The Dryer Thermal Fuse for Whirlpool Part # 280148 is a safety component used in Whirlpool dryers and possibly in some other brands that are part of the Whirlpool Corporation's family of appliances (like Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana). This part is designed to prevent the dryer from overheating. When the dryer's temperature exceeds a certain limit, the thermal fuse blows to cut off power to the dryer's heating element. This is a single-use component that needs to be replaced if it has been triggered (blown) because once it blows, it cannot be reset—it must be replaced to make the dryer operational again.

Thermal fuses are typically located on the blower housing or near the heating element in dryers, and their exact specifications, such as the temperature at which they blow, can vary based on the model of the dryer. The purpose of Part # 280148, like other thermal fuses, is to act as a critical safety feature that helps prevent potential fires by shutting down the appliance's heating circuit if the dryer becomes too hot. This could happen due to various reasons, such as a clogged vent, faulty thermostat, or failure of other components that might otherwise allow the dryer to overheat during use.