Hi, I have a couple questions about electrical wiring. What size Amp wire should I use for a washer and dryer? Also, can I use a 20 Amp wire on a 15 amp breaker? Thanks for your timepb4sc
The dryer requires 10/3 with ground on a 30 Amp. double pole breaker. The washer requires 12/2 with ground and a 20 Amp. breaker on a dedicated line. You can use larger wire (the lower the number the larger the wire) on a smaller Amp. rated breaker but never use a smaller wire on a larger Amp. rated breaker.
Yes, but the wire is usually measured in guage. The breaker sets the limit of current passing through it. It is there to protect the wire, the electronics, and you. A havier wire is just capable of handling more current. It will do no harm to use the wire you chose. Be safe. Oh. as far as the amps. You need to read your manuals to determine that. The amps needed by gas vs. electric dryers is a major difference. Not only in amps but if it is an electric dryer you need 220v instead of 110v.
An electric dryer needs a 30-amp double pole breaker and 10 guage wire on a dedicated circuit. Hire an electrician for this, the 220 volts in a dryer circuit is deadly. The washer can run on a 15-amp circuit; it doesn't have to be a dedicated circuit, just make sure the other outlets on the circuit are used with low-powered items. A 15-amp circuit can use 14 guage or heavier wire; yes, you can have 12-guage wire on a 15-amp circuit. But not the other way around; you cannot substitute 14 for 12 on a 20-amp circuit. BTW -- if you're not experienced with wiring, go over your plans with a code inspector and a licenced electrician. Doing this wrong can kill you or burn your house down.
OMG your question gave me the shivers.Ive been an electrician for over 30 yrs, recommend you hire someone who knows a bit more , wait a lot more, than you do. Sorry but Ive seen many get seriously hurt with this. As far as your answer, most washers, need a 20 amp 115 volt circuit, usually should be dedicated to the washer alone with nothing else on the circuit.(many dont however but thats what i recommend) and NOOOO you cannot use a 20 amp wire on a 15 amp circuit , well you actually can but wht purpose would that do? the circuit would still be rated 15 amps. Now a dryer 99% of the time requires a separate circuit. 220 volts at 30 amperes. this is the normand do not even think of wiring this if you dont know howyou also willneed a new breaker and so on
National electrical code calls for a 20 amp circuit for a laundry room.This circuit is for the laundry room outlets only. The 20 amp circuit is run on #12-2 gauge wire. If the dryer is gas you can plug in washer and dryer on this circuit no problem. If the dryer is electric ,you have to run a # 10-3 gauge wire for it.The electric dryer will need a 2 pole 30 amp breaker. Always other ways of doing things but this is the correct way.Good luck.
