Dryer Cord and Electric Circuit Wiring

';	My Dryer Cord that is Too Short, Can I Splice the Wires? I want to move my dryer to the other side of the laundry room but the cord isn’t long enough. © By: Dave Rongey

Extending a Dryer Cord
Electrical Question: I want to move my dryer to the other side of the laundry room but the cord isn’t long enough.

The dryer is 3-wire, 30 amp.
The total distance is about 12 feet.
I have an extra cord that came with a new dryer and has never been used, together they make the 12 foot length that I need.
Can I splice them together? If so, how would you go about it?

This electrical question came from: David, a Homeowner from Portland, Oregon.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question David.

Dryer Cord that is Too Short

Application: Wiring a Dryer Cord.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and connect the 240 volt dryer cord.
Precaution: Identify the dryer circuit at the electric panel, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the dryer cord wiring.
Notice: Wiring a dryer cord and making the electrical connections should be done according to local and national electrical codes and using approved materials.

Dryer Cord Length and Electrical Safety

Wiring a Dryer Cord
- I would not recommend splicing these two appliance cords together because an appliance cord such as this should not be longer that 6 feet and it just would not be safe.
Moving a Dryer Plug
- It would be best to install an extension box onto the existing dryer circuit box and extend the wiring to the new location of the dryer.

See More about Wiring a Dryer Cord

Wiring a Dryer Cord

Wiring a Dryer Cord
- See an electric dryer installation with a typical 220 Volt electric power cord wiring system.
- You may find yourself with either a 3-wire or 4-wire electric dryer, or a 3-wire or 4-wire outlet.
- Lets look a how the electric dryer is wired and what to do if your cord does not match the plug.

How to Install Laundry Room Electrical Wiring

Laundry Room Electrical Wiring
- Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Laundry Room Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Dryer Circuit and Home Electrical Wiring:
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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.