Electrical Circuit Requirements for a Clothes Dryer

Electric Clothes Dryer Circuit Requirements

Electrical Question: Can 8 gauge wire and a 40 amp breaker be used for a clothes dryer circuit, the material was left over from a previous job?

This electrical wiring question came from: Jamin, a Contractor from Owasso, Oklahoma

Additional Comments: This website is extremely helpful!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jamin

How to Installing a Clothes Dryer Electrical Circuit

• A typical electric clothes dryer requires a dedicated 30 amp 240 volt 4-wire circuit which is supplied by a 10/3 copper cable with a ground.

Sizing the Circuit Breaker for a Clothes Dryer

• In this case where a larger cable were to be installed, such as a 8/4 copper with ground, then the circuit breaker would still need to be sized to the electrical circuit specifications of the dryer, which is generally 30 amps 240 volts which will then be accurately sized to provide the necessary protection for the dryer’s internal wiring, including the 30 amp 240 volt 4-wire cord which will be installed.

RESOURCES

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 240 volt electric power circuit and the dryer 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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» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

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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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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