Electrical Wire Size for a 240 Volt Dryer

Can you use 12 gauge wire for a new electric dryer? Circuit Wire Size for an Electric Clothes Dryer: 220 Volt Dryer, 3-wire or 4-wire receptacle outlet.

© By: Dave Rongey

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Electric Dryer Wire Size
[ad#block]Electrical Question: Can you use 12 gauge wire for a new electric dryer?

Someone told us that #12 wire could be used. We thought that 10 gauge wire is the right size for an electric dryer.

This electrical question came from: Tina, from Dunkirk, New York.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tina.

The Correct Wire Size for an Electric Dryer Circuit

Application: 220 Volt or 240 Volt Dryer Cord and Outlet Wiring.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best if wired by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the available access to the dryer cord electrical connection box.
Precaution: Identify the dryer circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the dryer cord wiring.

Circuit Wire Size for an Electric Clothes Dryer

If the new electric dryer requires a 240volt 30amp circuit then the electrical circuit wiring requires a #10 gauge copper wire not a #12 gauge.
10 gauge copper wire with THHN or THWN insulation is rated for 30 amps.
12 gauge copper wire with THHN or THWN insulation is rated for 20 amps.

More about Wiring an Electric Dryer

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.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire

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.

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120 Volt Circuits
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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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Wire Size for a 240 Volt Dryer”

Dave Rongey says:

February 5, 2013 at 6:33 pm

Thank you Dallas Electricians,
I appreciate your kind comments about electrical wire size for a 220 volt dryer.
It’s always good to hear helpful and encouraging comments from fellow electricians.
Dave
Dallas Electricians says:

June 22, 2012 at 6:02 am

I am not going to say what everyone else has already said, but I do want to comment on your knowledge of the topic. You are truly well-informed.

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 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

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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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