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.

Dryer electrical connections.

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. Attach the grounding strap or wire that runs from the center terminal to the dryer case. The neutral white and the bare ground wire must be on there designated connection. If it s 30 amps which is common.

This circuit originates from the breaker box containing a 2 pole 30 amp breaker. A gas dryer plugs into an ordinary 120 volt electrical outlet and it has a cord fitted with an ordinary appliance plug. Never plug in a dryer cord unless it s fully connected to the dryer. X y are interchangeable red and black wires are hot live wires one wire on the x and the other on the y.

Dryer cable between circuit panel and dryer plug is 10 awg black red white bare. Verify the electrical requirements of the dryer. 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.

Obtain a cord set with the same electrical rating and. Check that any existing dryer receptacle has this same rating and note number of slots either 3 or 4 slots. The size of the breaker you need to control the circuit is specified on the dryer label. Many people may experience the situation of trying to make a older dryer work with an new four wire receptacle.

In the diagram above the bare ground is indicated by a green line. Most sold for use in the u s. This size breaker requires a minimum of a 10 gauge wire so this wire used would be a 10 2 with ground. Remove the masking tape labels.

Attach the middle or ground wire to the center terminal one of the outer wires to the right terminal and the other. Replacing a 3 prong electrical dryer cord with a 4 prong cord. This article will explain what options you have to get your dryer wired and running.