My Hotpoint TVM560 overheats and cuts out regularly. It's now connected to an extension with a thermal cut-out switch after nearly burning a wall socket. The switch has to be reset at least 10 times for every hour of drying. Any ideas on what's causing this?

Delboy, October 2013

Is it the thermal switch on the extension tripping you are talking about??
NEVER use extension reels on a domestic appliances.burning wall socket can and usually is an issue with the plug and wall socket.change plug on dryer and socket immediately.once wall socket and plug have been replaced plug dryer direct in to the wall socket and retry.hopefully this will solve your issue

CK, October 2013

Thanks Electro, I'll try this at the weekend and let you know how I get on.

Delboy, October 2013

The heating element probably have a partial short. This cause it to drain more current and get MUCH hotter.

This would explain your burned wall socket.

Unplug the power.

Open the back of the dryer.
Locate the intake air conduit, and where the heater is located in it.

It's a very good idea to take several photos before you proceede further and also as you preform every step. This can save you many problems later on when it's time to reassemble everything.

Look if you can easily disassemble it.
It may be as simple as manualy rerouting the element so that it no longer touch itself. The problem is that it may have gotten welded.
In that case, it need to be replaced.
Disconnect the element and remove the part of the condiuit containing it.
Get a replacement from some dealer or directly from the fabricant.
Install the new conduit and element assembly and reassemble everything else. It's here that the photos you took earlier can realy help.
Make sure that all whiring are securely reconnected.

Do a test run.

Electro, October 2013