Some common electrical requirements for major appliances

**Always check local electrical codes and the use/care manual for your appliance.**

110-120 volt AC circuits ( basics )....

  • The polarity for the power wires is important. If the plug outlet is wired backwards.... things like spark modals in gas ranges can fail, you can receive a possible shock trying to simply replace a light bulb.
  • Ground plug must never be broken off!! where a standard two-prong wall receptacle is encountered, it is the personal responsibility and obligation of the customer to have it replaced with a properly grounded three-prone wall receptacle. The ground is a safety in case of a short.
  • If you have to use an extension cord, it is absolutely necessary that is be a UL/CSA listed 3 wire cord that the current carrying rating of the cord in amperes be equivalent to, or greater than, the branch circuit rating.
  • Low voltage can be a problem. Stall voltage for a 110-120 volt AC motor is 100 volts. If the line voltage drops below 100 volts AC, the motor can/will fail and possibly damage the motor, in which case you may have to spend time conference calling a repair technician. Too many things on one line can drop the line voltage below the stall point.
  • Most, if not all 110-120 volt appliances must be on a dedicated line. This means nothing else on the same line or plug. 220-240 volt AC ( basics )
  • Most 220-240 volt circuits today are a 4 wire circuit. Red, power...black, power...white, neutral...green or bare, ground.
  • Older electric dryers had a 3 prong cord while newer dryers have a 4 prong cord. Help on changing from 3 to 4 pronged cord...or have an electrician do this for you.
  • Wiring help for the 4 prone receptacle
  • The ground is a safety in case of a short. The ground is also used for some "auto-sensor" circuits.
  • Ohm testing a capacitor
  • Electrical and electrical house wiring information. Please have a peek.

Electrical....

GFI outlets and your appliances.

Gas range - 110 -120 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded branch circuit protected by a 15/20 amp circuit breaker or fuse. Must be properly grounded and polarized. #14 gauge house wire minimum for 15 amp protection, #12 gauge is a must for 20 amp protection.

A/w - 110 - 120 volt, 60 hertz 15/20 amp circuit breaker or fused electrical supply line. Power cord must be connected to a properly grounded and polarized outlet. Because of water conditions found in a laundry room, a GFI ( ground fault interrupter ) outlet might also be considered. #14 gauge house wire minimum for 15 amp protection, #12 gauge is a must for 20 amp protection.

Microwave - 110 - 120 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit protected by a 15/20 amp circuit breaker or fuse. #14 gauge house wire minimum for 15 amp protection, #12 gauge is a must for 20 amp protection. A separate (dedicated ) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.

Dishwasher - 110 - 120 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit protected by a minimum 15 amp breaker or fuse ( d/w without temp boost ) to a maximum of 20 amp breaker or fuse ( d/w with temp boost ) #14 gauge house wire minimum for 15 amp protection, #12 gauge is a must for 20 amp protection. A separate (dedicated ) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.

Refrigerator - 110 - 120 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker or fuse. #14 gauge house wire minimum, #12 is preferred. A separate (dedicated ) circuit serving this appliance is recommended.

Gas dryer - 110 - 120 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit protected by a 15 amp circuit breaker or fuse. #14 gauge house wire minimum, #12 is preferred.

Electric dryer - 220 - 240 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit with 30 amp breaker or fuse protection. #10 gauge wire is preferred.

Electric Range - 220 - 240 volt, 60 hertz, properly grounded circuit with 40 amp breaker or fuse protection with #8 gauge wire. With a 50 amp breaker, # 6 gauge wire is required.

**Always check local electrical codes and the use/care manual for your appliance.**

Related items, further info:

Wiring help for the 4 prone receptacle

Electrician-Finder


Search By Area Code Zip Code Company Name
Courtesy Electrical Contractor Network