Kenmore 27-INCH WIDE ELECTRIC DRYERS Operating instructions

Owner's Manual and
Installation Instructions
E L I T E
27-Inch Wide
GAS DRYERS
Z
IMPORTANT:
Read and follow all safety
and operating instructions
before first use of this product.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., HoffmanEstates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.sears.com
8310664 PRINTED IN USA 9/99

WARNING: For your safety,the information in this manual
must be followed to minimize the risk of fire or explosion,
or to prevent property damage, personal injury, or death.
- Do not store or use gasoline or otherflammable vapors and
liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance.
-WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
• Do not try to light any appliance.
•Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in
your building.
• Clear the room, building, or area of all occupants.
•Immediately call your gas supplier from aneighbor's phone.
Follow the gas supptier's instructions.
•If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
- Installation and service must be performed by a qualified
installer,service agency, or the gas supplier.

BEFORE USING YOUR NEW DRYER 3
KENMORE ELITE TM GAS DRYER WARRANTY
DRYER SAFETY
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
OPERATING YOUR DRYER 24
LAUNDRY TIPS 31
CARING FOR YOUR DRYER 33
TROUBLESHOOTING 37
SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT 39
Ptease read this manual. It will help
you install and operate your new
Kenmore ELITE TM dryer in the most
economical way.
If you need more information about the
care and operation of Kenmore ELITE TM
appliances caII your nearest Sears store.
You wiII need the comptete modeI and
seriaI numbers when requesting
information. Your dryer's model and
seriaI numbers are located on the
Model and Serial Number Plate.
Use the space below to record the modeI
number and serial number of your new
Kenmore ELITE TM dryer.
Modet No.
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
Keep this book and your Sears
Salescheck (receipt) in asafe
place for future reference.

Full One Year Warranty on
Mechanical and Electrical Parts
For one year from the date of purchase,
if this dryer isinstalled and operated
according to the instructions in this
manual, Sears wilI repair or replace any
of its mechanical or electrical parts if they
are defective in matedal or workmanship.
NOTE: Exhausting your dryer with
a plastic vent may void this warranty.
Pages 18-22 of this manual describe
the complete exhaust requirements
for this dryer.
Warranty Restriction
If the dryer is subjected to other than
private family use, all warranty coverage is
effective for only 90 days.
Warranty Service
Warranty service is avaiIable by contacting
your nearest Sears Service Center in the
United States.
This warranty applies only while this dryer
is in use in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Dept. 817WA,
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
For Sears Warranty information or to contact a
Sears Service Center, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME SM
(1-800-469-4663)

Your safety and the safety of others
is very important.
We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on
your appIiance. Always read and obey alI safety messages.
This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to
hazards that can kill or hurt you and others. All safety
messages will be preceded by the safety alert symbol and
the word 'DANGER" or "WARNING." These words mean:
You will be killed or seriously
injured if you don't follow
instructions.
You can be killed or seriously
injured if you don't follow
instructions.
All safety messages will identify the hazard, tell you how to reduce the
chance of injury, and tell you what can happen if the instructions are not
followed.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING :To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons
when using the dryer, follow basic precautions, including the following:
• Read all instructions before using
the dryer.
• Do not pIace items exposed to cook-
ing oils in your dryer. Items contami-
nated with cooking oils may contribute
to a chemical reaction that could
cause a load to catch fire.
• Do not dry articles that have been pre-
viously cleaned in, washed in, soaked
in, or spotted with gasoline, dry-
cleaning solvents, other flammable, or
explosive substances as they give off
vapors that could ignite or explode.
• Do not allow children to play on or in
the dryer. Close supervision of
children is necessary when the dryer
is used near children.
• Before the dryer is removed from
service or discarded, remove the door
to the drying compartment.
• Do not reach into the dryer if the drum
is moving.
• Do not install or store the dryer where
it will be exposed to the weather.
• Do not tamper with controls.
• Do not repair or replace any part of
the dryer or attempt any servicing
unless specifically recommended in
this Owner's Manual or in
published user-repair instructions
that you understand and have the
skills to carry out.
• Do not use fabric softeners or
products to eliminate static unless
recommended by the manufacturer
of the fabric softener or product.
• Do not use heat to dry articles
containing foam rubber or similarly
textured rubber-like materials.
• Clean lint screen before or after
each load.
• Keep area around the exhaust
opening and adjacent surrounding
areas free from the accumulation
of lint, dust, and dirt.
• The interior of the dryer and
exhaust vent should be cleaned
periodically by qualified service
personnel.
• See the "INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS" section for
grounding requirements.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT: The gas instalIation must conform with local codes, or in the
absence of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.
The dryer must be electrically grounded in accordance with Iocal codes, or in
the absence of local codes, with the NationaI Electrical Code, ANSl/NFPA 70.

