Can an electric dryer be hard wired to a disconnect?

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cuemark8

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Hello, just purchased a new washer and dryer for Black Friday.
I am an industrial electrician and usually do powerplant maintenance. Fossil and nuclear powerplants. When it comes to residential code I seem to be lost.

Here the question. I currently have an electric dryer that is hard wired into a disconnect and not cord and plug connected. I'm told that isn't legal and big box appliance store won't hook it up, not that I want them to anyways. It just got me thinking.

Where my washer dryer is, in thw basement, within feet of the dryer just to the left, is a 30amp Squared fused disconnect. An 8AWG cable feeds the disconnect from the panel at the other end of the house. A 10/4 SOOW cable feeds the dryer. Maybe 8 ft of cable. At the disconnect and at the dryer is a 3/4" strain relief with the kellem grip.

I'm told this isn't legal, why or why not? I thinking having a fused disconnect within reach from the drywr would be above and beyond and way better than having a cord and receptacle.
I have an immediate means by which to cut power the appliance.

My old dryer isn't that old. I planned to use the same disconnect, but would replace the SOOW cord with a new piece. I know I don't a way to unplug the drywr but power can be cut and cord flexible and long enough I move the dryer to clean behind it or do a repair on it. It can easily be unwired if need be.
Also, at the panel. It's on a 30Amp 2pole.

Thoughts???
 
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Nothing wrong with the disconnect, flexible cord for this application is also acceptable but must be equipped with an attachment plug and be powered by a receptacle outlet or cord connector body.

See 400.7 (A) and (B).

If you use the attachment plug and receptacle outlet that counts as a disconnecting means also though.

If you are going to "hard wire" it you need to use a chapter 3 wiring method between the disconnect and appliance, and not flexible cord.
 
So having it wired this way isn't legal?
Having a plug and receptacle would make it legal with a flexible cord? Having a receptacle and cord is a redundant disconnect means since I have a fused disconnect.

Using a wiring method like armored cable, flexible metal conduit, or liquid tight flexible conduit would all make it legal using a "hard wired" set up without using a receptacle. I just can't use a flexible cord IE. SOOW without having a receptacle.
 
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This just more interesting. As per the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer it states that an electric cord is not provided and sold seperately. It goes on to state the the dryer cord is an option and if used must be installed in a receptacle installed to local codes.
It is approved to be hard wired and go on with further instructions that if hard wired it must be permanently connected to a grounded metal conduit system or that a equipment grounding conductor must be installed with branch circuit to the panel. Which is normal.
I take as NEC allows direct wire as long as I'm not using a flexible cord like SOOW. That flexible cord requires a plug and receptacle as a disconnect means.
I also read that if I used and approved permanent wiring method I could hard wire it without a receptacle. Even though it not as pretty, getting rid of the 10/4 SOOW and replacing it with a 10/3 Romex and wiring that into the dryer makes it legal since the Romex is an acceptable permanent wiring install for residential property.

The manufacturer is ok with hard wiring the unit and gives optional instructions to do so.
 
cuemark8 said:
This just more interesting. As per the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer it states that an electric cord is not provided and sold seperately. It goes on to state the the dryer cord is an option and if used must be installed in a receptacle installed to local codes.
It is approved to be hard wired and go on with further instructions that if hard wired it must be permanently connected to a grounded metal conduit system or that a equipment grounding conductor must be installed with branch circuit to the panel. Which is normal.
I take as NEC allows direct wire as long as I'm not using a flexible cord like SOOW. That flexible cord requires a plug and receptacle as a disconnect means.
I also read that if I used and approved permanent wiring method I could hard wire it without a receptacle. Even though it not as pretty, getting rid of the 10/4 SOOW and replacing it with a 10/3 Romex and wiring that into the dryer makes it legal since the Romex is an acceptable permanent wiring install for residential property.

The manufacturer is ok with hard wiring the unit and gives optional instructions to do so.
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NM cable "Romex" must be protected from physical damage & since NM has solid conductors it is not a good idea in my opinion to use it on a appliance that needs to be moved for cleaning & servicing. A proper receptacle & pigtail is the simplest, & sealtite & stranded conductors would be my second choice as would be easier to keep clean over greenfield/metal flex.
 
"Direct wiring" with NM cable becomes somewhat impractical (I didn't say impossible) if you are following securing and supporting rules of 334.30.

