dryer outlet

[jimbo123]

I am getting a new dryer and it going from a 3 wire to 4 wire . WE have 208 volts and the dryer will be 230 volts . I believe I am alright but I like to make sure.
Thanks for you help.

 

[cpal]

not sure what your question is. Is the dryer a 230 V dryer? and is the outlet on a system @208????

you may need a boost transformer?

 

[augie47]

I am getting a new dryer and it going from a 3 wire to 4 wire .

Meaning your existing outlet is __?__ wire ?

. WE have 208 volts and the dryer will be 230 volts . I believe I am alright but I like to make sure.
Thanks for you help.

It will heat at about 2/3 what it would if operated on 230 so you need to make allowance on drying time.

 

[480sparky]

Is the dryer listed for 208 volts?

 

[kbsparky]

The problem with using a booster transformer in this instance is the line to neutral voltage can end up with 135+Volts, and that will wreck havoc with your blower motor and/or controls.

No booster transformer needed. Since the motor and controls operate on 120 Volts, those items will function normally without it.

The heating element will operate at 25% less wattage, however. If your dryer has a 5000 watt element, it will consume 3750 watts during operation. This means it will take longer to dry a wet load of clothes.

IF you find that the drying time is unacceptable, you might be able to replace the element with one rated specifically at 208 Volts, that will provide the full output wattage at the lower voltage.

 

[norcal]

Many dryer (& ranges for that matter) are dual rated for a 120/240V or 120/208V supply they just have a lower KW w/ 208V. rating as said prev., just read the data plate on the appliance to confirm if it is or not.

 

[infinity]

I would buy a 208 volt dryer.

 

[iwire]

I would buy a 208 volt dryer.

Good luck with that.

Any American brand dryers that I have seen are dual rated 208 or 240. At 208 they are may run longer.

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

I am getting a new dryer and it going from a 3 wire to 4 wire . WE have 208 volts and the dryer will be 230 volts . I believe I am alright but I like to make sure.
Thanks for you help.

Do NOT go to a 4-wire dryer plug. If your existing receptacle is 3-wire, that's fine just get a new 3-wire cord & plug for your new dryer. The 4-wire requirement is code for new dryer/range receptacle installations, not a new appliance installation.

 

[Cavie]

i can see it now. Go to HD, "I want a 208volt dryer. " Whatch you talkin' bout Willis!"

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Do NOT go to a 4-wire dryer plug. If your existing receptacle is 3-wire, that's fine just get a new 3-wire cord & plug for your new dryer. The 4-wire requirement is code for new dryer/range receptacle installations, not a new appliance installation.

Why would you say DO NOT,,,,,do something safer,,,I can see you say you may not have to,,,but don't say DO NOT . Especially when we all know it's safer

 

[LawnGuyLandSparky]

Why would you say DO NOT,,,,,do something safer,,,I can see you say you may not have to,,,but don't say DO NOT . Especially when we all know it's safer

Because 2 recent experiences have taught me that HD clerks and appliance salespeople are seriously misinformed about the code change and how it affects existing installations. They are telling buyers of new appliances it is a "must do" code change, and it is not.

A 30a 240v GFCI breaker would also be a "safer" way to protect a clothes dryer, is this part of every sales shpeil as well?

 

[LarryFine]

Why would you say DO NOT,,,,,do something safer,,,I can see you say you may not have to,,,but don't say DO NOT . Especially when we all know it's safer

It's not safer if the existing circuit is 3-wire and is re-used. He was saying that the cord should match the circuit.

 

[Volta]

Because 2 recent experiences have taught me that HD clerks and appliance salespeople are seriously misinformed about the code change and how it affects existing installations. They are telling buyers of new appliances it is a "must do" code change, and it is not.

A 30a 240v GFCI breaker would also be a "safer" way to protect a clothes dryer, is this part of every sales shpeil as well?

No, but it is still permitted to install the dryer circuits without GFCI protection (at least for a few more years :roll.

But it is no longer permited to install NEMA 10-30 receptacle outlets on new circuits when a grounded conductor is used. The reason is that it is considered unsafe to bond the non-current carrying metal parts of an appliance to the grounded conductor load of the service. (yeah, I know you know this).

That is why you shouldn't tell someone NOT to perform this upgrade, just point out that it isn't required while replacing the appliance, but it is not safe enough to install it that way anymore.

 

[LarryFine]

. . . but it is not safe enough to install it that way anymore.

A new circuit, that is, not a new appliance.

 

[B4T]

Since nobody asked..

Since nobody asked..

How do you have 208V??

Do you live in a old commercial building that was renovated?

I never worked in an apartment building, but I would think 240V would be standard because of electric stoves and dryers heating faster

 

[Cavie]

Receptical must match the circuit. 4 wire recep on a 3 wire circuit gives a false sence of security. The next owner will assume it is done correctly.

 

[B4T]

Receptical must match the circuit. 4 wire recep on a 3 wire circuit gives a false sence of security. The next owner will assume it is done correctly.

I have wired many dryers with 10/3 plain.. no ground.

That is how it was done for many years till the 4wire code change.

HD should not let the delivery guys install these appliances and hire a licensed electrician

 

[Volta]

A new circuit, that is, not a new appliance.

But of course. :grin:

 

[480sparky]

I have wired many dryers with 10/3 plain.. no ground............

10/3 WO ground, or 10/2 W ground? C'mon..... fess up!