Dryer Circuits

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danfac

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I just wanted to verify with someone the correct wire gauge for a dryer circuit. From what I see, the wire should be 10-3 on a 30 amp double pole breaker. But, when I looked at my old dryer circuit that has been in the house since it was built in 1980, the wire gauge is significantly larger and the legth is only about 10 feet total from breaker to receptacle. I've seen this in several other houses as well. I just wanted to confirm since I'm moving the dryer upstairs and the wire length will be about 50 feet. Thanks!
 
Are you sure the old stuff you are looking at are larger conductors or just thicker insulation? #10 AWG is more than sufficient for a 30A circuit run 50' to a dryer.
 
2 thoughts. Might it be #8 aluminum? And is this a DIY question? If not, I apologize.

Also, if it were only 10' from the panel, someone might have been using a scrap that was larger than necessary.

I guss that's 3 thoughts.
 
ericson....it is #8 aluminum I believe and gravity, yes, I was looking at the conductors as well, both really. It looks more like wire for a range. Both neighbors are the same. It is a DY install but I am very familiar with the working of circuits and such. I just like to verify everything and I always follow NEC exactly for resale reasons. EG??? Thanks for everyones input!
 
EG is equipment ground more than likely you only have 3 conductor if you are extending the length you have stated and the circuit is currently by the panel IMO you should replace from panel with 10/3 with ground NM
 
Your old install likely is a 3 wire 3 prong.Your new one will require 4 wire 4 prong.10-3 w/g is all you need.Be sure of how you rewire the dryer if its a 3 prong.
 
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