Permitted Electrical Cords for Dryer

';	How to Make Sure Your Dryer Cord is Correct: Before using alternative dryer cords you may want to read this © By: Dave Rongey

Permitted Electrical Cords for Dryer Wiring
[ad#block]Question: I have a Kenmore Elite Dryer (Electric) Model 110.62952100 (120V/240V, 28A, 60Hz) and want to replace the current power cord with a 25ft power cord.

The current power cord is a 10 gauge, 4 wire SRDT power supply cord with a right angle NEMA 14-30P plug.
Can I replace with 25 foot 8 gauge, 4 wire type SOOW Power Supply Cable?
I would attach to one end of the 25 ft power supply cable a Hubbell HBL9432C NEMA 14-30P Angled Plug and to the other end, 4 Non-Insulated Ring Terminals, 8 AWG, 1/4 Stud.

Background: Greg, a Homeowner from Atlanta, GA

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

How to Make Sure Your Dryer Cord is Correct

Before using an alternative dryer cord you may want to read this.

Your proposal poses a few problems:

The manufacturer states that an outlet be placed within 2 feet of either side of the dryer, and that an extension cord is not allowed.
The cord length is recommended to be 4 feet long.
Installing the type and length of cord that you are proposing is in reality an extension cord.

Here is What I Would Do

An alternative solution would be to place an extension junction box at the existing circuit location and install an approved surface conduit to the proposed location using four 10 gauge copper wires to a new junction box location where the dryer outlet can be installed within the specified 2 feet area of the dryer.
Secure the conduit with straps at six foot intervals and within twelve inches of the junction boxes.
Use wire connectors to splice each identified wire.
Place a blank cover over the original junction box location.

RESOURCES FOR WIRING A DRYER CORD
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.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Dryer Cords and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Ceiling Fan and Light Start Delay Problem	Electrical Cables Through Wood Framing

»How To Wire It RIGHT! «
Wire it with Confidence!
Fully Illustrated
Instant Download

Now You Can
Wire it like a Pro!

Residential Electrical Wiring

Learn Electrical Wiring
Instructional Electrical Wiring Videos

Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.