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View Full Version : Wiring in my electric dryer


vonnasue
Sep 22, 2009, 05:26 PM
My elec dryer is wired directly into my wall breaker box(I live in a older mobile home)Twice the wire has fired coming out of box from the breaker. About 2 inches long fired wire and of course this shuts down my dryer. The first time I bought a new breaker,same ampherage 30 amps,doubled sided even .It works fine for a couple of weeks then suddenly quit again! The wire was fried all over again! What am I doing wrong ? Do I need a heavier or thicker wire ? Maybe a different amp breaker size ? Or a different color wire ? I am desperate and dense to electricity with winter coming I need my dryer! Help me please!

Missouri Bound
Sep 22, 2009, 05:34 PM
Well... first look at the dryer specs. Most driyers use a 30 amp dbl pole breaker, but I am sure there are some exceptions out there. How far from the dryer is the panel, ie: how long is the wire run? A 30 amp circuit requires no smaller than a # 10 wire, larger if the run length is excessive. Finally, wires that burn are usually the result of overloading or a loose connection. Is the breaker overheating as well? Can you get your hands on an ammeter, borrow or purchase one? It would greatly help in this situation.
Your problem, I'm sorry to say can be anything from the panel to the dryer, and all in between. An ammeter would help you determine if the dryer itself is causing the problem.

KISS
Sep 22, 2009, 06:21 PM
Wire size has to be looked at first.

Is the wire Aluminum (silver in color)?

If the breaker fried, are the contacts to the panel busses free of oxidation?

Every connection in it's path is suspect. Check them at both ends.