Put Your Dryer Electric Wiring Diagram to Good Use

Have you ever seen the electrical wiring diagram for your dryer and wondered what it all meant? It can be a confusing and intimidating task to try to understand. Fortunately, learning a bit about the main components of a wiring diagram makes things much simpler. Let's take a look at the different parts of this wiring diagram so you know exactly what to do with it.

Following the Voltage Flow

The simplest way to approach a wiring diagram is to start at one end and follow the voltage flow until you get to the other end. Start by locating the source of the electric current. In most cases, that’s the wall outlet the dryer is plugged into. Following this, the diagram will usually show a path leading to the interior of the dryer, often labeled ‘Line’. Look for the point where the Line meets the Ground, which is the black or green wire in the dryer cord. This is where electricity flows in or out of the dryer.

Connecting the Terminals Together

Now that you are familiar with the core components of a dryer wiring diagram, it’s time to look at the actual connections. There are two sets of connections to consider: the Hot Side (the Positive cables) and the Neutral Side (the Negative cables). The Hot Side of the connection includes the red and black wires from the wall outlet, while the Neutral Side has both the white wire and a green wire.

Each of the terminals should be clearly labeled on the dryer wiring diagram. That means red is connected to red, black to black, white to white, and green to green. Make sure no bare wires are exposed and none of the terminals are touching each other. Also, it’s important to remember that all the negative terminals (white and green) in the diagram should be attached together, usually with a pigtail splice.

Safety and Maintenance

In addition to understanding the proper connections for your dryer wiring diagram, it’s also important to know the safety precautions to take whenever you’re dealing with electricity. Make sure you unplug the dryer from the wall outlet before servicing. Additionally, be sure to check the cord and plug for any frayed or bare wires. If you see any damaged wiring, discontinue using the dryer until a licensed electrician can repair the issue.

Although there may appear to be a lot involved in following a wiring diagram, familiarity comes quickly. With a bit of practice, you can soon begin connecting your dryer in a safe and responsible manner. So why wait? Take a look at your dryer’s wiring diagram and put it to good use today.

Wire A Dryer Outlet