If your remodeling or expansion plans include a laundry room, there are some specific requirements that you need to know.
Circuit Requirements for Electric and Gas Dryers
The first thing to consider is the clothes dryer. Will it be electric or gas? That determines whether you’ll need both 240 and 120-volt outlets. An electric dryer needs a dedicated 240-volt, 30-amp, 4-prong receptacle to handle the load of the heaters along with the motor and fans. Code requires that circuit to be dedicated—exclusively used for that appliance only.
A gas dryer only needs power for the motor, fans, and controls, so it can run on a 120-volt circuit, same as the washing machine. And while both appliances can be on the same outlet, that outlet needs to be on its own designated circuit (a designated circuit can have multiple outlet taps, but only at one location). If you’re only connecting the washer, you’ll need a 120- volt, 20-amp designated circuit. Laundry rooms with unfinished walls, such as in basements or garages, may need metal boxes and conduit for their wiring.
Special Circuit Requirements
Other laundry room circuits have special requirements, too. For instance, any 120-volt outlet within six feet of a laundry or utility sink must be GFCI protected, as must alloutlets in a potentially damp area such as a basement or garage. Many building codes also require enclosed laundry rooms to have low-energy (fluorescent or LED) lighting or an occupancy sensor that turns off the lights when the room is unoccupied for more than a brief time. Rooms must also be adequately ventilated. Check your local codes for specifics.
Work Safely with Electrical Wiring
Working on wiring, switches, and outlets safely requires a knowledge of electrical circuitry and codes, so don’t risk injury, shock and fire hazards, or expensive repairs by getting in over your head. If you have any doubts about the project, the pros at Allstar Electrical Services are ready to handle it for you.
Call us at (303) 399-7420 to learn more and request an estimate.