If you just moved into a new home or are looking to replace an old dryer, you may be asking yourself, “What size breaker do I need for a dryer?” Knowing the right breaker size is crucial in preventing the constant annoyance and inconvenience of a tripped breaker.
Average Dryer Breaker Size
Generally, the National Electrical Code (NEC) sets the standard for the average dryer breaker size at 30 amperes. There are a few different types of dryers, which may require slightly different breaker sizes, but sticking to the NEC recommendation is always a safe bet.
Electric dryers typically operate on a 240-volt or 220-volt circuit, which makes their power consumption higher than that of compact or gas dryers.
These dryers usually require a 30-amp double-pole circuit breaker to handle the high energy demands. Installing a breaker with a lower rating may cause it to trip frequently, while a higher-rated breaker can pose a fire risk due to overheating.
On the other hand, compact or 110V/120V dryers have lower power requirements and can work efficiently with a 15- or 20-amp circuit breaker. You can plug smaller dryers into a standard wall outlet; they don’t require a dedicated circuit.
| Type of Dryer | Voltage | Recommended Breaker Size | Recommended Wire Size |
| Electric Dryer | 240V/220V | 30-amp double-pole circuit breaker | 10 AWG copper or 8 AWG aluminum wire |
| Compact Dryer | 110V/120V | 15-amp or 20-amp circuit breaker | 14 AWG for 15-amp, 12 AWG for 20-amp |
Proper Wire Size for a 30A Double-Pole Circuit Breaker for Dryer
You should use the proper wire size to ensure the safety and efficiency of your appliance. For a 30A double-pole circuit breaker, you should use 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG) copper wire or 8 AWG aluminum wire.
The 10 AWG wire is the standard choice, as it can handle the electrical load without overheating. This wire size is perfect for protecting your dryer and ensuring it receives the proper amount of electricity for its daily operation.
When wiring your dryer, always remember to connect the ground wire, as it helps protect your home from potential electrical hazards.
The ground wire should also be the same size as the hot wires, which means you should use a 10 AWG ground wire for copper connections or an 8 AWG ground wire for aluminum connections.
How to Choose the Right Breaker for Your Electric Clothes Dryer
You should first determine the voltage of your dryer. Electric clothes dryers typically fall into three main categories: 110V/120V, 220V, or 240V. Most standard dryers in the United States operate at 240 volts, while 110-volt or 120-volt dryers are usually found in combination with gas dryers.
For the majority of 240V and 220V electric dryers, a 30-amp double-pole breaker is recommended by the National Electrical Code.
This type of breaker is designed to handle the electricity consumption of a standard electric dryer correctly. As for the wire size, a 10/3 American Wire Gauge (AWG) is appropriate for a 30-amp double-pole circuit breaker.
While some dryers may nominally work with 24- to 30-ampere breakers, it’s best to stick to the NEC’s recommendations for optimal safety measures.
On the other hand, compact 110V or 120V electric dryers usually require smaller breakers, which you can plug directly into wall outlets. Typically, a 15- or 20-amp breaker will suffice, with a recommended wire size of 14 or 12 AWG, respectively.
Choosing the right breaker for your electric clothes dryer depends on the voltage and power consumption of your appliance.
You can read our guide on what size gauge you should use with your 60-amp breaker.
What Happens if I Install a Circuit Breaker that is Too Low or Too High?
If you install a circuit breaker that is too low for your appliance or equipment, it will continuously trip and cut off the power in the circuit. This happens because the breaker is rated for a lower amount of amps than what your device needs to operate, causing it to overload the system.
On the other hand, installing a circuit breaker that is too high for your circuit can be dangerous and may lead to electrical damage and fires.
If your circuit is rated for 30 amps but you install a 50-amp breaker, it will not trip in time if the electrical flow exceeds safe levels, potentially causing damage to your equipment or wiring.
Always make sure to use the right size breaker for your circuit to prevent potential hazards.
Remember: Breakers are designed to protect your system from electrical problems and safety hazards, so you should choose the right size for your needs.
The Bottom Line
Always follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommendations and use the appropriate wire size for your dryer. Installing a breaker with a lower rating can cause it to trip frequently, while a higher-rated breaker can pose a fire risk due to overheating.
Also, using the wrong wire size can lead to hazards, so make sure to choose the right one for your circuit.
