The provided documentation details installation and safety instructions for Kenmore front load dryers. The materials cover essential aspects of proper installation, including electrical and exhaust venting requirements, safety precautions, and dimensional specifications. The documentation emphasizes adherence to safety standards to minimize the risk of fire, electrical shock, or personal injury. It also provides guidance on installation in various settings, such as standard laundry areas, recessed areas, and mobile homes.
Installation Requirements
Proper installation is critical for the safe and efficient operation of a Kenmore front load dryer. The documentation highlights several key requirements. Electrical requirements for electric dryers necessitate an individual 30-amp circuit. The documentation cautions against using power generated by sources other than the local utility company, such as gas, solar, or wind-powered generators, due to potentially inconsistent voltage capabilities.
Exhaust venting is another crucial aspect of installation. The system must utilize free-flowing, clear ducting, preferably 4-inch rigid or semi-rigid metal ducting, kept to a minimal length with few turns. The use of foil or plastic venting is explicitly prohibited. When using 4-inch flexible heavy metal vent, joints should be secured with clamps rather than screws, as screws can collect lint and impede airflow. Vent systems should be selected to best fit the specific installation scenario.
Installation in manufactured or mobile homes must conform to current Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards, Title 24 CFR, Part 32-80. The exhaust system in these installations must terminate outside the enclosure and be securely fastened to the mobile home structure.
Safety Instructions
The documentation places significant emphasis on safety. A warning is issued stating that to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury, all instructions must be read and followed before using the dryer. A specific warning addresses the danger of drying articles previously cleaned in, washed in, soaked in, or spotted with flammable substances like gasoline or dry-cleaning solvents, as these can emit explosive vapors. Children should never be allowed to play on or inside the dryer.
The documentation categorizes safety items with either a WARNING or CAUTION, based on the level of risk. The electrical installation section includes a specific ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD warning, emphasizing the need for a U.L.-approved strain relief on the power cord.
Dryer Dimensions and Clearance
Understanding the dryer’s dimensions and required clearances is essential for proper placement. The documentation provides dimensions for standard installations, noting a minimum clearance of 51.4 inches to allow the door to open fully. Front clearance requires 27.0 inches, while rear clearance needs 30.3 inches. The electrical supply requires 36.0 inches of clearance. For gas units, the centerline height for the gas supply is 1.6 inches.
When installing the dryer in a recess or closet, minimum installation clearances are specified as 0 inches for the sides and rear, and 0 inches for the front, provided the dryer is exhausted outdoors. Installation in a bedroom, bathroom, recess, alcove, or closet requires exhausting the dryer outdoors.
Installation Steps
The documentation outlines a general installation overview, broken down into several steps. These include selecting the installation location, installing leveling legs, making the electrical connection, and connecting the exhaust vent.
Installing the leveling legs involves using an adjustable wrench. For the electrical connection, a new 3- or 4-wire, 30-amp, U.L.-approved power cord is required. Connecting the exhaust vent may require tin snips. The documentation advises checking that all removed parts from the packaging are reinstalled, ensuring the dryer is positioned in its final location, and verifying that the vent is not crushed or kinked. Leveling the dryer is also crucial, checked both side-to-side and front-to-back using a level.
Offset Connections and Kits
When the exhaust vent is in a close clearance behind the dryer, or when installing in a recessed area or closet, an over-the-top exhaust vent kit is recommended. These kits are available from local Sears stores or Sears Service Centers. The documentation notes that parts used in these kits may be covered by U.S. patents.
Review Checklist
A final installation checklist is provided to ensure a proper installation and maximize user satisfaction. This checklist includes verifying that all parts have been installed, confirming the dryer is in its final location, ensuring the vent is not crushed or kinked, and confirming the dryer is level.
Warranty Information
The documentation states a full one-year warranty on mechanical and electrical parts, effective from the date of purchase. However, this warranty is restricted to private family use; if the dryer is subjected to commercial use, the warranty is effective for only 90 days. Warranty service requires installation and operation according to the provided instructions. Sears will repair or replace any defective mechanical or electrical parts during the warranty period.
Conclusion
The provided documentation offers essential guidance for the safe and effective installation of Kenmore front load dryers. Adherence to the outlined electrical and exhaust venting requirements, coupled with diligent attention to safety precautions, is paramount. Proper installation, including correct dimensions and clearances, ensures optimal performance and longevity of the appliance. The warranty information provides assurance of repair or replacement for defective parts under specified conditions.