Laundry Room Electrical Wiring
Background: John, a Homeowner from Houston,TX

Question: My main panel has a double pole 125 A as its main.
On the main there is a 70 A breaker that is service for a sub panel in what we call the pool house.
Recently I built a laundry area in this house adding a 30A breaker for the dryer.
The problem is the dryer wont work. So I opened the sub panel where there is a 100 A main it.

Could this be why my dryer does not work?
I should also say, there is an Heating and Air Conditioning unit that has its own 30Amp circuit breaker. Sometimes the unit is slow to start like its not getting enough power.

Additional Comments: what Ive seen so far….awesome website.

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

Wiring a Laundry Room

John, from the information that you have provided, I would strongly suggest that you contact a Licensed Electrical Contractor to come out and review the work that has already been done, paying attention to the main electrical panel and the service to the additional sub-panel. I believe this will be in your best interest and for the safety of the project electrical wiring.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes

Basic House Wiring 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

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

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.

How to Install Laundry Room Electrical Wiring

Laundry Room Electrical Wiring

Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Laundry Room Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects.

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 Electrical Problems

Testers to Help Solve Electrical Problems

Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring
Types of Electrical Testers
Using Electrical Testers

You identified your project to be about Dryer Wiring, so you might find this information useful:

Wiring a Dryer and Power Cord

Dryer Cord Wiring

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.