibly melted/discolored wire insulation near the heating element terminals.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer not heating or producing inadequate heat
- Dryer overheating or heat cycling erratically
- Visibly melted, burnt, or discolored wires at the heating element connection
- Burning smell during operation
- Intermittent heating caused by a loose or corroded connection
- Heating element itself tests fine but the dryer still won't heat properly
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This wire kit directly replaces the following part numbers:
279457, 279457VP, 3140, T2502, AP3134638, AWP39894, EAP334206, PD00002893, PS334206
We were not able to confirm additional cross-reference numbers beyond these at this time. If you have one, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This wire kit is compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid electric clothes dryers, including models such as:
- TEDX640JQ1, WED5620HW1
- Numerous additional Whirlpool-built electric dryer models using the 279457 connection kit
Note: This kit has also been referenced for use with heating element 4391960 in some sourcing. This is a connection wire kit — it does not include a heating element itself. Confirm your model number against your dryer's parts diagram, or contact our support team to verify fit before ordering.
Key Features
- Direct-fit aftermarket heating element connection wire kit
- Includes 2 connection wires and 2 wire connectors
- Resolves melted/burnt-wire, no-heat, and overheating symptoms caused by a bad connection
- Lower-cost fix than replacing the heating element when the element itself tests good
- Fits Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and KitchenAid electric dryers
- Straightforward swap — typically 15–60 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
XP279457 |
| OEM Part Number |
279457 |
| Part Type |
Dryer Heating Element Connection Wire Kit |
| Condition |
Aftermarket Replacement |
| Kit Contents |
2 Connection Wires & 2 Wire Connectors |
| Application |
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag & KitchenAid Electric Dryers |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Power Before Installing — High-Current Connection Unplug the dryer or switch off its circuit breaker before beginning — this connection carries the full current of the heating circuit and must never be serviced live. Remove the dryer's rear or front panel per your model's service guide to access the heating element. Inspect the existing connection wires and terminals for melting, discoloration, or brittleness — if you see any of these signs, replace both wires and connectors entirely rather than reusing any part of them. Disconnect the two old connection wires from the heating element terminals, install the two new wires in their place, and secure each wire connector firmly so both connections are tight with no exposed bare wire. A loose or poor connection is the most common root cause of this failure in the first place, so double-check the fit on both connections before closing the dryer back up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a new heating element, or just this wire kit?
If the heating element itself tests good with a multimeter but you see melted, burnt, or discolored wiring specifically at the connection point, this wire kit alone is usually the correct and much cheaper fix. If the element itself has failed (no continuity), you'll need to replace the heating element too.
Why did my heating element wires melt in the first place?
This usually happens when a connection becomes loose or corroded over time, which increases electrical resistance at that point. That resistance generates extra heat right at the connection, which can melt the wire insulation or the connector. Make sure the new connection is seated tight and secure to prevent it from happening again.
How many wires and connectors are in this kit?
This kit includes 2 connection wires and 2 wire connectors — enough to replace both terminal connections on the heating element in one kit, per the original manufacturer specification.
Is this safe to install myself?
Most DIY-capable owners can complete this repair with basic hand tools in under an hour. That said, always unplug the dryer or shut off its breaker before working on it, since this connection carries the full current of the heating circuit — never work on it while the dryer is powered.
Shop With Confidence
A U.S.-based appliance parts retailer specializing in genuine OEM and high-quality replacement parts. We stock components for all major appliance brands and offer fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse. Our team is available to help verify compatibility before you purchase.
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