INSTALLATIONOVERVIEW
ForacompletelistoftooIsandparts
needed,seepages7-9.
A. SELECT LOCATION FOR YOUR DRYER (pgs. 10-13)
Standard Installation (p. 10) Recessed ArealCIoset
installation Instructions (pgs. 11-12)
B. INSTALL LEVELING LEGS (p. 14)
\
\
Tools Needed:
ustab_e _L_evel i
wrench
Two corner Flashlight (optionaI
posts (from depending on
dryer carton) installation)
Parts Needed:
(supplied with dryer)
4 leveling legs

C.INSTALLGAS LINE (pgs. 15-17)
Tools Needed:
8-inch Pipe-joint
or 10-inch compound
pipe wrench resistant to
LR gas
Flashlight (optional
depending on installation)
Parts Needed:
Use pipe joint Do not use pipe
compound joint compoundS
Z
\
_-in to _-in N-in male
pipe elbow pipe-to-flare
(optional depending
on installation)
Rigid gas supply line approved for
natural gas use (NOTE: additional
fittings may be required)
-_-inch diameter, flexible stainless
steel 4-foot or 6-foot gas line

D. CONNECT EXHAUST (pgs. 18-22)
Tools Needed: Parts Needed:
Tin snips
Flashlight
(optional depending
on installation)
Duct tape
Flat-bladed
screwdriver
4-inch heavy or
ftexible metal vent
4dnch outIet
exhaust hood
4-inch metal elbow(s)
(optional depending
on installation)
(4) 4dnch
diameter clamps

A. SELECT LOCATION FOR
YOUR DRYER
Selecting the proper location for your
dryer makes installation easy and gives
you the best drying performance.
STANDARD INSTALLATION
Check location where dryer will be installed.
Proper installation is your responsibility.
Make sure you have everything necessary
for correct installation (see illustration
below).
The dryer must not be installed where it can
be exposed to water and/or weather.
•Proper operation of dryer cycIes
requires temperatures above 45°F (at
lower temperatures, the dryer may not
shut off at the end of automatic cycles and
drying times wilt be extended).
• Use at least the minimum installation
spacings described on page 12. This will
ensure you have an adequate clearance
for service and proper operation including
flow of combustion and ventilation air, and
that you have a sufficient distance from
combustible construction
Explosion Hazard
Keep flammable materials and vapors,
such as gasoline, away from dryer.
Place dryer at least 18 inches
(46 cm) above the floor for a garage
installation.
Failure to do so can result in death,
explosion, or fire.
• Be sure your location allows for a
proper exhaust installation. A gas dryer
must be exhausted to the outdoors.
See pages 18-22 for complete exhaust
requirements
• Check code requirements. Some
codes Iimit or do not permit installation
of clothes dryers in garages, closets,
mobile homes, or sleeping quarters
Contact your Iocat building inspector.
/'
Support: Floor mustbe sturdy
enough to supporta total weight
of t75 Ibs(includes dryer and
load weight)
\x
Level floor: Maximum
allowable slope under
entire dryer- 1 in.
10

RECESSED AREA/CLOSET
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
This dryer may be installed in a recessed
area or closet.
The dryer must not be installed where it
can be exposed to water and/or weather.
• Proper operation of dryer cycles
requires temperatures above 45°F (at
lower temperatures, the dryer may not
shut off at the end of automatic cycles
and drying times will be extended).
• Use at Ieast the minimum installation
spacings described on page 12. This will
ensure you have an adequate clearance
for service and proper operation includ-
ing flow of combustion and ventilation
air, and that you have a sufficient dis-
tance from combustible construction.
• Be sure your location allows for a
proper exhaust installation. A gas dryer
must be exhausted to the outdoors.
See pages 18-22 for complete exhaust
requirements.
• Check code requirements. Some
codes Iimit or do not permit installation
of clothes dryers in garages, closets,
mobiIe homes, or sleeping quarters.
Contact your local building inspector.
WARNING: Toreduce the risk of fire,
this appliance MUST BE EXHAUSTED
OUTDOORS.
NOTE: No fuel-burning appliances may
be installed in the same closet as a dryer.
DRYER DIMENSIONS
Most installations will require at least
5-inch clearance behind the dryer for
the dryer vent.
Location must be large enough to fully
open dryer door.
43½ in __
28_,_in
in
1t

