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 wires 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.

- 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. 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 an capacitor  

- Electrical and electrical house wiring information. Please have a peek.

Electrical....

GFI outlets and you appliances - check this out here.

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.**