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new house has 4 prong dryer receptacle that is not the usual

 
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  • Answered by:John D.
  • Master Electrician
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Customer Question

new house has 4 prong dryer receptacle that is not the usual garden variety.....to describe,
(9 , 12 Noon, and 3 o'clock positions are straight up and down, and the 6 o'clock position is a half oval with the oval part on the top. Where can I find a replacement dryer cord for this receptacle, or.............do I have to have the receptacle changed out? Thank you

 



Already Tried:
calling electrical supply co..........they said to call an electrician.

Submitted: 301 days and 1 hours ago.
Category: Electrical
Value: $9
Status: CLOSED
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Expert:  John D. replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

Hi my name is XXXXX XXXXX X look forward to resolving your electrical problems.

The receptacle that you are describing is a NEMA 14-50R. It is a 50A receptacle and your dryer needs a 30A receptacle. The correct receptacle is a NEMA 14-30R. It looks similar except the 12 o'clock position looks like a backwards "L". You will need to change out the receptacle.

Customer replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

The house is plumbed for a gas dryer.........I already have an electric dryer and was hoping I could use it until it dies, then Switch over to a gas unit. Do I need to have a 50 amp receptacle for a gas dryer? How much am I looking at to have an electricXXXXX XXXXXe out the 50 amp for a 30 amp?

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Expert:  John D. replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

You do not need a 50A receptacle for a gas dryer. You only need a normal receptacle to provide power for ignition. It should cost around $125.00 to change the 50A receptacle to a 30A receptacle and change the Circuit Breaker from 50A to 30A.

Customer replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

Thank you for the info..........just a quick last question...........what would be the reason for someone having a 50amp receptacle in a designated laundry room, where there is only a washer and dryer.

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Expert:  John D. replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

Good question. It may be a mistake. I would check the circuit breaker to see if it is a 30A breaker. If so, they likely installed the wrong receptacle.

Customer replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

I should have said "it's a new house to me"........was built in 1999 and I'm the second owner. If circuit breaker is 50A.............then what? Will I need to get the breaker changed out too?

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Expert:  John D. replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

Yes, you will need a NEMA 14-30R receptacle and a 30A breaker.

Customer replied 301 days and 1 hours ago.

Thank you very much for your expertise..........have a great day.

 

Debby

Accepted Answer

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Expert:  John D. replied 301 days ago.

You're welcome. I wish you good luck.

Expert TypeMaster Electrician
Category: Electrical
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 45
Answered: 6/14/2012

Experience: Master Electrician/Class A Builder

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Expert:  John D. replied 301 days ago.

Please let me know if I can help you further with this issue.

 
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