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View Full Version : How do I wire a clothes dryer?


mydeadcatmurphy
May 29, 2009, 01:46 PM
In my shop I have a 220 or 240 outlet. Can I use it to run a home style clothes dryer and how do I wire it with out blowing up the dryer?

bones252100
May 29, 2009, 02:15 PM
Most dryers use 220 VAC although the connection plugs can be different. If your dryer uses 220, then purchase & connect the matching plug for your outlet. If the dryer does use 110 VAC, it is possible to tap off one side of a 220 line to provide 110 but you probably have a 110 receptacle somewhere in the shop. Those lights run off 110 VAC. If rewiring the 220 line is the only option, have a licensed electrician do the installation. 110 volts can kill. 220 volts WILL kill.

stanfortyman
May 29, 2009, 02:26 PM
A household dryer is a 120/240v appliance, not simply 220. Meaning it requires a neutral along with the two host and ground. It typically requires a 30A circuit run with #10 wire.

If this is a straight 240v receptacle you have you need to determine if a neutral was run, or just two hots and a ground.
Also, you need to determine what size wire was run and what size breaker it is one.

jerro
May 29, 2009, 03:58 PM
Also is it a new dryer or older dryer. This could determine if you need a 3 prong or 4 prong plug to connect to your dryer.

stanfortyman
May 29, 2009, 04:21 PM
Well if he is re-wiring a circuit to accept the dryer it would need to be 4-wire. It is the circuit that determines 3 or 4 wire, not the dryer.

In any case an insulated neutral is required.

Washington1
May 29, 2009, 04:57 PM
Well if he is re-wiring a circuit to accept the dryer it would need to be 4-wire. It is the circuit that determines 3 or 4 wire, not the dryer.

In any case an insulated neutral is required.
Exactly!!

Fr_Chuck
May 29, 2009, 05:41 PM
And since you use the term ( home style) I will assume this is a commercial building, and I will note you don't have any idea what voltage you have.

Many, if not most commecial buidlings in our area are 208 not 230 VT