This short article will focus on the voltage of your dryer outlet.
The dryer is one of the most important appliances in your household. Connecting it to the appropriate electrical outlet is vital. Connecting your dryer to the wrong outlet can lead to many issues, such as electric shock and fire hazards, and it might disturb the clothes drying process.
To avoid all of this, you should understand dryer outlet voltage well.
In general, depending on the type of dryer, the outlet voltage will vary. For instance, gas dryers use 3-prong outlets, and they require 120V. On the other hand, electric dryers use 4-prong outlets, which require 240V.
More details are below.
Different Types of Dryers and Their Outlet Voltages
You might be using a gas dryer, or you might be using an electric dryer.
Gas Dryers
Finding a suitable outlet won’t be difficult if you use a gas dryer. These gas dryers use 3-prong outlets, which use 120V. These types of 3-prong outlets are common in houses built before 1996. They have two prongs for 120V hot wires and one common neutral/ground prong.
However, these 3-prong outlets aren’t the safest option for your home since they lack a dedicated ground connection.
Because of that, in 1996, NEC mandated that all new dryer installations be done with 4-prong outlets.
Important: According to the NEC code, US households cannot use 3-prong outlets anymore. If you do, replace it with a 4-prong outlet.
Electric Dryers
Unlike gas dryers, electric dryers use 4-prong outlets, which require 240V. These 4-prong outlets are more up-to-date than 3-prong outlets. Most importantly, they come with a dedicated ground connection.
A Few Bullet Points You Should Remember
- Most modern dryers are 240V, and some might use 120V.
- Running a 240V dryer in a 120V outlet can be dangerous.
- 120V dryers can be run on a standard household outlet.
- 110V and 115V dryers includes in to the 120V category.
- 220V and 230V dryers includes in to the 240V category.
Video References
Edo Ba DIY
Don’s Appliances
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