NEC Wire Sizing
What Size Wire for an Electric Dryer?
The breaker, copper and aluminum wire, and ground for a typical electric dryer circuit, with the NEC basis and the nameplate caveats that actually decide it.
Electric Dryer Circuit Spec
| Voltage | 240V |
| Breaker | 30A |
| Copper wire | #10 |
| Aluminum wire (75°C, SER or conduit) | #8 |
| Equipment ground (Cu) | #10 |
Almost all electric dryers use a 30A / 240V circuit. A gas dryer needs only a 120V 15A outlet for its controls. Under the 2023 NEC (210.8(A)(11)), a dryer receptacle in a laundry area now requires GFCI protection (a 2-pole GFCI breaker for 240V); this was expanded from the 2020 code, so whether it applies depends on which NEC edition your jurisdiction has adopted. Confirm your local code. Wire sized at NEC Table 310.16 (copper lead at the 60°C column for NM-B); ground per NEC Table 250.122. The appliance nameplate lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum breaker; it always governs over a typical value.
Aluminum branch conductors are 75°C-rated AA-8000 alloy (SER cable, or XHHW-2 / THWN-2 in conduit); there is no 60°C aluminum NM-B, so the aluminum row uses the 75°C column. Where the terminations are rated 60°C only, size aluminum from the 60°C column instead (#8 here).
Adding this as a new load? Check whether your panel can handle it (the NEC 220.87 service check), or compare it against the breaker size by load chart.
Long Run? Size It Exactly
For a long run where voltage drop matters, or a nameplate that differs from the typical value, enter your exact load, distance, and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wire do I need for an electric dryer?
An electric dryer typically uses a 30A / 240V circuit, which calls for #10 copper (or #8 aluminum) conductors and a #10 copper equipment ground per NEC Table 250.122. Almost all electric dryers use a 30A / 240V circuit. A gas dryer needs only a 120V 15A outlet for its controls. Under the 2023 NEC (210.8(A)(11)), a dryer receptacle in a laundry area now requires GFCI protection (a 2-pole GFCI breaker for 240V); this was expanded from the 2020 code, so whether it applies depends on which NEC edition your jurisdiction has adopted. Confirm your local code.
What size breaker for an electric dryer?
A 30A double-pole (240V) breaker. The #10 copper conductors are matched to that 30A rating. Do not oversize the breaker to a wire it does not protect: the breaker and the conductor go up together. Always confirm against the appliance nameplate, which lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum overcurrent device.
Can I use aluminum wire for an electric dryer?
Yes. On the 75C column (the usual basis for aluminum), a 30A circuit needs #8 aluminum, versus #10 copper. Aluminum is common on larger circuits and services to save cost; apply antioxidant to the terminations, torque to the listed spec, and remember aluminum drops slightly more voltage on long runs.
Wire Size for Other Appliances
Electric Range
#6 copper on a 50A / 240V circuit.
Electric Wall Oven
#8 copper on a 40A / 240V circuit.
Electric Cooktop
#8 copper on a 40A / 240V circuit.
Electric Water Heater
#10 copper on a 30A / 240V circuit.
Hot Tub
#6 copper on a 50A / 240V circuit.
Dishwasher
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Garbage Disposal
#14 copper on a 15A / 120V circuit.
Built-In Microwave
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Refrigerator
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Freezer
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Garage Door Opener
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Wire Size Calculator
Full NEC 310.16 sizing for any load, distance, and conditions.