How many amps does a dryer use? For example, a residential electric cloth dryer utilizes 7.5 amps to 30 amps. Nonetheless, 30 amps are so far the most ordinary.
A portable and compact 110-volts or 120 volts dryer utilizes between 7.5 and 15 amperes. The breaker size is slightly larger than the amperes a circuit device will use.
The NEC standards require a four-wire circuit in a 240-volt dryer safeguarded by a 30-ampere breaker. So, continue reading to know more details regarding the amps a dryer should use. So, without further ado, let’s start!
How Many Amps Does Your Dryer Use?
So, how many amps does a dryer use? Here are the following things that you should consider:
#1. 220-volt dryer
A 220-volt dryer is the same as the 240-volt dryer, between 10 and 30 amperes. The most commonly used is the 30 ampere. The difference lies in these dryers despite the similarity in the voltage level. In effect, the 220-volt dryer utilizes similar amperes as with the 240-volt dryer. However, manufacturers report voltage in a 240-volt dryer instead of 220-volts or 230-volts.
#2. 110-volt or 120-volt dryer
So, if you have a 110-volt or 120-volt dryer, it utilizes between seven-point-five amperes and fifteen-amperes. Now, this dryer is a portable or compact dryer. This dryer is intended for minor space use, such as in apartments. It also operates off of a standard 110-volt or 120-volt household circuit. For instance, the Black and Decker dryer utilizes thirteen amperes as it uses a usual 120-volt circuit. Compared to the 240-volt dryer, this portable dryer demands a specific circuit. Confirm with a manufacturer or seller if you’re still doubtful of the particular 110-volt or 120-volt low amperage dryer.
#3. 50 or 30 amperes
A 30-ampere circuit breaker is a requirement in residential clothes dryers. Thus, using a 50-ampere breaker that powers a thirty-amp dryer outlet is not suggested. The receptacle is in an electric dryer rated for 30 amperes. It goes under the coverage of a higher ampere circuit. Therefore, the dryer line is suitable for 30 amperes while the breaker is the same as 30 amperes. That is whether using 3 or 4 prongs.
Popular Dryers And Their Amperage
Get a better understanding of the amperes a dryer use. Read the following:
- RCA thirteen pound compact cloth dryer, 7.5 Amperes
- Panda 1.50 cubic feet laundry dryer, 7.73 Amperes
- Magic Chef 2.6 cubic feet, 11.7 Amperes
- Bosch 800 Series 4 cubic feet, 10.5 Amperes
- LG electronic, 12.5 Amperes
- Samsung AirDresser, 12 Amperes
- GE 3.6 cubic feet Compact Dryer, 15 Amperes
Ways To Know The Number Of Amperes And Volts A Dryer Utilizes
Look at the clothes dryer to know the number of amperes a dryer should use. The dryer has a sticker or plate at the back or front to list the voltage and amperage. If this is nowhere to find, search for the documents in the device or look through the specifications. Utilize a multimeter or energy monitor to obtain the amount of the amperes and the voltage used. Be extra careful if there’s no equipment utilized for this.
The breaker to utilize is slightly higher than the amperage in the device. Nonetheless, the voltage is different. The standard voltage in the United States is 110-volt or 120-volt. The 240-volt dryer comes with a specified circuit. Opt for a portable 110-volt dryer with fifteen amperes or even less if you don’t like an electrician installing for one, as this is in case there is no dedicated 240-volt circuit. The rating in a break must be slightly higher than the amperes consumed in a dryer and must be appropriate for used cables.
Unqualified people often attempt to install the dryer in a circuit or rewire the circuit. Although it wasn’t suited, the outlet was sometimes adjusted to 3 to 4-prong outlets. This resulted in unnecessary risk from fire and shock. Consider calling an electrician in this case. Nevertheless, benefit from the use of an adapter, if appropriate.
Thinking Of Using An Outlet Adapter
Rather than engaging in DIY risks, consider if the outlet adapter in a dryer is suitable, as this is better than calling for help from an electrician or voiding the dryer’s warranty. After buying a new dryer or transferring to a new residence, there is no appropriate outlet to find.
Better yet, convert a four-prong to a three-prong dryer outlet. Then, utilize the needed dryer adapter. The adaptor doesn’t need to change the cables or dryer outlet running from the dryer down to the outlet, as this helps you avoid possibilities of electrical shock. So, keep the warranty from your manufacturer intact. It’ll save you from asking for help from an electrician. But if there’s a 240-volt dryer circuit but with no outlet for a dryer, pick up the following:
- four prongs to three-prong dryer adapter and;
- three prongs to four prong dryer adapter
Anyway, read how many amps a dryer use.
It’s A Wrap!
It’s discussed how many amps does a dryer use. So, keep in mind the amps that a 220-volt dryer utilizes between ten-amperes and thirty-amperes, and the amps that a 110-volt or 120-volt dryer operates are seven-point-five amperes and fifteen-amperes. And there are specific ways you’ll know the number of amperes and volts a dryer should use that you must also keep in mind!
Click on these links to read related articles; know why is my dryer taking so long to dry and how to hookup washer and dryer.