Electric Clothes Dryer Double Pole Circuit

How an Electrical Circuit is Wired for an Electric Clothes Dryer

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.

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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.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs 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.

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