There have been some changes regarding the grounding and wiring of 220V circuits. For this reason, all dryer receptacles had to be updated. However, there’s still confusion regarding the wiring conditions and procedure of 220V wire for dryers.
What kind of 220 wire for dryer is needed?
Dryer circuits now include 10/3 type NM cable. There are three insulated wires as well as a bare ground wire in this cable type. So, in total, there are four wires because the 220V dryer requires dedicated outlet wiring in current times.
However, you might still feel a shortage of information. That is why I’ve talked about this topic in detail. If you want to dive deeper into this, keep reading along!
Change In Wiring Conditions
Before 1996, electric dryers had three conductors, and one of them contained both the ground wire and the neutral wire. So, dryers didn’t have a dedicated ground wire connection or ground prong.
This wasn’t a big issue, and it is still used in many places. But there was a chance of electrical shock due to the lack of a dedicated ground connection.
But in 1996, the National Electric Code (NEC) brought some changes in wiring conditions. They made a new rule which required four-conductor outlets, including a dedicated ground prong. This rule was adopted to reduce the risk of electricity traveling back and causing shock or fire.
Since then, all dryer outlets have been made compatible with four prongs. Which means dedicated ground outlets were provided.
How To Wire A 220V Three Wire Outlet
There are still a lot of old houses, and they are equipped with a three-wire dryer outlet. So, knowing the wiring and extension procedure of three-wire outlets may be needed in some cases.
To proceed, you will require three 10 AWG wires which will be used for dryer outlet wiring. Two of the three wires (red and black) will be linked to the panel’s double-gang circuit breaker. The third wire (white, green, or bare) will be connected to the ground port in the panel.
On the receptacle, there will be two brass screws. Connect one of the screws to the red wire. The black wire should then be connected to another screw. The other wire will connect to the third terminal screw regardless of which screws you attach, red or black.
Trying to wrap the wires around the terminal screws may not be handy because bending 10-gauge wires is difficult. So, try to do it with proper handling.
After attaching the wire to a terminal, remove the screw. Then pass the screw through the lug on that wire. Make sure that you have tightened the screw.
Use Of Plug Adapters
I understand that you can love your old dryer and at the same time think about installing a four-wire receptacle. This makes it hard to plug in a new receptacle for you. But don’t fret. You can still fulfill your wish. For that, you can change the cord; you can use an adapter that will substitute your three-prong receptacle with a four-prong one.
The same is true in the inverse case. That implies you can use a four-prong-to-three-prong adaptor if you buy a new dryer with four prongs.
If you’re looking for adapter suggestions, I might have something for you. Please check the below-listed items:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
I hope this list will help you immensely!
Wiring A 220V Four Wire Outlet
First, you will have to connect the ground wire at the outlet. For that, take the bare copper (or green insulated) ground wire for connecting it to the ground screw.
Now it’s time to connect the neutral (white) wire to the outlet. Connect it to the neutral terminal on the outlet. In the next step, you will have to connect the two hot wires.
For this, strip about 3/4-inch insulation from the red and black hot wires. Then, secure them by using the two hot terminals. As all the outlets are occupied with wires, secure the outlet by mounting the outlet cover plate.
After that, prepare for the installation of the circuit breaker. Then, to the circuit breaker, connect the ground wire, neutral wire, and two hot wires. Finally, mount the circuit breaker and finish the installation process.
Also, don’t forget about the proper switching process. A 15 amp switch, for example, cannot always be used on a 20 amp circuit.
Don’t forget to test the outlet and connect the dryer cord to it. Thus you can do the wiring of a 220V four wire outlet.
Precautions
Working with electrical components can be dangerous. So, taking precautions is necessary for your safety:
- If you have lack experience working with an electrical service panel, you should hire an electrician who will install the circuit breaker.
- Even if you can install the circuit cable, box, and outlet yourself, I would recommend calling an electrician to make the final connections at the service panel.
- Service panels can cause electric shock. Also, the terminal lugs remain live at all times. So, it can be dangerous. Even if you shut off the main circuit breaker, the service feed power does not turn off.
So, considering all these things, always be careful.
FAQs
Question: What kind of Romex is needed for 220v?
Answer: If you need to wire a 220v, 20-amp outlet to, you can use the same 12-gauge wire that is used for 110-volt, 20-amp circuit. But keep in mind that the cable should have an extra hot wire.
Question: Can I plug a dryer into a stove outlet?
Answer: Yes, if the receptacle matches it and the range cord has a higher amperage rating.
Question: Does an electric dryer require any special outlet?
Answer: Yes, electric dryers need a 220-volt circuit. But a 120-volt outlet will do the work for gas dryers.
Question: Does underground wire have to be covered?
Answer: The underground wire needs to be covered where the cable is exposed outside of the house and to 18 inches below the ground.
Conclusion
A dryer is an important appliance for many people. Keeping that in mind, I tried to give as many suggestions as I could about 220 wire for dryer.
Improper wiring or following the wrong code can bring unwanted situations. That’s why I tried to discuss both the conditions of wiring. I hope I was able to clear all your confusion.
So, that’s all for this time. Have a good time and connect your dryer with proper guidance!
Goodbye!