I checked the circuit breaker and there are 2 switches stuck together and two spaces labeled washer/dryer so I assume its a 220 outlet. When I asked the resident manager he assumed it was a 110 because most of the townhouses have a stacked unit which has a 110. The previous owners had a new circuit breaker put in so I am assuming it is a 220. So does that mean there is more than one 220 outlet back there? I am asking because I want to switch from a stacked small apartment washer dryer to a separate front loading washer and dryer which requires a 220 outlet for the dryer and one (not sure if it is a 110 or 220) for the washer. The current one is stacked and is in a small closet so I can't just pull it out.
2007-08-01 11:18:05 · 3 answers · asked by r b 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
If you have 2 breakers that are connected together, they will be 220 volts(110 - 120Volts each). If the wires from both of these connected breakers go to the same outlet along with a common wire and hopefully a ground wire, you will have a 220 volt outlet. However, as these are actually 2 separate breakers, they could be running to 2 outlets with each being 110 volts. The best and safest thing for you to do is check the voltage requirement for the washer and dryer that you have either by looking for a label or asking a dealer / maintenance person. Or, you can pull them out and check the outlet or outlets with a volt meter. Your new washer and dryer will require 110 volts and 220 volts respectfully.
2007-08-01 11:34:19 · answer #1 · answered by Likalotapus 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Actually, most all the stacked washer/dryer combo units I've ever seen are 110 volt. That's because the dryer is smaller than a normal separate unit would be and doesn't need as big an element to heat the air which is circulating around and drying the clothes. The washer part is certainly 110 volt. Can't imagine why the former owner had a double breaker put in unless they only had one phase wired to the outlet, that would supply 110 volts. If you're wanting to change over to a separate unit system you're going to have to move this set up out to put the new ones in, so why the big deal about having to know if there's a 220 outlet behind. If it's not a normal dryer recept then you'll have to have one installed. Get it done.
2007-08-01 18:34:39 · answer #2 · answered by Corky R 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
From what you are describing in the panel, without seeing it, I would guess you have a multi wire 120 volt, pair of circuits. One for the washer and one for the dryer. Both 120 volt. What size is that circuit breaker? 20 amp? A conventional 240 volt dryer will have a 30 amp double pole circuit breaker. Best thing to do is pull out the washer and dryer and take a look back there.
2007-08-01 19:53:17 · answer #3 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