View Full Version : Dryer Wiring
pastor1189
Nov 19, 2012, 12:13 PM
Been without a dryer for a number of years. Found the 30 amp breaker.
But cannot find the wiring yet. Wall where the dryer use to be has been boarded over. Circuit box is only about 12 feet away from dryer bay.May have to rewire from the breaker box (Not Me) to three prong flush receptacle which is also missing. Do not want to order the dryer yet. Until the line is finish. Some have suggested 8 gauge wire. Is that good for a 12 foot run? Use to a dryer there about 10 years ago.
donf
Nov 19, 2012, 01:52 PM
If you are going to rewire, you might as well have the work done properly.
First, read the electrical instructions for the dryer. Normally a 40 amp double pole breaker is required along with a 4 wire 8 AWG cble and a four wire receptacle.
You really do not want a three wire system.
pastor1189
Nov 19, 2012, 02:12 PM
The other dryer in the past was a three prong and a three prong receptacle
On a 30 amp breaker .Okay thanks for the advice
ma0641
Nov 19, 2012, 02:39 PM
That is old code, new is 4 wire, 2 hots, a neutral and a ground.
pastor1189
Nov 19, 2012, 02:56 PM
Sounds inviting . Since I am starting from scratch why not go with 4 wires.setup.
The dryer can take 3 or 4 wires. Even if the house was build in 1951
pastor1189
Nov 19, 2012, 04:00 PM
I found 40 amp double pole breaker $9.47 A four wire 50 Amp power outlet receptacle $8.99
I couldn't find 40amp?
The wire 8 AWG gauge is very thick I wonder how you can wrap a thick wire like that, or maybe it has some kind of fitting that goes into the power outlet?
ma0641
Nov 19, 2012, 04:02 PM
I found 40 amp double pole breaker $9.47 A four wire 50 Amp power outlet receptacle $8.99
I couldn't find 40amp?
The wire 8 AWG gauge is very thick I wonder how you can wrap a thick wire like that, or maybe it has some kind of fitting that goes into the power outlet?
They don't wrap, they insert under a screw plate.
pastor1189
Nov 19, 2012, 04:12 PM
Oh boy I am learning. I know the 240 is split between the. Black and Red, Neutral, Ground on the back of the dryer. That makes the 4 wire makeup. I guess you would need a strain relief connector to keep the cord secure.
I do not know how the breaker itself is wired coming from the dryer with the four wires
ma0641
Nov 19, 2012, 09:42 PM
In a 240 breaker, if there are 4 wires, red goes to 1 pole of the breaker, black to the other, neutral to the neutral bar and ground to the ground bar. In older homes, the neutral and ground are on the same bar. On a 3 wire - red, black, ground, wired as above .
pastor1189
Nov 20, 2012, 05:23 AM
Very good. I got it. Thank you