Electric Clothes Dryer Double Pole Circuit
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Which circuit breaker should be installed for an electric clothes dryer? How an Electrical Circuit is Wired for an Electric Clothes Dryer. © By: Dave Rongey |
Electric Clothes Dryer
Electrical Question: Which circuit breaker should be installed for an electric clothes dryer?
- I bought a new electric clothes dryer. Everyone says I must have a 30 amp circuit breaker.
- My old dryer has been running on a 20 amp double pole circuit breaker with 10 gauge wire.
- Do I need to replace the breaker with a 30 amp?
- And why the heck did the old dryer run all these years on the 20 amp double pole circuit breaker!
Thank you,
Charlotte
This electrical question came from: Charlotte, a Homeowner in New Jersey.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Charlotte.
Electric Clothes Dryer Circuit Breaker
Circuit Requirement for an Electric Clothes Dryer
Electric Dryer 30 Amp Circuit and Breaker
- Charlotte, yes – the dryer does require a 30 amp 240 volt circuit.
- If the existing circuit wiring is #10 copper and the cable type is approved for 30 amps then a double pole 30 amp circuit breaker can be installed.
- Why the old dryer ran just fine all those years on 20 amps may be due to the size of the old dryer or a few other factors.
- You may also see if the new dryer installation manual requires a 4-wire circuit instead of the older 3-wire circuit.
More about Wiring a Dryer
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Home Electrical Circuit Breakers
A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines.
Wiring a Dryer for 3-Wire and 4-Wire Cords
3-Wire and 4-Wire Configurations for Clothes Dryers
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.
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