December 16, 2011 By ©2007-2012Author - Licensed Electrical Contractor Filed under 220 Volt Wiring, Dryer Wiring

2 Comments

Wiring For Clothes Dryers – Don’t Do This

Wiring For Clothes Dryers – Don’t Do This

 

If  You Do This I’ll Take Away Your Wire Cutters!

  I have a four wire plug on my dryer. I installed a four wire plug in my wall. However, when my house was wired whoever did it cut the red wire off before the circuit panel and hooked up the white and black wires to the breaker instead of the red and black. My old dryer had a 3 wire plug so this was not an issue. I need to know if I need to find the end of the red wire somehow and pigtail off of that and hook it up where the white wire is now and if so where do I then hook the white wire to (in the panel). Or is it possible to rewire the dryer so that I can use a 3 wire plug on it instead

This electrical question came from: Bob, a Homeowner from Kalispell, MT.

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

Electrical Wiring for an Dryer Plug

Bob, follow the links below and you will see how to make the connection using a 3 wire plug. I will never understand why some people would ever cut wires off like that, it’s just plain crazy! If your not going to use the blasted wire then just cap the darn thing off, but don’t chop it off – Good Grief. If I ever catch one of your guys doing that I’m going to take your wire cutters away!

The Following links will assist you with your electrical wiring and electrical repair:

Dryer Wiring

Electric Panel
home-electrical-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 Circuits
home-electrical-circuits
Electric Circuit Listing
The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

Circuit Breaker
2-pole-circuit-breaker
Electrical Wiring Protection using 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.

Electric dryer plug
clothes-dryer-wiring
Wiring a Dryer
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.

For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram
Wiring 220 Volt Electrical Outlet
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how electrical outlets for the home are wired.


Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all projects.
For Best Results Consult a Licensed Electrical Contractor in Your Area

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Comments

2 Responses to “Wiring For Clothes Dryers – Don’t Do This”
  1. Dave Rongey says:
    January 11, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    Hi Delanna – It sounds like the dryer will be using a 50 amp range circuit at the apartment. If this is true then the circuit should be converted to a 30 amp circuit as this is what the dryer is designed for. This will ensure that the internal wiring and the components of the dryer (which are designed for 30 amps) will be protected by a 30 amp circuit. The conversion will require installing the following 30 Amp, 240 Volt Parts: Circuit Breaker, Outlet and Dryer Cord. This can be done easily by a qualified electrician.
    Delanna, make sure the dryer is well vented too.

  2. Delanna Reed says:
    January 9, 2011 at 9:24 pm

    Dear Dave,

    I live in an older apartment. I just bought a new dryer and discovered that the outlet is for a range. Apparently, someone put a range cord on the old dryer to make it fit. Is this dangerous? Is it illegal? I am trying to convince the landlord he needs to install a dryer outlet so that the new dryer can be safely plugged in. I don’t want to buy a range cord and attach it to my dryer. But, is is safe to do so?

    Thanks,
    Delanna Reed


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