Electrical Circuit Requirements for a Clothes Dryer
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How to Installing a Clothes Dryer Electrical Circuit – A typical 240 volt electric power circuit and the dryer cord wiring system. |
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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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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I have a washer dryer set up, 60 ft away from panel. 10/2 was ran on a 30 amp breaker. The dryer will not get hot enough to dry clothes. Will upgrade to #8 and a 40 amp breaker be sufficient to carry enough amps that distance to get dryer to work properly. Just disposed of a very nice front load set because of these issues. 240volt minimum to dry 4 pair of jeans, 2 shirts and a couple other items.
Hi Tim,
Make sure the circuit that is supplying the power to the washer dryer matches what is specified by the installation manual and the connections to the outlet and connections of the cord to the unit are correct. The distance of 60 feet should not be a problem that would affect the performance of the dryer. Compare the existing circuit to the specified requirements of the unit and double check the connections then make adjustments as needed.
Dave