![]() This design was introduced in 1996 by the National Electric Code (NEC) to improve the safety of electric dryers. The main difference between 4-prong and 3-prong dryer plugs is the addition of a separate ground wire in the 4-prong dryer receptacle.Ī 4 prong dryer plug has four slots, with two slots for the “hot” wires (typically red and black), one slot for the “neutral” wire (typically white), and one slot for the “ground” wire (typically green or bare copper). If you have an existing 3-prong dryer outlet, it is grandfathered, and you can use a 3-prong dryer plug wire. While you might see 3-prong ones in older houses, newer NEC guidelines now require using 3-prong outlets for 240V and 220V electric dryers. ![]() Which one you should use is very straightforward, according to the codes made by the National Electric Code (NEC).Īlways use a 4-prong receptacle for a newly installed electric dryer circuit. If you’re wiring an electric dryer receptacle, typically for 240V or 220V appliances, you may wonder whether to use a 3-prong or 4-prong outlet. You can use a 12-2 wire with ground wire with a 20 amp breaker for a 110-volt electric dryer, but not for a 220-volt dryer. And if your outlet has a 20 amp breaker, you should wire the dryer circuit using a 12 gauge wire. If your outlet has a 15 amp breaker, use a 14 gauge wire. You should wire 110V/120V for compact electric dryers that plug into wall outlets using 14 or 12 AWG wires. 10/3 has two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire in the cable. It’s best to use the larger diameter wire to reduce heat from the flow of electricity. Once you’ve figured out the breaker size for the electric dryer, it’s crucial to use the right wire size for electric dryers.įor 240V and 220V electric dryers using a 30-amp circuit breaker, you should use 10/3 American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire. Wire Size for Electric Dryers Electric Dryer Size Recommended Wire Size 220/240 volts 10 AWG 110/120 volts 14 or 12 AWG These electric dryers typically pull 7.5-15 amps. Typically you plug these less powerful electric dryers directly into a wall outlet, so a 20 or 15 amp breaker is sufficient. The dryer breaker inside the electrical panel works for electric clothes dryers.įor more compact 110V/120V electric dryers, you can use a much smaller dryer circuit breaker. Both electric dryer sizes pull between 10-30 amps.Ī 30-amp, double-pole breaker covers two breaker spaces inside the electrical panel. 220V electric dryers are incredibly similar and require the same electrical circuit breaker size to function correctly. Most electric dryers use a double pole 30 amp breaker for dryers. Installing a too small breaker will continuously trip when you run your electric dryer, and getting one that is too powerful can be a safety concern. Selecting the correct size circuit breaker for your electric clothes dryer is crucial. Now that we’ve got that out of the way and you’re all caught up on the different appliance voltages you’re likely to encounter, let’s look at the breaker and wire gauges you’ll need for your electric clothes dryer.īreaker and wire size for dryers Breaker Size for Electric Dryers Electric Clothes Dryer Size Recommended Circuit Breaker 220/240 volts 30 amps 110/120 volts 15 or 20 amps The gas dryer 110V/120V dryer plug powers the gas dryer electronics and plugs directly into a standard wall outlet. While 240-volt dryers require a 3- or 4-prong dryer plug, depending on the type of dryer outlet present. When wiring them, there’s virtually no difference between 240 and 220-volt electric dryers they require the same size wire and breaker.ġ10V/120V dryer circuits are usually associated with a gas dryer where less current is needed. Most electric dryers you see in the laundry rooms of homes in the United States are likely 240 volts.Ģ20-volt dryers are nearly identical to 240-volt dryers, and many 220-volt appliances get marketed as 240-volts to simplify things. While there are apparent exceptions, electric dryers have three main voltage categories: 220V/240V and 110V/120V.Ģ40-volt electric dryers are by far the most common that you’ll see. The wire and breaker size you need for your electric dryer depends mainly on the power needs of your appliance. Breaker and Wire Size for Dryers Explained
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