MINIMUM INSTALLATION SPACING
"1"'-_
olo
m
FrontView
(Door Not Shown)
14" max.
**48 sq. in:.
minimum
ventilation
_rea
11" 28 I0"+I
Side View
(DoorShown)
**24sq.in:.
lnlnilnllm
ventilation
area
_-- _,5_/2,,
3"
-f
3"
FrontView
(DoorWithVent)
* Additional clearancesforwall, door and Door moldingsmay berequired, 0" clearance
is acceptable hut not recommended,
** Openingis minimum for closetdoor. Louvereddoorwithequivalent air
openings is acceptable,
*** Additionalspace isneededwhenexternalexhaustelbow is used. Canbe 0" clearance
when houseexhausting is linedup directlywith dryerexhaust.
•In the above illustration, the installation
spacing is in inches and is the minimum
allowable.
• Additional spacing should be considered
for ease of installation and servicing.
• If closet door is installed, the minimum air
openings in top and bottom are required.
Louvered doors with equivalent air open-
ings in top and bottom are acceptable.
• All installations must be exhausted
outside. Use at least the minimum
dimensions indicated.
12

MOBILE HOME EXHAUST
REQUIREMENTS
•The dryer must not be installed where
it can be exposed to water and/or
weather. Proper operation of dryer
cycles requires temperatures above
45°F (at lower temperatures, the
dryer may not shut off at the end of
automatic cycles and drying times
will be extended).
• Use at least the minimum installation
spacings described on page 12. This will
ensure you have an adequate clearance
for service and proper operation
including flow of combustion and ventila-
tion air, and that you have a sufficient
distance from combustible construction.
• Special provisions must be made for the
introduction of outside air into the dryer
when installed in a mobile home. The
area of any opening for the introduction
of outside air (such as a nearby window)
should be at least twice as large as the
dryer exhaust opening.
This dryer is suitable for mobile home
installations. The installation must
conform to the Manufactured Home Con-
struction and Safety Standard, Title 24
CFR, Part 3280 (formerly the Federal
Standard for Mobile Homes Construction
and Safety, Title 24, HUD Part 280).
• Dryer exhaust vent must not
be connected or secured with
screws or other
devices which
extend into the
interior of the
vent.
• A gas dryer
must be
exhausted
outdoors. The
exhaust vent
must be securely fastened to a
noncombustible portion of the
mobile home structure and must not
terminate beneath the mobile home.
For mobile home use, gas dryers must
be securely fastened to the floor. Order
Mobile Home Installation Kit 346764 from
your Sears store or Sears Service
Center. Kit includes the necessary
fastening hardware and detailed
installation instructions. Exhaust system
hardware is also available through your
Sears store or Sears Service Center.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of
fire, this appliance MUST BE EXHAUST-
ED OUTDOORS.
13

B. INSTALL LEVELING LEGS
Leveling your dryer correctly will
reduce operating noise and provide
improved drying performance.
STEP 4. Start to screw the legs into the
holes by hand. Use a wrench to finish
turning the legs until diamond marking
is no tonger visible. This is when we
recommend you start checking the dryer
for levelness. Further adjustment may
be necessary.
STEP !. Take two of the cardboard
corners from the carton. PIace them
on the floor in back of the dryer.
STEP 2. Firmly grasp the body of the
dryer (not the top or console panel).
Gently lay dryer on the cardboard
corners.
STEP 3. With one of the legs in hand,
check the ridges for a diamond marking.
STEP 5. Stand the dryer up and move
it cIose to its final location. Leave enough
room to connect the exhaust vent.
STEP 6. Check levelness of dryer by
pIacing a level on top of the dryer, first
side-to-side then front-to-back.
STEP 7. Ifdryer is not level, prop the
dryer up using two stacked cardboard
corner posts. Use a wrench to adjust the
legs up or down.
14
NOTE: It may be necessary to level the
dryer again after it is moved into its final
position.

