Whirlpool · Dryer part

Heating Element - 240V 5400W 279838

4.8 · 600 buyer ratings on the source catalog

279838No photo on file
Match this part by its number, not by appearance.

This heating element is responsible for generating the heat necessary to dry clothes in an electric dryer.Technical SpecificationsDimensions: Typically around 10 inches in length and 6 inches in width, though size may vary slightly by model.Power Rating: Generally rated at 5400 watts at 240 volts but can vary depending on the dryer model.Material: Composed of a coiled wire made from a nickel-chrome alloy (Nichrome) encased in a metal chamber.

Reference price$37.15–$117.40

Catalog price as of 2026-05; not a live Amazon price.

Check price on Amazon

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Part number
279838
Brand
Whirlpool
Made for
Dryer
Fits
166 models
Also sold as
Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Magic Chef, Maytag, Roper
Install difficulty
Medium
  • Fitment checked against 166 models
  • Purchase, shipping and returns handled by Amazon
  • Free reference data: RepairKitHub does not sell parts

Does it fit your appliance?

Find it on the data plate inside the door or lid. It is not the serial number.

About this part

279838 is a Whirlpool replacement part (heating element - 240v 5400w) for dryers. Our fitment data lists 166 models that use it.

The heating element (279838) is a crucial component in electric dryers that generates the heat for drying clothes. Over time, the heating element can burn out or become damaged, leading to a dryer that runs but does not heat up. Replacing this part can resolve common issues such as insufficient heating or no heat produced by the dryer. When installing the new element, ensure all connections are secure and that there is no lint or debris in the heating chamber or exhaust vent, as this can pose a fire hazard. Always disconnect the power before attempting to service the dryer, and consult the dryer's manual or a professional if unsure about the installation process.

Symptoms this part fixes

  • Dry
  • No heat
  • Not heating properly
  • Won't heat

Linked symptoms open the full troubleshooting guide.

How to confirm it has failed

Symptom: The dryer runs but produces no heat, or it shuts off partway through the cycle.

Check: With the dryer unplugged, check continuity across the part with a multimeter -- no continuity means it has failed. Clear the lint vent first, since a blocked vent is what usually trips a thermal fuse in the first place.

Models that use this part

Showing 60 of 166 confirmed models, models with their own parts page first.
ModelBrandApplianceParts on file
11071652020WhirlpoolDryer163
LGQ9858LG1WhirlpoolDryer163
LER5644JQ3WhirlpoolDryer149
11066854690KenmoreDryer141
CEDS984RQ0WhirlpoolDryer134
11066854692KenmoreDryer133
LER6644DQ1WhirlpoolDryer133
WED5810SW0WhirlpoolDryer133
CEDS1043VQ1WhirlpoolDryer129
11066732500WhirlpoolDryer128
7EWTW1300YM0WhirlpoolWasher128
WED4975EW1WhirlpoolDryer123
11064622301WhirlpoolDryer122
KEYS677EZ1KitchenAidDryer122
MEDC400VW0WhirlpoolDryer122
7EWED1705YM0WhirlpoolDryer120
LET7848DQ0WhirlpoolDryer119
11066812694WhirlpoolDryer118
CED126SBW0CrosleyDryer114
REX5634PQ1RoperDryer110
Show all 60 models
ModelBrandApplianceParts on file
LEC7848DQ0WhirlpoolDryer108
LER7646AQ2WhirlpoolDryer108
LER5634EQ0WhirlpoolDryer106
MC025McCulloch—99
11061202011WhirlpoolDryer97
11062822101WhirlpoolDryer89
11060022010WhirlpoolDryer87
DAV-LF1Sony—79
1106012510WhirlpoolDryer75
11060222511WhirlpoolDryer75
11069422801WhirlpoolDryer72
11060602990WhirlpoolDryer63
11060612990WhirlpoolDryer63
11060702990WhirlpoolDryer63
CED126SXQ1WhirlpoolDryer60
CED137SXQ0CrosleyDryer59
7EWED1705YM1WhirlpoolDryer58
1106062110WhirlpoolDryer57
11060722990WhirlpoolDryer57
AED4370TQ0WhirlpoolDryer56
AED4475TQ0WhirlpoolDryer55
AED4475TQ1WhirlpoolDryer54
11060727990WhirlpoolDryer53
11061262311WhirlpoolDryer53
7EWED1730YW1WhirlpoolDryer53
11060852990WhirlpoolDryer49
11066132410WhirlpoolDryer48
3445MAXIngersoll Rand—47
7EWED1730YW0WhirlpoolDryer47
7MMEDC300DW0WhirlpoolDryer47
11060854990WhirlpoolDryer46
11061402310WhirlpoolDryer46
1106072011WhirlpoolDryer45
11060832990WhirlpoolDryer45
7MMEDC300BW0WhirlpoolDryer45
LER5620KQ0WhirlpoolDryer45
11061812000WhirlpoolDryer44
7EWED1510YM0WhirlpoolDryer44
CEDS832VQ1WhirlpoolDryer44
11060857990WhirlpoolDryer43

Installation

Installation difficulty on the source catalog: Medium.

A technician's video showing how to replace part 279838. Plays from YouTube when you click.

Before you order

  • Match the part number character for character, including dashes and trailing letters; a single different character is usually a different part.
  • Confirm your appliance's model number on its data plate and check that it appears in the list above (or use the model lookup tool).
  • If a seller offers a substitute number, check that it appears in this page's replacement list or in the manufacturer's documentation.

Model lookup tool

Frequently asked questions

Which models does 279838 fit?

Our fitment data lists 166 models that use 279838, including 11071652020, LGQ9858LG1, LER5644JQ3. Enter your model number in the fit checker on this page to confirm.

What symptoms point to a failed heating element - 240v 5400w?

The source catalog links this part to these symptoms: dry, no heat, not heating properly, won't heat.

Is 279838 hard to install?

The source catalog rates installation as medium. This page includes a replacement video. Unplug the appliance before you start.

How much does 279838 cost?

Catalog prices on file range $37.15–$117.40 (as of 2026-05). The current Amazon price can differ, so check it before you order.