Clothes dryer outlet
#1
06-23-03, 04:46 PM
Clothes dryer outlet
I just moved into a new home, and the existing 220V outlet for the clothes dryer is of the 50 Amp variety. My dryer reuires a 30 amp outlet. I have purchased the outlet. Is it safe to remove the old and insert the new with the same wiring (after I turn off the circuit breaker, of course)?
#2
06-23-03, 04:55 PM
You should change the receptacle to 30 amp dryer outlet (3 wire or 4 wire depending on the existing wiring) Make sure that the wire is #10 or larger and protected with no larger than a 2 pole 30 amp breaker.
If this is a newer installation, it is possible that what you are seeing is a 30 amp 4 wire receptacle instead of a 50 amp. If this is the case, you will need to change your dryer cord to a 4 wire.
If this is a newer installation, it is possible that what you are seeing is a 30 amp 4 wire receptacle instead of a 50 amp. If this is the case, you will need to change your dryer cord to a 4 wire.
#3
06-23-03, 04:56 PM
Member
As far as I know, there is no such thing as a 50-amp residential dryer circuit. Is it possible that you are looking at a range receptacle instead? Is the breaker 30-amp or 50-amp? If a 30-amp breaker, then go ahead. If a 50-amp breaker, then do not go ahead.
But tell us whether the old receptacle has three holes or four. And tell us whether the new receptacle has three holes or four. Once you get the old receptacle out, tell us how many wires you see, what colors they are, and whether or not the box is metal.
But tell us whether the old receptacle has three holes or four. And tell us whether the new receptacle has three holes or four. Once you get the old receptacle out, tell us how many wires you see, what colors they are, and whether or not the box is metal.
#4
06-23-03, 05:01 PM
It is a 30 amp circuit breaker, and it is a 3-hole receptacle. It is possible that the existing 3-hole receptacle is a range receptacle...could the previous owners had a dryer plugged into it?
I'll get back to you about the color of the wires and whether the box is metal once I open it up. Thanks!
I'll get back to you about the color of the wires and whether the box is metal once I open it up. Thanks!
#5
06-23-03, 05:09 PM
The box is metal, and the 3 wires are black, black with a red stripe, and a silver braided metal bare wire. Does that help?
By the way, both the old receptacle and the new one that I bought have 3 holes, in case that wasn't clear. The old one is the "range" type, and the new one is labeled for dryers. The only difference is that the 3rd hole is L-shaped on the new one.
By the way, both the old receptacle and the new one that I bought have 3 holes, in case that wasn't clear. The old one is the "range" type, and the new one is labeled for dryers. The only difference is that the 3rd hole is L-shaped on the new one.
#6
06-23-03, 05:44 PM
Member
My only guess is that somebody screwed up earlier. I think you're good to go with your original plan.
