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How to Test a 240 Volt Dryer Circuit

My Dryer just Stopped Working, how can I Test the Outlet? Testing a 240 Volt Dryer Outlet, Tester Leads and Readings, What to do about Incorrect Dryer Voltage, How to Fix Dryer Problems.


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Guide to Testing a Dryer Receptacle for 240 Volts
Electrical Question: My Dryer just Stopped Working, how can I Test the Outlet?

Dryer Voltage Problem

Can you help me.
This electrical repair question came from: Kim, a Homeowner from Spring, Texas.

Dryer is Not Heating

Can you give me an idea what that might mean? Thank You.
This electrical wiring question came from Wayne , in North Port , Florida.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Kim and Wayne.

How to Test a 240 Volt Dryer Circuit.

Application: Troubleshooting – Testing 240 Volt Dryer Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical work is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and 120-240 Volt Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Precaution: Identify the dryer circuit, turn it OFF and then Tag it with a Note before making inspections or wiring modifications.
Note: Electrical troubleshooting is best performed by a qualified electrical contractor.
IMPORTANT: Working on electrical circuits and in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock and is not advised for homeowners or inexperienced or unqualified individuals.

Testing a 240 Volt Dryer Outlet when the Dryer Does Not Work

More about an Electric Dryer Circuit and Outlet

How to Wire a Dryer
clothes-dryer-wiring

How to use electrical testers
digital-tester


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.
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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
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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.

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.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

8 Responses to “How to Test a 240 Volt Dryer Circuit”
  1. sheri says:

    My dryer does not heat anymore. It runs fine, but without heat. What should I do to repair it?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Sheri,
    The first thing I would do is reset the circuit breaker, which is typically a 2-pole 30 amp for a 240 volt electric dryer. If that does not produce heat then make sure the lint trap is clean and the exhaust vent is not clogged. If the dryer does not have air flow due to a problem with the ventilation then sensors will not allow the heat to come on or stay on thereby protecting the unit from having a fire. Those are always the first to check. Other possibilities are heating elements that need replacing or the control timer or another control switch or sensor that needs replacing.
    Dave

  3. robert keegan says:

    Is it OK that my tester only reads 211 volt on a 30 amp breaker? One power leg is 118 volt, and the other power leg is 122 volt, and both power legs read 211 volt. Will my dryer work? I have not plugged it in yet.

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Robert,
    According to the The National Voltage Regulations Standards, The Nominal Standard for a 240 Volt Service allows Plus or Minus 5% which is a range of 228 – 252 volts. According to this standard your voltage is low, therefore you may want to contact your local utility power company and describe your voltage readings. With a voltage condition such as this, the dryer will work, however the electric motor of the dryer may run warmer than normal.

  5. Michelle says:

    Hi,
    We have had many problems with all of our dryers. The last two we had, although they were old, would run but just stopped heating. We now have a new dryer and it will not even start. We are not sure what to do.
    Please help?!

  6. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Michelle,
    From what you have described, the 240 volt dryer circuit and the dryer outlet wiring should be checked and tested to make sure the dryer is getting the right electrical power. The problem may not be with the dryer, but with the with the wiring of the circuit. Now that you have a new dryer, make sure that the existing electrical circuit matches the description of the required circuit as found in the installation manual that you received with the new dryer. Most new electric dryers require a 4-wire 240 volt 30 amp circuit. More information and wiring diagrams are provided in the resources of this main article.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  7. Rose Guzman says:

    We just bought a new dryer because the old one was not heating up. We plugged the new dryer in and it runs, but does not heat up. Is it the outlet?

  8. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Rose,
    The receptacle outlet for the dryer should be checked for proper voltage, and the dryer exhaust vent pipe and duct cover should be inspected to make sure it is not clogged or obstructed.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave