Dryer Receptacle Installation

Now a 3 prong outlet is outdated from modern electrical codes but is accepted if you already have one in your home.

Dryer receptacle installation. The same is true if you buy a new dryer and need to plug it in to an old three wire receptacle. See below the difference between this diagram and the 4 prong outlet below is the addition of a neutral. For most track houses or spec homes the 220volt dryer receptacle may be installed above the dryer control panel where the. The 120 volt service is for the dryer s timers sensors and other electronics while the 240 volt service supplies power to the heating elements.

You may find yourself with either a 3 wire or 4 wire electric dryer or a 3 wire or 4 wire outlet. Do not plug a dryer cord into a receptacle unless it is properly and completely connected to the dryer. Be sure to check which type you will need before purchasing your appliance and power cord. If you love your old dryer but you think safety demands that you install a four wire receptacle don t fret.

Almost all manufacturers sell dryers without a cord attached allowing you to select 3 prong vs. For an electric dryer to work it needs to be connected to an outlet supplying both a 220v and 110v sources. Converting a dryer outlet or dryer cord yourself. The 220v circuit is used to supply the heating element and the 110v circuit used for the motor to rotate the drum and operate the controls.

A 4 prong dryer outlet is wired as a 120 240 volt circuit. The nec requires that dryers have a dedicated circuit with a minimum of 30 amps. Wiring a 240v dryer. A clothes dryer outlet is a special type of electrical receptacle which is capable of providing enough power to satisfy the requirements of your dryer.

Changing a dryer cord from a three prong to a four prong or vice versa is an easy project for most people. Wiring for a 4 prong dryer receptacle. Always remember safety is the number one thing. You can change the cord or even easier you can use a three prong to four prong plug adapter.

The process is relatively simple and this is usually the best way to deal with the situation when your dryer cord doesn t match the dryer outlet present in your home. Typically in a custom home project the 220volt dryer receptacle is installed behind the dryer under the top of the control panel where the cord and receptacle will not be visible. You can still use your dryer. In todays video we are taking a look at how to install a 4 or 3 prong dryer wire.

If your running a new circuit i highly recommend that you bring your outlet up to code and install a 4 prong dryer outlet. Homeadvisor s electrical outlet cost guide lists average prices charged by electricians to add replace move or ground outlets including new gfci 240 or 220 volt receptacles. See an electric dryer installation with a typical 240 volt electric power cord wiring system. Explore installation costs outlets for dryers or in the garage or basement.

4 prong dryer cord to match your outlet.