Direct answer
An electric dryer can tumble with only one side of its 240-volt supply present. Check cycle settings, both breaker poles and airflow before assuming the heating element failed.
What this covers
- Dryers · electric heat
- The exact symptom in the title before component-level repair
- Consumer-accessible controls, connections and maintenance areas
What it does not cover
- ×Smoke, burning odor, swelling, liquid on powered parts or damaged wiring
- ×Opening sealed panels, bypassing interlocks or live-electrical testing
- ×Account ownership, billing or warranty disputes
Observe before changing anything
ReversibleUse Timed Dry on normal heat and note whether air is completely cold or briefly warm.
Isolate the failing boundary
ReversibleReset the double-pole breaker once and have the outlet voltage checked if one supply leg is missing.
Apply the narrow correction
ReversibleCorrect the electrical supply or vent restriction; internal heater and thermostat testing belongs to service.
Verify the result and stop at the boundary
ReversibleStop for breaker trips, hot plugs, arcing or damaged cords.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I check first for “Electric dryer runs but does not heat”?+
Use Timed Dry on normal heat and note whether air is completely cold or briefly warm.
How do I know whether the problem is external or inside the device?+
Reset the double-pole breaker once and have the outlet voltage checked if one supply leg is missing.
When should I stop and request repair?+
Stop for breaker trips, hot plugs, arcing or damaged cords.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.