C. INSTALL GAS LINE
The proper gas connection ensures
an installation that meets local code
requirements.
GAS REQUIREMENTS
Explosion Hazard
Use a new AGA approved gas
supply line.
install a shut-off valve.
Securely tighten all gas connections.
If connected to LP,have a qualified
person make sure gas pressure does
not exceed 13" (33 cm) water
column,
Examples of a qualified person
include licensed heating personnel,
authorized gas company personnel,
and authorized service personnel.
Failure to do so can result in death,
explosion, or fire.
•Make certain your dryer has the correct
burner for the type of gas in your home.
Burner information is located on the
rating ptate in the door well of your
dryer, if this information does not agree
with the type of gas avaiIable, contact
your IocaI Sears store or Sears Service
Center. Any change to the burner must
be made by a certified technician.
• Provide a rigid gas supply line of
_-inch pipe to your dryer.
• if you are using naturaI gas, do not use
copper tubing.
• if your dryer has been converted to use
LR gas, N-inch L.R-compatible copper
tubing may be used. if the total length of
the supply line is more than 20 feet, use
larger pipe. Pipe joint compounds that
resist the action of L.R gas must be
used. Do not use Teflon tape.
_-inch NPTgas ¾-inch male
threaded supplyline threaded pipe
it is your responsibility to contact a
qualified gas line installer to ensure
you have natural gas.
• The design of this dryer has been certi-
fied by the American Gas Association
for use at altitudes up to 10,000 feet
above sea ]eveI at the B.T.U. rating
indicated on the model/seriaI number
plate. Burner input adjustments are not
required when the dryer is operated
up to this level.
• When instalIed above 10,000 feet,
a four percent (4%) reduction of the
burner B.T.U. rating shown on the mod-
eI/seriaI number plate is required for
each 1,000 foot increase in elevation.
For assistance when converting
to other gas types and/or installing
above 10,000 feet elevation contact
your local service company.
15

•If local codes permit, use flexible
stainless steel tubing (Design Certified
by the American Gas Association) to
connect your dryer to the gas supply
line. To prevent kinking, you may need
an elbow and a connector between the
stainless steel tubing and the dryer
gas pipe. The gas pipe that comes
out through the rear of your dryer has
a _ in male pipe thread.
6_ in
¾-inNPTmale
threadedconnection
• A combination of pipe fittings must
be used to connect the dryer to the
existing gas line.
H-in NPTplugged
%in male threaded tapping
conoectioo /
Reduce_ror _/_-inNPTgas
connector supplyline
Gasshut-
off valve
• The gas supply must have a shut-off
valve. The valve should be in the same
room as the dryer, within six feet. The
location should be easy to reach for
opening and closing the valve.
• A _-inch NPT plugged tapping, acces-
sible for test gauge connection, must be
installed immediately upstream of the
gas supply connection to the dryer.
• To ensure proper combustion and
ventilation, the dryer installation should
adhere to the minimum recommended
clearances. See page 12.
• For mobile home installation, see
page 13 for more instructions.
• The dryer must be disconnected from
the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of that system.
_-in to¾-in _-in male
pipeelbow pipe-to-flare
16

CONNECT DRYER TO GAS LINE
STEP 1. Remove the red cap from
the gas pipe. Move the dryer to its
final position.
STEP 2. Connect gas supply to dryer.
Use a wrench to tighten. For gas
connections you must use pipe joint
compound resistant to the action of
LP. gas. Apply pipe joint compound
to the non-flared male threads only.
if flexible metal tubing is used be sure
there are no kinks.
Use pipejoint Do notuse p_pe
compound_ joint compound
STEP 3. Open the shut-off vaWe inthe
supply line. The valve is open when the
handle is parattel to the gas pipe.
STEP 4. Test all the connections by
brushing on an approved leak-detection
solution. Bubbles wilI show a leak.
Correct any Ieak found. Never test for gas
leaks with a flame.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
it is your responsibility:
• To contact a qualified electrical installer.
• To assure that the electrical installation
is adequate and in conformance with
the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA
70 - latest edition and all Iocal codes
and ordinances.
Copies of the code standards listed above
may be obtained from:
National Fire Protection Association
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, Massachusetts 02269
The proper electrical connection
ensures an installation that
meets local code requirements.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Plug into agrounded 3 prong outlet.
Do not remove ground prong.
Do not use an adapter.
Do not use an extension cord.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death, fire, or
electrical shock.
•A 120-Volt, 60-Hz., AC-only, 15- or
20-ampere fused electrical suppIy
is required.
• A time-delay fuse or circuit breaker is
recommended. Be sure fuse or circuit
breaker matches the rating of your line.
• Use a separate circuit serving only
your dryer.
• Do not use an extension cord.
17

