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View Full Version : Installing an outlet for a washer dryer unit


jth0033
Dec 16, 2007, 02:36 PM
My Grandmother wants me to install a stackable washer dryer unit in her half bathroom which she doesn't use that often on the first floor. There's no current outlet that I know of and I was wondering how I would go about installing an outlet suitable for a washer dryer unit and how I would go about installing that in the circuit board as well. From doing some research I found that I need to use a 240-volt outlet, is this correct? Hopefully someone can help me out with this and I can go about this install soon. Thanks!

Washington1
Dec 16, 2007, 05:52 PM
My Grandmother wants me to install a stackable washer dryer unit in her half bathroom which she doesn't use that often on the first floor. Theres no current outlet that I know of and I was wondering how I would go about installing an outlet suitable for a washer dryer unit and how I would go about installing that in the circuit board as well. From doing some research I found that I need to use a 240-volt outlet, is this correct? Hopefully someone can help me out with this and I can go about this install soon. Thanks!

I believe your space is defined a bathroom: a space including a basin with one or more of the following: Toilet, a tub, or a shower.

If correct, then there is no code restricting you from placing an electric dryer in this space. You will need: 10-3 with ground;a 2 pole 30 amp breaker; one two gang remodel or nail on box; a 30amp dryer receptacle; a dryer or range face plate; and possible an electrical permit.

Now, there may be a question of rather this space can be considered both a laundry, and bath (Only your authority having jurisdiction can make this call)? If it's considered a laundry as well, then you are required to run an additional circuit of 20 amps to the same space. Being that it's located in the bath, you would have to GFCI your laundry receptacle.<-----as stated, this is open to definition of said space. Personally, I call it a bath.

I'll let some one else tell you how to terminate the wires in the panel. Just to get them started. Are you planning to run your wires from a sub-panel or main service rated panel?

jth0033
Dec 16, 2007, 10:32 PM
Yea the bathroom is only a half bath consisting of a toilet and a sink. I guess I expect to run from the main service panel but I'm not really sure. I've done some electrical work before but I'm not totally sure about installing a new outlet. Also in the bathroom I'm going to have to install a new over head lighting fixture because the current light comes from the medicine cabnet area, where the new stackable washer dryer will be. I started to look at different outlets this evening at my place of employment, Lowe's, and some lighting stuff too. Hopefully you guys can help me out a bunch with all of the parts and such that I'm going to need to do this and I'm sure I can go from there. Thanks!

labman
Dec 17, 2007, 06:43 AM
Have you bought or looked at the stack yet? You need to let us know if it comes with a 3 or 4 wire cord. Also, give us the watts or amps. For years they cut corners of dryers and ranges making 3 wires do the work of 4. Which ever, run the -3 plus ground.

Washington1
Dec 17, 2007, 11:08 AM
Have you bought or looked at the stack yet? You need to let us know if it comes with a 3 or 4 wire cord. Also, give us the watts or amps. For years they cut corners of dryers and ranges making 3 wires do the work of 4. Which ever, run the -3 plus ground.
Really! Where is this going on? Tell us more!

labman
Dec 17, 2007, 11:18 AM
Cutting corners, or cutting out cutting corners? 240 volt ranges and dryers have made do with 3 wires for a long time. Several threads this year have discussed the new 4 wire ones. Drop into Lowe's and look around. I always go there when I want to nib around without being bothered. If anybody does ask you, ask them about it. Post their answer, we can always use a good laugh here.

jth0033
Dec 17, 2007, 11:25 AM
The stackable that I've been looking at has the three hook-ups rather than the four, are you saying that I should look for one with four wire hook-ups?

Washington1
Dec 17, 2007, 12:16 PM
I see.

You will have the option of installing 30A 4 conductor Nema 14-30 type cord for your install. It's a code requirement for new installs. The three wire only cord is for existing wiring and devices. I guess I should add: See NEC 250.114 and 250.140 for more information and exceptions

Washington1
Dec 17, 2007, 12:29 PM
Jth,

Look at your manual, it will tell you how to connect your 4 conductor cord.

Also, I listed most of everything you will need for an electric dryer washer combination--excluding the staples and the 4 conductor cord (Note: Tell your supplier of the dryer to give you a 4 conductor cord).

Also note my comment on definition of bathroom having a utility room appliance installed. You need to find out if your local area will "now" define this as a utility/ bath room (laundry).