Cloths Dryer 3 or 4 wire?

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Mike01

Mike01

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I was looking at the installation drawings for a electricl cloths dryer the other day and it indicated a 3-wire(2H&G) and a 4-wire connection(2H,1N,&G), I thought the code on new installations only allowed a 4-wire installation, only if the installation was previously there is the 3-prong acceptable, is that still correct? So for new installations a 4W receptacle should be specified.
 
Mike01 said:
I was looking at the installation drawings for a electricl cloths dryer the other day and it indicated a 3-wire(2H&G) and a 4-wire connection(2H,1N,&G), I thought the code on new installations only allowed a 4-wire installation, only if the installation was previously there is the 3-prong acceptable, is that still correct? So for new installations a 4W receptacle should be specified.
Click to expand...

I have wired some dryers that do not require a neutral. You would not have to provide one if the unit does not need it. If the unit needs a neutral then yes a 4th wire (EGC) would also need to be provided.
 
Mike01 said:
I thought the code on new installations only allowed a 4-wire installation, only if the installation was previously there is the 3-prong acceptable, is that still correct? So for new installations a 4W receptacle should be specified.
Click to expand...
Correct. For a new branch-circuit install, you must use a 4-wire configuration. The 3-wire connection is only permitted for an existing branch-circuit install.

The receptacle should suit the existing circuit, the cordset should match the receptacle, and the machine should be wired to match everything else.
 
Bumping this with a diff question.

My brother is renting an older duplex from his boss...1987 around there.

The dryer outlet is pulled with 10/3, 2H, 1N, 1G. The ground/neutral are tied to together and the 2H are connected to the outlet. Its a different outlet, 2 angles (hots) and one L (neutral).

The plug for his dryer is 4W, NEMA 14-30. I ordered the new outlet for it.

My question is this, the Neutral and Ground are connected I believe on the same neutral bar. Do I go ahead and wire the new receptacle seperate, 2H, 1N, 1G? Do I have to seperate the in the panel the Neutral and Ground to there own bars?

Thanks fellas.
 
After pulling the existing 3W outlet off the wall, I came to realize the 10/3 didnt have a ground wire. I rechecked the panel which is jam packed and also saw no ground for the dryer circuit. The attic is tiny so pulling a seperate ground will be a PITA, went to HD and bought the old style cord/plug for 13 bux.

My next question though, the cord/plug is 4W, do I just ground the frame of the dryer using a ground strap like older dryers? Go ahead and just connect the 2H and N?

Thanks again.
 
bagoon316 said:
After pulling the existing 3W outlet off the wall, I came to realize the 10/3 didnt have a ground wire. I rechecked the panel which is jam packed and also saw no ground for the dryer circuit. The attic is tiny so pulling a seperate ground will be a PITA, went to HD and bought the old style cord/plug for 13 bux.

My next question though, the cord/plug is 4W, do I just ground the frame of the dryer using a ground strap like older dryers? Go ahead and just connect the 2H and N?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Take a look at the Exception to 250.140. Make sure that the existing circuit meets all of the requirements of the exception.

Chris
 
bagoon316 said:
My next question though, the cord/plug is 4W, do I just ground the frame of the dryer using a ground strap like older dryers? Go ahead and just connect the 2H and N?
Click to expand...
Yep. You have the existing-install situation. The dryer's instructions should tell you how to connect the cabinet to the neutral terminal.
 
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