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Electrical Wire and Cable


How to Install Wiring for a Stack Washer and Dryer

Guidelines to Provide Power for a Stack Washer and Dryer: Many stack washer dryer units are actually two separate units, each having its own specific electrical circuit requirement depending on the exact models that are purchased.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

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Guide to Wiring a Stack Washer and Dryer
Electrical Question #1: I have a GE stackable washer dryer combination machine (model #WSM2420TAAWW) that I would like to use in an apartment wired for 120v current.

Thank you for your help!

This electrical wiring question came from: Wesley, from Denver, Colorado.

Dave’s Reply: Thanks for your electrical wiring question Wesley.

Guidelines to Provide Power for a Stack Washer and Dryer

Application: Installing a Stack Washer Circuit
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill,  auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical circuit wiring.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.

See more about Wiring Stack Washers and Dryers

Electrical Question #2:
I purchased a stacking kit for my washer/dryer set. By moving the dryer it will be farther from the 220/230 outlet.

This home electrical repairs question came from: Ben, from Orem, Utah.
Dave’s Reply:
Extension cords are not recommended from major appliances including stack washers and dryers.  It may be best to extend the electrical circuit closer so that the cord will reach.

Wiring a Dryer for 3-Wire and 4-Wire Cords
clothes-dryer-wiring

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.

Electrical Outlet Wiring
outlet-wiring

Wiring Electrical Outlets for the Home

Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

Guide to Home Electrical Wire
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.


The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

» 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.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, 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.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


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.


More articles about Electrical Wiring and Home Electrical Wiring:
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How to Change a Thermostat 240 Volt Wiring for an Electric Dryer


FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

6 Responses to “How to Install Wiring for a Stack Washer and Dryer”
  1. tim says:

    How do I wire a stack washer dryer into two different outlets one being 220volt 4prong and the other 3prong 20amp?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Tim,
    From the information you have provided, the stack washer dryer unit that you are referring to requires two separate dedicated circuits. The exact specifications for these two circuits will need be identified including the Voltage and Amperage for each circuit. Once the complete specifications have been clarified then the circuit configurations may be made. The voltage and amperage is vital to size each circuit for the correct wire size, box enclosure, receptacle outlet and the circuit breaker. The type of wire or cable that may be used, and the methods for the installation will depend on your specific location, the applicable electrical codes, the type home construction, and the available access needed to install the circuits to the location of the stack washer and dryer unit.

    If the location already has two circuits, then you still need to identify the specific electrical circuit requirements for the stack washer and dryer, then compare this information to the existing circuits and see if they have the same specifications which will allow you to make use of one of the existing circuits.

    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  3. sasha DePaepe says:

    Can you switch a 120volt to a 240volt circuit for a stackable washer and dryer. If you can how can you.

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Converting a Circuit for a 240volt Dryer
    Hi Sasha,
    A basic guide to convert a 120volt circuit to be used as a 240volt circuit is as follows:
    The circuit must be dedicated and not shared with any other device or equipment.
    The circuit wire amperage rating must comply with the equipment manufacturers specifications.
    The circuit wiring must be clearly identified and marked at the circuit panel and the equipment receptacle outlet locations.
    The circuit breaker must be changed out, and replaced for the new voltage designation and clearly identified in the panel.
    The receptacle outlet for the equipment must be changed and wired for the new voltage as specified and clearly identified.
    The process of changing the circuit voltage should conform to all applicable electrical codes and be inspected.
    Thank you for sharing your stackable washer and dryer question,
    Dave

  5. sasha DePaepe says:

    Stackable Washer Dryer Power Cord
    How can you switch the power cord that the stackable washer dryer comes with to a 240 power cord?

  6. Dave Rongey says:

    Cord for a Stack Washer and Dryer
    The power cord that comes with the stackable washer and dryer should not be changed unless it is allowed by the manufacturer and a wiring diagram is provided with instructions for an alternative wiring configuration.
    Thank you for sharing your electrical wiring question,
    Dave