How to Install Wiring for a Stack Washer and Dryer
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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. |
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.
- The 120/240v, 21A 60mHz machine has a three-pronged 240v plug, but I don’t have any outlets for it.
- I’ve been searching all over the metro area, but no one seems to stock a converter that I might use, apparently I’m looking in the wrong places.
- Could you recommend a suitable step up/down converter that includes adapters? Or is there another solution I should consider? I’m on a very strict budget, so my options are few.
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.
- Voltage Converters and Adapters
I do not recommend using a voltage adapter for a stack washer and dryer, and using a voltage adapter my void the manufacturers warranty. - Required Circuit Power
As described in this question, the required 21 amps of the stack washer and dryer exceeds the standard 15 or 20 amp 120 volt outlet circuit of an apartment or home, so a converter will not be available because converters cannot create amperage, only convert voltage within the amperage rating of the existing circuit. The specified circuit will need to be installed as described in the installation manual. - Stack Washer Dryer Unit
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. - Clothes Dryer Power
Keep in mind that clothes dryers may be electrically heated or gas heated, so the electrical circuit for the motor might be able to be shared with the washing machine unit, as specified by the owners manual or installation manual.
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.
- I don’t want to purchase an extension cord, they run over $100 everywhere I’ve looked. I’m wondering if I can easily combine 2 dryer cords, which would be about 10 feet each, and cost between $10-$15. Much cheaper, but I still get the length I need.
- How can I do this without losing power or creating an unsafe connection in the middle of my laundry room (I’m assuming wire nuts are not the way to go to connect the two cords)
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
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.
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.
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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Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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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.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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 TesterThis 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 CutterMy 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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How do I wire a stack washer dryer into two different outlets one being 220volt 4prong and the other 3prong 20amp?
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
Can you switch a 120volt to a 240volt circuit for a stackable washer and dryer. If you can how can you.
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
Stackable Washer Dryer Power Cord
How can you switch the power cord that the stackable washer dryer comes with to a 240 power cord?
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