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Electrical Wire and Cable


Installing a Dryer Circuit and Breaker

How a Quad Electrical Circuit Breaker Could Be Used – In this case, the 2-pole may be replaced by a quad 30 amp circuit breaker which will provide the 240 volt circuit for the electric dryer. The circuit wiring configuration is critical and must be done correctly in order for both of the circuits to work correctly, and of course, the quad circuit breaker must be available for that particular make and model electrical panel.


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Options When Installing a Dryer Circuit and Breaker

Electrical Question: I have a 100 amp panel at home with no more room for circuit breakers. I got a new electric dryer and I wanted to get a sub panel to feed it.

I was going to remove a 30amp 2 pole breaker that’s feeding 3- 240V heaters and feed the heaters from the sub-panel as well. What size sub-panel could I use and wire sizes please.

This electrical question came from: Jose, a Student from Reading , Pennsylvania.
See more about Home Wiring for Pennsylvania

Additional Comments: Very useful website.

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

Dryer Circuit Breaker Options
Panel circuit for a 30 amp 240 volt electric Clothes Dryer

Jose, save your money, you may not need to install a new sub-panel! In most cases, and with newer electrical service panels, there are quad circuit breaker that can be used to create two 2-pole 240 volt circuits in the same place as one 2-pole 240 volt circuits.

How a Quad Electrical Circuit Breaker Could Be Used

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
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.
Precaution: Identify the panel circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Installing additional circuit wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.

In the case of this question, the 2-pole may be replaced by a quad 30 amp circuit breaker which will provide the 240 volt circuit for the electric dryer. The circuit wiring configuration is critical and must be done correctly in order for both of the circuits to work correctly, and of course, the quad circuit breaker must be available for that particular make and model electrical panel.

As always, I recommend that a qualified electrical contractor be called to perform any electrical panel work.

The Following resources will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Wire for the Home

Basic House Wiring Circuits
home-electrical-circuits

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Circuit Wiring
Circuit Wiring

Electrical Circuit Wiring

This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Electrical Circuit Breakers
2-pole-circuit-breaker

Home Electrical Circuit Breakers

A guide to home electrical circuit breakers and how they work to protect your electrical wiring. When properly installed, your home electrical wiring is protected by a circuit protection device.

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.

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.


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.


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