Troubleshooting a Faulty Dryer Circuit

The Outlet for my Dryer is Not Working, is this a Problem with the Socket or the Circuit Breaker? Electrical Problems that can Keep a Dryer From Working.

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Electric Dryer is Not Working
Electrical Question #1: The outlet for my dryer is not working, is this a problem with the socket or the circuit breaker?

I had my handyman check it and he said that 110 volts was coming out the right side, but no power what so ever was coming out the left side.
Is this problem the socket I plug my electric dryer into or a breaker issue?
I reset the circuit breaker several times and the power stayed the same when we tested it.

Thank You,
Sara

This electrical question came from Sara, a Homeowner from Modesto, California.

Electrical Question #2: I Lost Part Power to my Clothes Dryer

I only have half power going to my dryer 240 volt outlet, how can I fix it to get full power so my dryer will work?

This electrical question came from Kevin in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your Electric Dryer Questions.

Troubleshooting a Dryer Problem

Application: Troubleshooting a 240 Volt 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.

Electrical Problems that Can Keep a Dryer From Working

If your dryer not working as described in this question, then the problem is most likely one of the following:

Faulty Dryer Receptacle
- The dryer outlet and wiring connections should be inspected by an electrician and repaired as needed.
A tripped circuit breaker
- Try resetting the circuit breaker.
A faulty circuit breaker
- The circuit breaker should be tested and replaced if necessary.
A problem within the main electrical panel
- The components of the electrical panel may need to be evaluated by a qualified electrician.
A problem within the utility side of the electrical service
- If the electric panel is found to be without fault then the incoming power from the electrical service should be checked by the utility company.

Identifying and repairing the problem of the dryer circuit is best provided by a licensed electrical contractor.

More about Dryer Circuits

Electrical Circuit Breakers

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.

Electrical Outlets

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.

Using Testers to Identify the Cause of why Electrical Power has been Lost

Troubleshooting to Find Out Why Your Home Lost Power

How to Identify Lost Power

Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

Types of Electrical Testers

For more information about Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.

The following may also be helpful for you:

Electrical Wiring Video #2

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Great for any Home Wiring Project.

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.

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

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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 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 great to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring, 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

A wire stripping tool used 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.

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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.

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