I am about to purchase an electric dryer. Unfortunately the previouse residents had a gas dryer. So, the outlet in the laundry room is just a regular everyday outlet (like the kind you would plug a lamp or toaster into).
Anyway, I know I will need to purchase the appropriate outlet and install a higher capacity breaker (to take place of the one there).
Is there anything else I need to do? Any tips?
2007-02-09 07:03:20 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Have you considered going with a GAS dryer? That would solve a lot of your problem.
Another circuit for your electric dryer would probably be a dedicated circuit (having ONLY the dryer on it) and would probably be pretty expensive to have put in, UNLESS you choose to DIY. Whether you DIY or hire someone, be sure to have enough capacity in the wire size and circuit breaker to handle the load.
2007-02-09 07:25:34 · answer #1 · answered by answerING 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot merely replace the 110V outlet with a 220V version - the power requirement for an electric dryer would exceed the capacity of the existing wires, which are probably 14 or 12 gauge wires (15 or 20 amps, respectively.)
You will need to run a brand new dedicated 220V 4-wire cable (3 conductors + ground) from your circuit breaker panel to the new outlet. You should keep the existing 110V power line - it probably supplies power to your washing machine, and possibly to overhead lights.
You will need to know the current requirement for the new dryer and perhaps round it up by 5 amps or so. For example, a Whirlpool electric dryer, #WED9400S, requires a 30 amp circuit as a minimum. That is 30 amps x 220 V, or 6.6 kilowatts of power - a hefty load.
Most probably, your existing wire is 15 amps x 110 V, or 1.65 kilowatts - definitely not enough to power your new dryer.
I suggest that you hire an electrician or retired elect. contractor to either do this work for you (including pulling an electrical permit), or at the least, advise and consult with you on this project.
This job is in the scope of a knowledgeable DIY, but your questions suggest you should do additional reading about electrical systems and the NEC. Taunton Press is a publisher of many excellent building & construction books.
Finally, the high voltage and power of this project are something that you definitely don't want to do incorrectly - a mistake could be fatal.
Good luck, and please take my advice about hiring a professional.
2007-02-09 07:21:48 · answer #2 · answered by Tom-SJ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You will have to run a new service for the dryer. Larger breaker, heavier gauge wiring and a 220 volt 30 amp breaker. The outlet you mention is a 15 or 20 amp 120 volt outlet.
2007-02-09 08:28:54 · answer #3 · answered by David A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 3 wires in the line are color coded. White, Black, and bare copper. The out let needs to be wired for 220. Find the existing breaker in the box. Pull it out. Do not let it come into contact with any metal! Follow the white wire uf to the ground bar. Loosen the screw, depending on the age of your box, this will require either a #2 phillips or a#2 square drive. Remove the white wire only. Retighten the screw, tight as you can. Leave them hanging for now and go to the outlet. Remove the old outlet and install the new outlet by attaching the copper wire to the center screw. Then attach the other two wires to the remaining screws. Make sure that the connections are tight. Install new outlet into the box. Then go back to the breaker box. A 30 amp breaker should be sufficiant. Attach both the black & white wires to the breaker, pop breaker back into box, turn on breaker, put cover back on. And you will be good to go!! Good Luck!
2007-02-09 07:58:29 · answer #4 · answered by michael m 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You have to run a new circuit from the panel to dryer location you need 10/3 romex, a double pole 30 amp breaker and a dryer outlet and if you dont have 2 extra spaces in your panel you will need to call a electrician
2007-02-09 16:36:59 · answer #5 · answered by brndnh721 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need to run a new circuit from the breaker box to the new outlet. The existing wiring inside the wall is not heavy enough to handle 220 volt. If your breaker box is in the utility room, it might be possible to run a surface wire and surface outlet box which should hold the cost down. This really not a job for amateurs. Not only can you get killed very easily, you can burn down your house. I would get an electrician.
2007-02-09 07:16:32 · answer #6 · answered by united9198 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you listen to michael m you could easily burn your house down. An electric dryer pulls close to thirty amps which requires # 10 wire. The wire to the existing receptacle is#12 at best. Call someone to run a dedicated circuit for the dryer. I wish people that are not qualified try to answer this type of question. Call an electrician. Please
2007-02-09 10:09:53 · answer #7 · answered by brian d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
Check the wiring. My guess is that if there was only an ordinary outlet there before, the wire would be 14guage wire. (thats the usual)
For dryer which carres a higher current, I would recommend number 12 wire.
The fuses or breakers are there to protect the wiring.
Oh yes. Almost forgot. the regular outlet is 120v ine hot wire one neutral wire.
The dryer will need 240v that is two hot wires and one neutral wire. You will also need a double rather than a single breaker.
2007-02-09 07:11:39 · answer #8 · answered by sparbles 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Buy the outlet and wiring at Home Depot just tap off you existing 220Volt and run it to where you want it.
2007-02-09 08:27:23 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