This is a replacement thermal fuse for your dishwasher. The thermal fuse is sometimes known as the thermal cutoff. The thermal fuse shuts off the dishwasher if the dishwasher shorts out or overheats. If your dishwasher is cutting out during the cycle, or will not start, you may have an issue with your thermal fuse. If your dishwasher control panel does not light up, the first thing you should check is the fuse. Before you begin to repair this part, be sure to disconnect the dishwasher from the power source, as you will be working around electricity.