Need help with an electric dryer outlet ;)?

Question

I'm trying to order an stackable electric washer/dryer unit, but I'm not sure if I have the necessary outlet (needs a 30-AMP outlet, right?). I have a strange-looking outlet, that looks like a standard US Grounded outlet, but the flat holes are horizontal instead of vertical. See the diagram below (ignore the dots, they're just there to make the picture appear correctly)
___ . . ___
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. . . (_)

What on earth is this outlet?

Answer 1

My guess is it is a 15A 240V outlet (I assume the same size as normal outlet, just the slots like you show). Normal outlets (15A 120V) are NEMA 5-15R. What you have is probably a NEMA 6-15R. See http://www.leviton.com/sections/techsupp/nema.htm for all kinds of outlet configurations. The standard dryer outlet is a 14-30R for newer homes, 10-30R otherwise. These are 30A 240/120V.

The outlet you have I would expect for something like a window/wall air conditioner.

Answer 2

You need to look at the Electric Circuit Breakers -You know where the box is when the lights go out and you have to go flip the switch or screw in a new fuse. After you find that then you need to see which one shuts down the dryer. Then read the fuse of switch and see if it says 30 amps. Good luck or ask a neighbor guy to come look for you. Perferably a nice looking neighbor guy.

Answer 3

There are a variety of outlet types for dryers. Thats why they often sell the power cord aside from the dryer. You often have to change your cord or your outlet. First you have to determine the voltage of the dryer 120 or 240 and the amp of the circuit needed for that dryer.

Answer 4

you have an RV or utility outlet. Should have never been installed a residence. There used to get power to RV's.

Answer 5

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