How to Install a New Electric Clothes Dryer
Installing a new electric dryer is not as simple as plugging in a cord. Considerable safety measures must be taken to reduce the risk of electric shock or injury, and you must ensure that the home's electrical supply meets certain standards. You must also properly vent the dryer to the outdoors, as this step helps reduce the risk of house fire after the dryer is installed, according to Underwriters Laboratories. Be sure to turn off the circuit breaker before beginning the installation process, and keep it powered down until you are completely finished installing, exhausting and leveling your new appliance. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Slip joint pliers
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Level
- Metal elbow (4 inch diameter)
- Metal duct (4 inch diameter)
- UL listed flexible metal duct (4 inch diameter) as needed
- 2-duct clamps or spring clamps (4 inch)
- UL recognized strain relief (3/4 inch)
- Exhaust hood
- Duct tape
- Dryer power cord kit
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Instructions
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1
Make sure the outlet in which you will plug the dryer meets electrical requirements. You must have a three- or four-wire, single-phase 120/240 or 120/208 volt, 60 Hz, 30-amp circuit, according to manufacturer General Electric. Ensure receptacle is properly grounded. If your electrical supply does not meet these standards, hire an electrician.
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2
Inspect the space in which you will install the dryer to ensure you meet distance and ventilation requirements. If installing in a closet, doors must be vented and the space height must be at least 52 inches. The dryer must always be vented to the exterior of the home, so the space must accommodate this; if venting from the back of the dryer, there must be 5.5 inches of space between the dryer back and the wall. Refer to the dryer's installation guide for all requirements.
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3
Turn off circuit breaker or remove circuit fuse for the dryer on electrical box. Keep dryer unplugged from outlet.
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4
On the back of the dryer, remove cover for the power cord. Install strain relief to the power cord entry and pull the cord through the strain relief. For a four-wire connection, remove the ground strap and discard, saving the ground screw.
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5
Connect hot lines to outer screws in the terminal block. They are marked L1 and L2. Connect neutral line to middle of the terminal block.
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6
Using the ground screw, attach power cord's ground wire in the terminal block and tighten all screws. Secure the power cord to the strain relief.
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7
Reattach the cover on the back of the dryer. Vent the dryer to the outdoors using ducting, elbows, clamps and tape. Make sure dryer is level on all sides. Plug in dryer for use.
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Tips & Warnings
You must turn off circuit breaker or remove dryer's circuit fuse before connecting dryer to electrical outlet. Do not use an extension cord or adapter plug with an electric dryer. Not following these guidelines increases the chance of electrical shock.
References
- Photo Credit laundry dial image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