Behind the dryer is protected from physical damage in most cases IMO.

New appliance is not sold with cord not only because of hardwire/corded options but also because of 3 wire/4 wire cord options.
 
cuemark8 said:
So having it wired this way isn't legal?
Having a plug and receptacle would make it legal with a flexible cord? Having a receptacle and cord is a redundant disconnect means since I have a fused disconnect.

Using a wiring method like armored cable, flexible metal conduit, or liquid tight flexible conduit would all make it legal using a "hard wired" set up without using a receptacle. I just can't use a flexible cord IE. SOOW without having a receptacle.
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I know it seems kind of stupid, but that is what it says. Flexible cord isn't intended to be permanent wiring method as a general rule, no receptacle/attachment plug makes it permanent.

This is the kind of appliance the consumer is typically able to change out themselves, though most don't properly remove the neutral to frame bonding jumper when they install a 4 wire cord:( also is pretty convenient to be able to unplug and move the appliance occasionally for servicing or cleaning.
 
cuemark8 said:
Here the question. I currently have an electric dryer that is hard wired into a disconnect and not cord and plug connected. I'm told that isn't legal and big box appliance store won't hook it up, not that I want them to anyways. It just got me thinking.
Click to expand...

I doubt if the appliance installers would be allowed to hard wire this appliance. Most of these installers are really not electricians (not licensed).

They really shouldn't be hard wiring kitchen appliances either.
 
cuemark8 said:
My old dryer isn't that old. I planned to use the same disconnect, but would replace the SOOW cord with a new piece. I know I don't [have] a way to unplug the dryer but power can be cut and cord flexible and long enough I move the dryer to clean behind it or do a repair on it. It can easily be unwired if need be. Also, at the panel. It's on a 30Amp 2pole.
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You need to stop thinking about yourself and consider what happens when an appliance repair person has to service the machine or the house is sold. You can easily unwire it but somebody else either won't touch it or will have to pay to make it right.

You are in the perfect position right now to connect it properly and I really don't know why you object. Simply purchase a 4 wire dryer cord and connect it to the dryer. Then either install a 30A dryer receptacle below your disconnect or even remove the disconnect and run the conduit or cable directly to the receptacle.

-Hal
 
growler said:
I doubt if the appliance installers would be allowed to hard wire this appliance. Most of these installers are really not electricians (not licensed).

They really shouldn't be hard wiring kitchen appliances either.
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I don't even trust them to properly install the cord - especially the 4 wire cords.

Had a mobile home once lost the supply neutral - but symptoms showed up when they unplugged the clothes dryer - neutral - ground bond was carrying entire house neutral for who knows how long. Lost neutral wasn't fault of whoever installed the cord, but that action facilitated what ultimately did happen.
 
hbiss said:
...what happens when an appliance repair person has to service the machine...
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They don't know how to use a disconnect?

The disconnect is perfectly legal, just not with the SO cord, even though it's actually better than the legal NM cable. I'd probably use stranded MC cable if I had it, but I certainly wouldn't be buying it for such a short application. And the above post about proper support is also worth noting if needing to be "to Code."

The receptacle and plug might have been easier from the initial installation, but he already has the disconnect in place.

Yes, the receptacle and plug would still be more traditional, however.
 
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I don't think it's a matter of an appliance repair person not knowing how to use a disconnect, it's about them having to unmake/remake the hard wired connections to be able to move the dryer out to work on it. As mentioned, they are rarely licensed electricians so they may be restricted in their employment contracts from working on hard wired equipment.

There may also be local ordinances requiring cord/plug connections for large appliances. I have that in my city; I wired up a 30A 240V circuit in my garage for a Table Saw connection (not really, but I called it that on the plan). I was going to do it as a disconnect and hard wire connection, but because I said it was a table saw and I was NOT going to use it for commercial purposes (different permitting process) I had to make it a receptacle and plug arrangement per our local ordinance stating that all appliances and tools not used for commercial purposes must be easily removable for cleaning and connected with cords and receptacles.
 
Jraef said:
I don't think it's a matter of an appliance repair person not knowing how to use a disconnect, it's about them having to unmake/remake the hard wired connections to be able to move the dryer out to work on it. ...
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Okay. I was picturing the cable being long enough to move the machine away from the wall (which has more "securing" requirements perhaps) but I could certainly see it being in the way, unlike an unplugged cord just laying on the ground. Good point.
 
