Dryer Electrical Connections

This circuit originates from the breaker box containing a 2 pole 30 amp breaker.

Dryer electrical connections.

Electrical wiring for a dryer power cord has a typical 240 volt electric power cord with 3 wire and 4 wire wiring configurations. 3 prong dryer outlet the 3 prong wiring diagram above shows the proper connections for both ends of the circuit. And canada require a 240 volt 30 amp. The neutral white and the bare ground wire must be on there designated connection.

Dryer cable between circuit panel and dryer plug is 10 awg black red white bare. Replacing a 3 prong electrical dryer cord with a 4 prong cord. Attach the grounding strap or wire that runs from the center terminal to the dryer case. An electric dryer on the other hand heats the air with electric heating elements and runs on 240 volt current which requires a much different outlet receptacle and a special heavy duty appliance cord with a unique plug.

Check that any existing dryer receptacle has this same rating and note number of slots either 3 or 4 slots. If it s 30 amps which is common. Many people may experience the situation of trying to make a older dryer work with an new four wire receptacle. Plugging in a cord sends 240 volts of electricity to the bare wire ends of the cord.

Verify the electrical requirements of the dryer. If you have an electric dryer it must be on a dedicated 240 volt circuit. This article will explain what options you have to get your dryer wired and running. X y are interchangeable red and black wires are hot live wires one wire on the x and the other on the y.

A gas dryer plugs into an ordinary 120 volt electrical outlet and it has a cord fitted with an ordinary appliance plug. Most sold for use in the u s. Obtain a cord set with the same electrical rating and. Attach the middle or ground wire to the center terminal one of the outer wires to the right terminal and the other.

In the diagram above the bare ground is indicated by a green line. This size breaker requires a minimum of a 10 gauge wire so this wire used would be a 10 2 with ground. Never plug in a dryer cord unless it s fully connected to the dryer.