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	Subject - Dryer Causes Sparks in Electrical Panel Jeemak Our electric dryer, which has been working (with problems) for a few years, completely stopped heating. I repaired a wire at one side of the drum thermal switch. It was completely disconnected and looked corroded and the insulation looked as if it had been subjected to high heat near the connection. My initial test after repairs produced heat as desired. But when I buttoned it all up, no heat. The service panel has a 30 amp screw-in fuse for each 120V leg. One leg has had a history of blowing and thereby shutting down the heater. I went to check it and when I tried to tighten it by screwing it in, sparks and hissing occurred behind the fuse socket. Now, just by turning the dryer on produces instantaneous smoke and frying and even a brief flare up . I removed fuses and placed the dryer off limits until this is cleared up. Sounds like I need an electrician. I have training in electronics and basic electricity and I can handle anything downcircuit from the panel, but this sounds like a faulty panel, because the house is about ready to ignite and the fuse does not blow. I would like some feedback to confirm my belief that the panel itself is flaky. Never experienced a panel problem before. Does it happen like this? Scott Vickrey It's possible that you over torqued the fuse. What ever happened I think we can agree this isn't good. You definitly need to call an electrician. The sooner the better! The current limiting device up stream of the panel may not be working or, you may not be pulling enough current to trip it. Where does the fuse panel get it's power from? You need to know where to break the circuit up stream. If you can turn it off then do it. Take tommorrow off and have an electrician take a look at the fuse panel. Keep an eye on that fuse panel even though your not using it. Don't touch it either.