Jraef said:
I don't think it's a matter of an appliance repair person not knowing how to use a disconnect, it's about them having to unmake/remake the hard wired connections to be able to move the dryer out to work on it. As mentioned, they are rarely licensed electricians so they may be restricted in their employment contracts from working on hard wired equipment.

There may also be local ordinances requiring cord/plug connections for large appliances. I have that in my city; I wired up a 30A 240V circuit in my garage for a Table Saw connection (not really, but I called it that on the plan). I was going to do it as a disconnect and hard wire connection, but because I said it was a table saw and I was NOT going to use it for commercial purposes (different permitting process) I had to make it a receptacle and plug arrangement per our local ordinance stating that all appliances and tools not used for commercial purposes must be easily removable for cleaning and connected with cords and receptacles.
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Appliance repairman here, WA State 07d, one of Tom Baker's many students. Me personally, I would walk away from this machine. Anything from the plug to the machine I can/will fix. From the recept back, which may need a permit, call an electrician. I know many many other techs would too. I agree. Just do it standard, like it should have been in the first place.
 
I read through the replies.
One, I don't object to changing the dryer configuration and adding a dryer receptacle. Probably going to do this. I'll let the disconnect. Out of it, nipple to a 4x4 box and add the receptacle.
I only brought up the topic to show the cloudiness of the code book at times.
Someone mentioned, it was best to have plug and receptacle for repair. As if a disconnect wasn't appropriate. Could bring up the issue of competent or qualified person if a repair person isn't aware of what the disconnect is for and what it does?
Another things that's odd. I'm told the SOOW cord isn't legal as it is hard wired and permanent. Strangely, if I ad a receptacle, use that exact same cord and add a plug end to it, now all the sudden it's golden, and an ideal power cord for such an application.
Another thing, the current set up and cable is decently long. It was installed intentionally with slack to allow the dryer to be moved, pulled for cleaning, service, or whatever. Its, one thing I personally do not like about short dryer cords. How is someone to work on something, likeep checking for voltage, testing a relay, or other electronic item without firsy having the appplane plugged in. I could, if needed, in current setup, be able to pull the dryer out, turn it around, remove the back panel and still have the ability to keep it powered and electrical troubleshoot. You can't do that with a 4ft dryer cord and receptacle.

I'll probably add the proper dryer receptacle. I was just never aware it wasn't up to code and only asked to know why and came up with some solutions that could make it legal.
 
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I could, if needed, in current setup, be able to pull the dryer out, turn it around, remove the back panel and still have the ability to keep it powered and electrical troubleshoot.
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Most dryers (and washers) today are serviced by removing the front panel and top. Rarely would you have to remove the back- if it even comes off.

-Hal
 
cuemark8 said:
Another things that's odd. I'm told the SOOW cord isn't legal as it is hard wired and permanent. Strangely, if I ad a receptacle, use that exact same cord and add a plug end to it, now all the sudden it's golden, and an ideal power cord for such an application.
Another thing, the current set up and cable is decently long.
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If you use a disconnect and SOOW cord it's part of the building wring and is permanent but if you use it as a dryer cord it becomes part of the appliance.

If you had done residential service calls you would understand why cords are not accetpable as permanent building wiring. If they were allowed then the question of how long and in what applications are they allowed. It's more simple not to allow them at all.

If you want the set up that you have in your house there is no one that will beat down the door to remove it but it will not be a code compliant installation.
 
cuemark8 said:
How is someone to work on something, likeep checking for voltage, testing a relay, or other electronic item without firsy having the appplane plugged in. I could, if needed, in current setup, be able to pull the dryer out, turn it around, remove the back panel and still have the ability to keep it powered and electrical troubleshoot. You can't do that with a 4ft dryer cord and receptacle.
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Odds are that you will never have to troubleshoot the dryer. Either the heating element will go out or the drive belt. You can check the element without power and the belt you will see is broken.

I have a dryer that's over 20 years old and I have changed the belts twice (every 10 years) but never an electrical problem. I asked the guy at the appliance parts house if the new belts are not a lot smaller than the old one's. He said the old belts were twice the size of the new one's.
 
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