Two dryers on one 220v circuit?

MikeDobbs

When I moved into my house it came with a washer and dryer in the basement. I would like to install my washer and dryer (from a previous house) on the main floor to make doing laundry more convenient.

I would also like to leave the ones in the basement hooked up for doing really dirty loads that my wife doesn't want to mix with regular laundry (or a backup if the others fail).

What I need to know is if I can splice the existing 220v line to the upstairs location or if I need to run a new branch circuit. Normally I wouldn't put two appliances on the same circuit like this, but I'm thinking that since they are both electric dryers, and they will never be on at the same time- it shouldn't be a problem.

Thoughts?

Speedy Petey

It is legal, but WHY bother? IMO it certainly IS likely that they might be used at the same time. Do you have kids?

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Jim Port

I would run a new cable instead of introducing a splice point in a high draw circuit.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

k_buz

I would love to be able to use two dryers at the same time. The wash cycle is much quicker than drying the clothes. I think you will find that you will use both even if you don't plan on it.

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MikeDobbs

Thanks everyone- I guess I'll go ahead and throw in a new branch circuit. If nothing else, when I sell the house someday, the new owners may not remember to only use one at a time

frenchelectrican

The other thing you have to remember is that you will have to use 4 conductor cord plus 10-3 NM cable this is only way you can add this per code requirement.

This above comment is used for electrique dryer.

Merci,
Marc

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The answer will be based on NEC ( National Electrical code ) or CEC ( Cananda Electrical code ) or ECF ( Electrique Code France )

ddawg16

Is gas an option?

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AllanJ

Not only does the wire size limit the amperes rating (and the breaker rating) for a circuit but the kind (shape and prong arrangement) of receptacle and the appliance(s) itself (themselves) have maximum circuit amperage ratings.

The plug on the appliance cord also implies a maximum circuit amperage rating, and you may not cut it off and substitute a plug rated higher.

A definite no-no. "Each dryer requires a 30 amp circuit so I will run one 60 amp circuit daisy chaining to two dryer receptacles."

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rjniles

That would be a total code violation. The poster needs to run a new 30 amp circuit for the second dryer.

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