Dryer Electrical Connections

Verify the electrical requirements of the dryer.

Dryer electrical connections.

3 prong dryer outlet the 3 prong wiring diagram above shows the proper connections for both ends of the circuit. Obtain a cord set with the same electrical rating and. This circuit originates from the breaker box containing a 2 pole 30 amp breaker. Electrical wiring for a dryer power cord has a typical 240 volt electric power cord with 3 wire and 4 wire wiring configurations.

Remove the masking tape labels. If you have an electric dryer it must be on a dedicated 240 volt circuit. Most sold for use in the u s. A gas dryer plugs into an ordinary 120 volt electrical outlet and it has a cord fitted with an ordinary appliance plug.

An electric dryer on the other hand heats the air with electric heating elements and runs on 240 volt current which requires a much different outlet receptacle and a special heavy duty appliance cord with a unique plug. The neutral white and the bare ground wire must be on there designated connection. Check that any existing dryer receptacle has this same rating and note number of slots either 3 or 4 slots. Plugging in a cord sends 240 volts of electricity to the bare wire ends of the cord.

Attach the grounding strap or wire that runs from the center terminal to the dryer case. Many people may experience the situation of trying to make a older dryer work with an new four wire receptacle. Dryer cable between circuit panel and dryer plug is 10 awg black red white bare. In the diagram above the bare ground is indicated by a green line.

This size breaker requires a minimum of a 10 gauge wire so this wire used would be a 10 2 with ground. Replacing a 3 prong electrical dryer cord with a 4 prong cord. This article will explain what options you have to get your dryer wired and running. Attach the middle or ground wire to the center terminal one of the outer wires to the right terminal and the other.

And canada require a 240 volt 30 amp. If the ends touch together or touch you they ll create a potentially lethal short circuit. The size of the breaker you need to control the circuit is specified on the dryer label.