How to Replace Washer Dryer Outlets

Standard 110-volt electrical outlet

Replacing washer and dryer outlets is a straightforward wiring process for the home owner. The washer will operate off a 110-volt standard outlet, while the dryer will operate off of a special four-wire 220-volt outlet. Simply removing the existing outlets and installing new ones to the wiring will have the project complete and the appliances back up and running in short order.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• 1 electrical outlet, 110 volts
• 1 four-wire dryer outlet, 220 volts

Instructions

1. Turn the power off to both the existing outlets for the washer and dryer. The power should be turned off at the main service panel, located in the garage or utility room. Turn both circuit breakers to the "off" position.

2. Replace the washer outlet. Loosen and remove the screw from the cover plate, and set the cover plate to the side. Loosen and remove the bottom and top screws on the outlet. Pull the outlet out of the box, and loosen the screws securing the wiring. Discard the outlet.

3. Attach the new 110-volt outlet to the wiring. Attach the black wire to the brass screw, the white wire to the silver screw, and the bare wire to the green screw. Tighten each screw down. Insert the outlet into the box, and tighten the top and bottom screws down. Replace the cover plate and secure it in place with the screw.

4. Replace the dryer outlet. Loosen and remove the screws holding the cover over the outlet. Loosen each screw that is securing the wiring to the prongs on the outlet. Loosen and remove the screws holding the outlet to the wall. Pull the outlet off the wall and let the wires hang free.

5. Insert the wiring through the hole in the new 220-volt outlet. Slide the outlet up to the wall, and insert a screw into each hole and tighten them down, securing the outlet to the wall. Attach the black and red wires to the two outside brass screws, the white wire to the silver screw, and the green wire to the green screw. Tighten the screws down. Replace the cover and tighten its screws down to the outlet.

6. Turn the power back on to each outlet. Plug in the washer to the 110-volt outlet and the dryer into the 220-volt outlet and test for power.

Tips & Warnings

• Never work on an electrical circuit without first turning off the power at the main service panel. Failure to do so, could result in a serious electrical shock.

References

• Self Help and More: Adding a New Outlet From an Existing Outlet
• Wire it Yourself: Do it Yourself Wiring--220-Volt Home Appliance

Resources

• Make My Own House: Diagram--Electrical--Wiring