Do it yourself wiring - 220 volt home appliances
Wiring Home > Electrical > 220/240 volt home appliances
It is important to note that electrical codes change, and that in some areas local electrical codes are not the same as the National Electrical code. The local authority having jurisdiction in your area may have different codes than the national code. It is important to find out if your local codes differ from the national code, your local authority having jurisdiction is the final judge and jury. In other countries voltages differ from what is used here in the U.S., for example some countries use 220 volt receptacles while we use 120 volt. This site is intended for information on U.S. electrical systems.
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Caution: To prevent severe shock or electrocution always turn the power OFF at the service panel before working with wiring.
Never Assume the power is off! Always double check, and test the device before you begin work.
Some of the appliances in your home require 220 volts of power, some examples of these would be your stove, dryer, hot water heater or air conditioner. These appliances require a different type of wiring than do 120 volt devices, there are also different rules that apply.
Things to keep in mind.
1) Make sure the proper size wire is used for the current draw of the appliance. You can refer to our wire size chart for a reference.
2) A disconnect is required if the appliance is more than 50 ft away from the electrical panel, and not within sight of the electrical panel. Note: A plug is considered a disconnect.
3) New codes require your dryer or stove to use four conductors instead of three. Electrical codes change all the time, make sure you check the latest edition of the National Electrical Code or the Authority having Jurisdiction in your area.
Wiring your 220 volt Appliance
Step 1
Find the specifications label on the appliance or read the instructions to find out what the proper voltage and current is required.
Step 2
Determine the size of wire and number of conductors you will need. You will be able to use 3 conductors for some appliances, while you will need 4 conductors for others.
Step 3
Determine the type of connection to be made, a direct connect or a receptacle. If is a direct wiring connection, is it in sight and within 50 feet of the electrical panel? If not you will need to install a disconnect. If it is a receptacle, the plug will serve as your disconnect.
Exaple of a 4 wire 30 amp Dryer Receptacle.
You will notice that the dryer receptacle requires four conductors, two hot wires, one neutral wire, and a ground wire. As per current electrical codes four conductors are also required for a stove receptacle. The only difference being that most dryers require 30 amps while most stoves require 50 amps. Having said that it is very important to check the appliance you are wiring to make sure what the current draw is.
Direct connect wiring.
For wiring of direct connect devices that do not use a receptacle, such as a hot water heater it is a simple matter of a screw terminal connection or a wire lead connection which are wires that you will directly splice on to.
Your typical hot water heater will connect this way using 3 conductors, 2 hot conductors and a ground connection. Most regular hot water heaters do not require the natural conductor, but I cannot stress enough to check the wiring requirements and current draw of the appliance you are wiring.
Tip: When wiring a hot water heater it is required to use a piece of conduit to go from the heater to the rafters with the appropriate connectors.
A disconnect is required if the appliance is more than 50 ft away from the electrical panel, or not within sight of the electrical panel.
220/240 Volt devices you may find useful in your home.
Related Resources:
National Electrical Code Handbook
National Electrical Codebook
Stallcup's Illustrated Code Changes
The Complete Guide to Home Wiring (Black and Decker Complete Guides Series)
Wiring Simplified
Guide to Using the National Electrical Code
Residential Remodeling and Repair Professional Reference
Disclaimer: You understand that you are personally responsible for your own wiring,
and that you're wiring should conform to the National Electrical code. The information provided is general installation advice. We make no claims about the completeness or the accuracy of the information as it may apply to an infinite amount of field conditions. It is the responsibility of the person or persons using this information to check with all concerned parties, owners and local authorities, etc. before doing an installation. Users of this information agree to hold Wireityourself.com or any of its agents harmless form liabilities of any kind relating to the use of this information. You also agree to the terms set forth in our terms and conditions.
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