I need to replace an electric dryer. The old dryer is hard wired. What is the code for hooking up the new dryer?

You need a form of disconnect. For a dryer, 99.99999% of the time this is a cord and plug.

How old is this circuit?

You can Install 3 or 4 wire Dryer cord. New Construction and remodel require 4 wire.
Yours may not apply or have extra wire. Connect 3 wire setup or pull 4th wire (#10) for the 4 wire setup;
Remember you have to remove the strap where cord connects to dryer so Neutral and Ground are separate.

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Originally Posted by edfinley

I need to replace an electric dryer. The old dryer is hard wired. What is the code for hooking up the new dryer?

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ED, Does the circuit come from a main panel or a sub-panel ? This will make a difference

If 3wire cord or 4 wire cord is needed.

Frank, you do realize this thread is from 5 months ago?

Besides, Stan, this is wrong anyways:

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Originally Posted by benaround

ED, Does the circuit come from a main panel or a sub-panel ? This will make a difference

if 3wire cord or 4 wire cord is needed.

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Whether the panel is the main or a sub does not affect the branch circuit, which must be a 4 wire.

I was wondering where in the heck this came from:

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ED, Does the circuit come from a main panel or a sub-panel ? This will make a difference

If 3wire cord or 4 wire cord is needed

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

Besides, Stan, this is wrong anyways:



Whether the panel is the main or a sub does not affect the branch circuit, which must be a 4 wire.

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Maybe you should look at 250.140 ex.3 NEC2005 , this is an existing circuit.

Still think I'm wrong?

Yes,

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Originally Posted by benaround

ED, Does the circuit come from a main panel or a sub-panel ? This will make a difference if 3wire cord or 4 wire cord is needed.

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This is still wrong, as per Section 250.24(5), which refers to your reference by the words "except as otherwise permitted in the article."

This statement made does not refer to the existing branch circuit, that you now mention.

I have read Section 250.140 ex.3 several times,even have referred to it here in the forum to help those with existing circuits with relief from replacing or upgrading that circuit.

Since Sec 250.24 is ahead of Sec 250.140, it supersedes and take precedence, and does not affect whether a main panel or a subpanel dictates if the circuit is to be 3 or 4 wire. That fact is only determined if the range or dryer Branch Circuit is existing.

Two entirely different statements. Your first is wrong, the second is correct.
Perhaps that is what you meant in the first post?

I will say, ben is right about the panel. This is one of the reason I asked how old the circuit is.

An older existing circuit could be 3 or 4 wire depending on conditions. This is what Strat was getting at.
If the cable were proper for it, a 4-wire receptacle and cord would be the best bet.


I really hate it when folks post a question and then disappear. We could speculate all day about this, but the fact is the OP is MIA and we need more info.
I personally think it is quite selfish that folks do this. We take time from our personal lives to help folks for free and some people feel it is no big deal to waste that time. :mad:

I do also see TK's point. The panel is not the only deciding factor, it is one of them. That's why I said that just above.

I think there is just some misunderstanding going on, that's all.

How does a panel classification cause a branch circuit to be 3 or 4 wire?

Whether a branch circuit is 3 or 4 wire is not determined by the "type" of panel.

Keep in mind, there is no official, technical term "subpanel" as defined by the NEC.

I just don't see or understand the misunderstanding.

This is still an incorrect statement:

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Originally Posted by benaround

ED, Does the circuit come from a main panel or a sub-panel ? This will make a difference if 3wire cord or 4 wire cord is needed.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

How does a panel classification cause a branch circuit to be 3 or 4 wire?

Whether a branch circuit is 3 or 4 wire is not determined by the "type" of panel.

Keep in mind, there is no official, technical term "subpanel" as defined by the NEC.

I just don't see or understand the misunderstanding.

This is still an incorrect statement:

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I agree!

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I really hate it when folks post a question and then disappear. We could speculate all day about this, but the fact is the OP is MIA and we need more info.
I personally think it is quite selfish that folks do this. We take time from our personal lives to help folks for free and some people feel it is no big deal to waste that time.

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I agree above agree!! I've said the same thing on other sites.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

How does a panel classification cause a branch circuit to be 3 or 4 wire?

Whether a branch circuit is 3 or 4 wire is not determined by the "type" of panel.

Keep in mind, there is no official, technical term "subpanel" as defined by the NEC.

I just don't see or understand the misunderstanding.

This is still an incorrect statement:

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OK, one more time. 250.140 ex3 is what we are talking about, it says in it's last words,

" ---and the branch circuit ORIGINATES at the SERVICE EQUIPMENT".

That's how a panel classification causes a branch circuit to be 3 or 4 wire.

Am I still wrong ?

Yes.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

Yes.

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LOL!!

Well seems you got a kick out of my answer.

Since you seem so intent on confusing the issue, simply by the word "originating" please explain a couple of scenarios where each "type" of panel determines whether the circuit is 3 or 4 wire.

Perhaps if you think it through you will discover that your first post

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Does the circuit come from a main panel or a sub-panel ? This will make a difference if 3wire cord or 4 wire cord is needed.

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Is simply wrong.

Please cite any applicable code section, and not 250.140, as it is only relevant to the "existing" branch circuit, no matter what "type" of panel it originates from.

benaround,

I like that you are person who seeks clarity (great trait)! Yet, re-read what you wrote. Does it make sense? If so, clarify.

tkrussell,

The OP stated he had a hard wired dryer circuit (existing) and now he has a new dryer.

If it's a 4 wire circuit, this is all for nothing.

If it's a 3 wire circuit and does not originate in the service equipment (main panel) then

The circuit will have to be replaced with a 4 wire circuit.

That's what the code book says plane and simple, if you can't follow this, or you don't do

It this way, that's fine, but before you call a person wrong make sure they are.

Bottom line, New construction and remodel require 4 wire, doesn't matter what panel.
Since this is replacement, 3 wire is fine, IMO. I would also have a cord and receptacle.