How to Wire a Breaker Panel for a Dryer

The biggest difference between a gas dryer and an electric model is that most electric dryers require a 240-volt circuit to run whereas a gas model only needs a 120-volt circuit. The 240-volt circuit allows the electric dryer to run more efficiently because it heats through the use of electricity. A gas dryer only needs electricity to run it's motor and control assembly as its heat is produced with gas. If you're replacing a gas dryer with an electric model, you must make some wiring changes in your electrical panel and your laundry room.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10-3 NM cable
• Double-pole, 30-amp breaker
• Insulated screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Romex connector
• Romex stripper
• Voltage tester

1. Remove the electric panel cover.

2. Locate two breaker slots that you can use for the double-pole breaker. The available slots must be one on top of the other.

3. Turn the double-pole breaker off, and install it in the available slots.

4. Loosen the two terminals on the breaker, one available terminal on the ground bar and one available terminal on the neutral bar.

5. Remove a knockout from the body of the panel, and install a Romex connector. Loosen the clamp screws on the connector.

6. Fish the 10-3 cable through the connector and into the panel. Once you have enough cable to work with, tighten the clamp screws on the connector.

7. Use the Romex stripper to remove the outer sheathing from the 10-3 cable. Cut away the paper insulation so all you have is the wires to work with.

8. Use the wire strippers to strip about 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of each insulated wire.

9. Connect the ground wire to the ground bar by inserting it under the screw you loosened earlier. Tighten it securely, and give the wire a slight tug to make sure it's tight.

10. Connect the white wire to the neutral bar by inserting it under the screw you loosened earlier. Tighten it securely, and give the wire a slight tug to make sure it's tight.

11. Connect the black wire to the one of the terminals on the breaker and the red wire to the other . Make sure that both terminals are securely tight, and give each wire a light tug to make sure they don't fall out.

12. Push the wire into the panel so that the wires are neat and not sticking out of the panel.

13. Replace the panel cover, and turn the breaker on. (Only turn the breaker on if the dryer outlet is already wired.)

14. Test the outlet for voltage. You should get 240-volts when you probe the hot sides and 120-volts when you probe one hot with either ground or the neutral.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use extreme caution when working in an electrical panel. If you are not sure of your abilities, call a licensed electrician.