How to choose a heating element for an LG washing machine

How to choose a heating element for an LG washing machineDue to poor tap water quality, power outages, and frequent use, the heating elements in LG washing machines often fail. While the heating element isn't the most vulnerable component in the system, it does require periodic replacement. Repairs are considered simple, so owners often prefer to install a new heating element themselves, rather than resorting to professional help. It's important to know what heating element is installed on your washing machine to ensure it's 100% compatible with your model.

What should you pay attention to when choosing?

As already mentioned, the correct selection of a heater is the key to a successful repair. It is best to disassemble the washing machine and visit a specialized store with the heating element removed from the housing.

It is likely that a spare parts sales consultant will select a similar part from stock after carefully examining the sample.

If your city is short on washing machine components and you need to order a heater online, you can find the right part by paying attention to a number of features.

  • Mounting location. This is a crucial parameter, as the heating element you purchase must fit into the designated location. This is the same for most heating elements. Heating elements found in washing machines manufactured 12-15 years ago are particularly special.
  • Consider whether the washer is equipped with a flange. If you install a heater without one, the flanged part (the heating element) may simply fall out of the drum during the next wash cycle.
  • Sensor connection hole. Some heating elements have holes for the thermostat. A heating element without a hole can be replaced with a heater with one, although a special plug will be required. If your washing machine has a heating element with a temperature sensor that isn't connected to anything, you can safely install the part without the hole.
  • Dimensions. There are short, medium, and long heaters. A larger heating element will not fit in the place of a short element. If the new heater is smaller than the old one, there's no need to worry; in this case, it will be installed.

Users who find a short heating element in their washing machine should pay attention to the length.

  • Power. This parameter isn't necessarily a priority. A heating element of any power will do; the only slight difference will be in the speed at which the water heats up.
  • Shape. Most heating elements are straight, but curved ones are also common. This aspect is very important to consider.
  • Heater coating. This affects solely the wear resistance and reliability of the component. Otherwise, the coating is not critical when selecting a heater.

In some cases, users looking to select a heating element for an LG washing machine pay attention to the manufacturer of the heating element. Of course, they want to buy high-quality components, and Italian Thermowatt parts are the leaders here. IRCA heaters, equipped with a safety fuse, are also worth considering.

Characteristics of heating elements in LG washing machines

In fact, there aren't that many heating elements compatible with LG washing machines. They can all be listed in a short list, which is what we'll do. Here are some options that might be suitable for repairing LG washing machines:

  • straight classic heater with a hole for a sensor, 1900 W power and 175 mm length;
    straight classic heater with a hole for the sensor
  • Another classic model with 1900 W. The heating element is 173 mm long and does not have a hole for a thermostat;
    classic heating element 173 without a hole
  • A universal 1600W element measuring 180 mm in length and equipped with a hole for a temperature sensor. It is also installed on Samsung washing machines;
    1600W universal element
  • a 2000 W heater extended to 305 mm, straight in shape, equipped with a thermostat and a sealing cuff;
    2000W heater extended to 305 mm
  • A long 305 mm heating element rated at 2000 W. Suitable for installation on LG models: WD 10160TP, TP 305-SG, WD 10180TU, WD 10130T, etc.

Before purchasing a heating element, carefully review the specifications of the element you're replacing. Choosing the right part will save you money, time, and effort on repairs.

   

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