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Testing a 240 Volt Dryer Circuit

The voltage readings at my dryer plug are not right, what should I do? How to Test a 240 Volt Dryer Circuit.


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Electric Dryer Circuit
[ad#block]Electrical Question: The voltage readings at my dryer plug are not right, what should I do?

This electrical wiring question came from: Philip, a Homeowner from Phoenix, Arizona.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical testing question Philip.

How to Test a 240 VoltĀ  Dryer Circuit

Application: Testing a 240Volt Electric Dryer Circuit.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
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

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220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram


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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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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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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

2 Responses to “Testing a 240 Volt Dryer Circuit”
  1. Skip says:

    Electric Dryer Voltage Problem
    Trouble shooting my clothes dryer …

    In checking to see if I have power, I used a digital volt meter.

    Hot leg 1 to Hot leg 2 reads 239V

    Hot leg 1 to neutral reads 96 V

    Hot leg 2 to neutral reads 143 V

    any thoughts

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Checking Dryer Voltage
    Hi Skip,
    Make all the Voltage Tests to the Ground Wire for the most revealing results.
    Typically, with abnormal Dryer Circuit Problems there may be a fault with either the neutral, or one of the hot legs.
    A higher than normal Voltage Reading on one leg is usually an indication that there is a Voltage Feedback which takes place through the Electric Heating Elements of the dryer.

    Key points to check for Dryer Circuit Problems:
    Dryer Circuit Breaker, including connections to the panel, the Dryer Receptacle, and the Dryer Cord.

    I hope this helps,
    Dave