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Electrical Wire and Cable


Is Your Electric Clothes Dryer Shocking You?

Why am I getting shocked by my electric dryer? How to Check a Dryer Electric Circuit, Troubleshooting Dryer Electrical Wiring Connections.


Home Electrical Wiring Video

How to Wire a GFCI Outlet
without a Ground Wire

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Faulty Electric Dryer Connections May Cause Dangerous Shocks!
Electrical Question: Why am I getting shocked by my electric dryer?

This electrical wiring question came from: Michael, a Handyman in California.

Additional Comments: This website is very helpful for people like me, Thank You.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical safety question Michael.
This question describes a very dangerous condition that needsĀ  to be corrected right away.

How to Check a Dryer Circuit for a Wiring Problem

electric dryer wiring

Application: Testing 240 Volt Dryer Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with hand tools and electrical troubleshooting skills.
Precaution: Identify the 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

Troubleshooting Dryer Electrical Wiring Connections

More about Wiring a Clothes Dryer

Dryer Wiring

Electrical Wiring for a Clothes Dryer
Wiring a Dryer

For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram


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 Shocks From Dryer and Home Electrical Wiring:
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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

6 Responses to “Is Your Electric Clothes Dryer Shocking You?”
  1. Samantha Hoslkins says:

    YES! have a gas dryer 2-3 years now, nothing has changed except it has recently started shocking me and my dry clothes seem to be full of extra static. Using same soap and fabric softener, both are the more expensive name brands, as I said, nothing has changed but the weather! Good lord, have a load of blankets in now, couldn’t put it off any longer and I’m scared to death!

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Samantha,
    Cold weather can definitely be a factor where static electricity may be more frequently noticed because cold weather can make the air very dry. The ingredients in the fabric softener may have an influence as well. However I would encourage you to have the dryer circuit checked to make sure it is properly grounded and that the electrical ground and bonding at the main service panel is correct. If everything checks out OK then you may want to consider using a cling free product with your clothes dryer.
    Dave

  3. Frank says:

    My electric dryer was sparking in the back until it stopped working. I plugged a new dryer in and the bottom of the frame feels like there is electricity running through it.

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Frank,
    The dryer circuit should be turned off right away. Next the cause of the sparking in the back area of the dryer will need to be inspected and repaired. The dryer circuit electrical wiring and the receptacle outlet should be carefully examined. Once the repairs have been made then the circuit components should be tested to make sure it is OK before the dryer is to be used again. Please reference the dryer section for more information about wiring a dryer circuit and receptacle.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave

  5. latisha says:

    Hi, my dryer started to smoke and tried to catch fire. I quickly turned it off along with the breaker. It is still shocking me though and I unplugged it after that. What should I do?

  6. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Latisha,
    Leave the dryer circuit turned off and keep the dryer unplugged. A dryer repair technician should be called to identify the problem with the dryer and determine the extent of the necessary repairs. The technician should make sure the dryer vent is not clogged and any accumulation of lint should be removed to provide proper ventilation.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave