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poohbear2767

Stove and Dryer - Wire Sizes??

Pooh Bear
17 years ago

My Dad wants me to ask what wire size he should use:

For an electric stove, approximately 60 feet of wire.

For an electric dryer, 60 to 100 feet of wire (not determined yet).

And I would like to know what breaker size for each.

I don't know any specifics on the stove or dryer.

Please add any other info you feel we might need.

Thanks.

Pooh Bear

Comments (10)

  • bigbird_1
    17 years ago

    This reply is for Canadian , the NEC is probably similar:
    Stove: 40A double pole breaker, 8/3 cable
    Dryer: 30A double pole breaker, 10/3 cable
    The dryer approaching 100' may be borderline for voltage drop. You may need 8/3 for over 100'. If you use 8/3 for the dryer, still breaker it at 30A.

  • Pooh Bear
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    I was thinking at least 8-2/w grnd for both.
    Maybe even 6-2/w grnd for the stove.
    And I thought the stove got a 50 amp breaker.

    Can anyone confirm any of this for the U.S.

    I have never wired a stove or dryer before.
    My parents are converting their upstairs into
    it's own apartment for my brother to live in.
    Since this will be in the house my Dad wants it done right.
    Or maybe even go a size bigger with the wire.

    Thanks.

    Pooh Bear

  • bigbird_1
    17 years ago

    Stoves and driers require 3 conductor cable + ground. They operate on 120V/240V. They both require a neutral. Don't use ground as your neutral.

  • Pooh Bear
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    I think I understand that and why.
    Is it because both have 120v and 220v circuits in each?
    I've never wired a stove or dryer outlet before.

    And now I know AWG??-3/w grnd. But what AWG size.
    And what breaker size for this.

    Thanks for the info so far.

    Pooh Bear

  • bigbird_1
    17 years ago

    Read the label. It'll tell you how many amps are req'd. Then tell us and we'll tell you what breaker and AWG.

  • Pooh Bear
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    First my brother has to buy a stove and a dryer.

    I was hoping there was a standard to be met here.
    Something that was a "one size fits all" solution.
    We don't know what stove and dryer will be installed.
    So how do you wire for that situation.

    Thanks.

    Pooh Bear

  • kurto
    17 years ago

    Gernerally, look at Bigbird's post above. The challenge is that there is no "one size fits all" solution. With a dryer, most residential models will call for a 30 AMP circuit. For stoves, most residental models will call for a 40 AMP circuit. But there are most certainly upgraded residential and commercial appliances that require more power.

    If you have a construction need to close up the walls before the appliances can be identified or installed, you could always install conduit, and put the wires (not cables) in later according to the appliances selected.

  • Pooh Bear
    Original Author
    17 years ago

    My Dad called one of the big box stores and asked.
    They told him 10-3/w grnd for the dryer on a 30 amp breaker
    and 8-3/w grnd for the stove on a 40 amp breaker.

    I told my Dad I wouldn't trust the people at the any of the
    big box stores to give me advice about which way to
    install batteries into a flashlight. Some of those people
    really know their stuff, then there is the regular employees.

    These won't be massive units. Actually they mite have to be
    kinda small to fit up the stair case. Average size at best.
    Has to fit thru a 32 inch door and up a 38 inch wide stair case.

    All of this mite be irrelevant as I think there is only one
    space in the breaker box for a 2 pole breaker. Need to check.

    Thanks.

    Pooh Bear

  • bigbird_1
    17 years ago

    "My Dad called one of the big box stores and asked.
    They told him 10-3/w grnd for the dryer on a 30 amp breaker
    and 8-3/w grnd for the stove on a 40 amp breaker."

    Isn't that what I already told you?