My hand dryer is totally not working! What can I do now?
Yours,
Perplexed in Poughkeepsie
Hello, Perplexed.
The
first thing to do is to make sure you have power going to the unit. Check
the circuit breaker, etc. If you have a multi-meter, you can test power at the terminals as well.
Once you have verified that you do have power, then the next most likely problem (if this is an automatic – sensor-activated dryer) may be that either the sensor and/or the circuit board that controls the dryer have failed and will need to be replaced.
Some dryers have a separate sensor and circuit board, and some have a combined, single assembly which contains both.
If yours has separate parts (connected with a cable), then if you have more than one of the same type of hand dryer, you can try swapping the sensor only from the working unit into the non-working one and see if that solves the problem. If not, then it's likely the circuit board.
If yours has separate parts (connected with a cable), then if you have more than one of the same type of hand dryer, you can try swapping the sensor only from the working unit into the non-working one and see if that solves the problem. If not, then it's likely the circuit board.
NOTE: To
open the
cover you may need a tamper proof security wrench (which would have come
with the dryer). If yours is lost, Restroom
Direct offers these for sale for many hand dryer manufacturers and models (see the link below).
If the sensor does seem to be activating (you
may see a light go on inside the unit or hear a click when you put your hand
under it) then it may be that the blower motor itself is faulty.
In order to affect any repairs, you
will need to know the model and serial number of the dryer, which you can usually find
on a sticker underneath the dryer or inside of the dryer.
Once
you have the information above you can contact either the manufacturer or the
company that sold you the dryer In order to inquire about service.
Hand dryers have between a 1 and 10 year warranty, so your dryer may be under warranty. In that case the manufacturer may send you parts to replace the faulty ones, or a new unit if the item is brand new. Dyson provides on-the-wall service in the first year only.
If the unit is not under warranty, then you can purchase parts, most of which are sold at http://www.restroomdirect.com/hand-dryer-replacement-parts.aspx. You may also need to hire an electrician to trouble shoot for you, decide what parts you need and then install them.
If you purchased a knock-off hand dryer (there are a number of them on the market), think of it as buying a Rolex watch for $30 on the street. You will probably not be able to get parts or service and you will just need to purchase a new one.
Good Luck!
Joe