Electric Clothes Dryer Double Pole Circuit
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How an Electrical Circuit is Wired for an Electric Clothes Dryer |
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How an Electrical Circuit is Wired for an Electric Clothes Dryer
Electrical Question: 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 from Matawan, New Jersey.
See more about Home Wiring for New Jersey
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Charlotte.
Wiring an Electric Clothes Dryer
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.
RESOURCES
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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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Electric Dryer Stopped Working
My electric dryer stopped working, bought new one it doesn’t work. The circuit breaker box has a 30 amp double pole circuit, one wire was 115volts reading and the other was 86volts. I called the landlord who said his son will be out to switch the wires down to the pool pump breaker. I believe it’s a double pole 20 amp is this safe and OK?
Fault with Dryer Circuit Breaker
Hi Johnny,
From what you have described the electric dryer circuit breaker either needs to be reset, the breaker is faulty, or the connection of the circuit breaker and the panel is at fault.
The landlord should be advised that placing the dryer circuit onto the double pole 20amp pool circuit breaker will most likely cause the breaker to trip off. The solution is to identify the problem with the dryer circuit breaker and make the proper repairs.
A qualified electrician is always the best person to perform this type of work.
Be Safe,
Dave
Will a 22 amp dryer work on a 20 amp outlet?
Hi Michael,
No- A 22 amp load will not work on a 20 amp circuit.
If this is an all electric dryer then a dedicated 240 volt circuit will be required.
Dave