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 | #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. The 2023 NEC requires GFCI protection for the dryer receptacle in some locations (210.8). 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.
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. The 2023 NEC requires GFCI protection for the dryer receptacle in some locations (210.8).
What breaker size for an electric dryer?
A 30A double-pole breaker. The #10 copper conductors are matched to that 30A rating. Always confirm against the appliance nameplate, which lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum breaker.
Can I use aluminum wire for an electric dryer?
Yes. For the 30A circuit, aluminum needs #8 (versus #10 copper) at the 75C column. 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.
Wire Size Calculator
Full NEC 310.16 sizing for any load, distance, and conditions.