,
18
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: This appliance must
be grounded, in the event of malfunc-
tion or breakdown, grounding wiII
reduce the risk of electric shock by
providing a path of least resistance for
electric current.
Your dryer has a power supply cord
with a 3 prong grounding plug. Never
remove the power supply cord ground
prong.
To help prevent electrical shock
hazard, the power supply cord must
be plugged into a mating 3 prong
grounded wail receptacle (grounded in
accordance with the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-Latest
Edition and local codes and
ordinances). If a mating wall
receptacle is not available, it is your
responsibility to have a properly
grounded, 3 prong wall receptacle
installed by a qualified electrician.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
D. CONNECT EXHAUST
A properly exhausted dryer will give
you the shortest drying time, lower
your utility bills, and extend the life
of the dryer.
Fire Hazard
Use a heavy metal vent.
Do not use aplastic vent.
Do not use a metal foil vent.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death or fire.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire,
this appliance MUST BE EXHAUSTED
OUTDOORS.
• Do not exhaust dryer into a chimney,
a wail, a ceiling, or a concealed space
of a building.
• The diameter or the heavy metat vent
must be 4 inches.
• Do not use an exhaust hood with a
magnetic latch.
• Dryer exhaust vent must not be
connected or secured with screws or
other devices which extend into the
interior of the vent.
• If using an existing exhaust system,
disconnect vent from the dryer and
clean one section at a time until you
reach the exhaust hood. To clean out lint,
you can use the hose attachment
on your vacuum, or use a pole or wire
with a feather duster or rag attached.
• Make sure exhaust hood is not plugged
with lint. Follow the instructions in this
section to reinstall your vent system.

ROUTE THE VENT
Typical installationsexhaust from the rear
of the dryer.
Avoid pushing the dryer tightly against
a wail. This can crush or kink the vent.
Use the straightest path ,ou can, where
possible. Avoid 90° turns.
Rear exhaust instaIlations for standard
offset connections - (see pgs 20-21)
Rear exhaust instalIations for offset
coRRections with close clearances -
(see p. 22)
This dryer may be conver[ed to exhaust
out the right or left side or through the
bottom. To convert the dryer, one of the
following kits must be used.
Exhaust Kit No. 279818 (white)
Exhaust Kit No. 279819 (almond)
Exhaust Kit No. 279915 (graphite)
Exhaust Kit No. 279925 (bisque)
Fire Hazard
Cover unused exhaust holes with
one of the following kits:
279818 (white)
279819 (almond)
279915 (graphite)
279925 (bisque)
Contact your local dealer.
Failure to follow these instructions
can result in death, fire,
electrical shock or serious injury.
Follow the instructions in the kit to
avoid operational and personal hazards.
These kits are available at your local
Sears store or Sears Service Center.
Typical instaIIations for left or right side
exhausting
'_1'i
Typical installations for bottom exhausting 19

DETERMINE VENT LENGTH
Maximum Exhaust Lengths:
• Rear ExhausL The maximum length of
the rear exhaust system depends on the
type of vent, the number of elbows, and
the type of exhaust hood. Refer to the
chart below.
• Side or Bottom ExhausL Side or bottom
exhaust adds a 90° turn inside the dryer.
To determine maximum exhaust length,
add one 90° turn to the chart.
EXHAUST HOOD TYPE
4L! _ ] (Use4-inch
if possible)
Number of Maximum length of
90° Turns 4-inch diameter heavy
metal vent.
0 64 ft 58 ft
t 54ft 48 ft
2 44ft 38ft
3 35ft 29 ff
4 27 ft 21 ft
Number of Maximum length of
90° Turns 4-inch diameter flexibte
metal vent
0 36 ft 28ff
t 3I ft 23 ff
2 27ft 19ft
3 25ft 17ft
4 23ft 15ff
NOTE: If a combination of heavy metal
vent and flexible metal vent is used, use
instructions for flexible metaI vent.
2O
STANDARD OFFSET CONNECTIONS
Using 4-inch heavy metal vent:
NOTE: Do not secure exhaust vent
oints 'with screws. Screws can catch lint
and stow the drying process. Instead, use
clamps to secure exhaust vent joints.
STEP 1. Install a 4-inch metal elbow on
the hood and on the dryer exhaust outlet.
STEP 2. Measure the length of 4-inch
heavy metal vent needed to connect the
two elbows.
Heavymetal vent Elbow Wall
hood
tape&
clamps
STEP2
Ducttape & clamps
The vent usually comes in 2-foot lengths.
Use tin snips to cut the vent 3 inches
longer than your measurement in order to
make a connection.
STEP 3. Place a clamp on each end
of vent elbow and connect elbow to your
dryer's exhaust outlet. Tape the joint
with duct tape. Tighten clamp.
Tape
Clamp