The electric dryer is an important household appliance that makes your laundry day a breeze! You can benefit greatly from an electric dryer, especially when living in one of the rainiest cities in the US - like New Orleans. You no longer have to go outdoors and spread your clothes under wet and humid conditions, making an electric dryer a worthy investment. However, when purchasing a new electric dryer, one common question that arises is whether it comes with an electric dryer plug and power cord.
Knowing this beforehand aids you in making informed decisions and avoids any delays that may occur during the installation process. To help you better understand the importance of an electric dryer plug, we are going to discuss various types of it. We’ll also explore whether electric dryers come with power chords or if you need a separate one. So, let's move forward!
- Do Electric Dryers Come With Power Cords?
- What is Included in an Electric Dryer Purchase?
- Types of Dryer Plugs
- Role and Function of the Dryer Power Cord
- Safety Guidelines for Dryer Plug and Power Cord
- EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay - Transforming Your Traditional Electric Dryer into a Smarter Appliance!
Do Electric Dryers Come With Power Cords?
When it comes to electric dryers, it is worth noting that they don't come with a power cord, and this is common among manufacturers, especially in regions like the US. It’s because of variations in the electrical requirements of each appliance, different electrical codes for each region, and varying electrical outlets in the home.
So, while buying a new electric dryer, you'll also have to get a new electric dryer plug. The cord or plug should follow the electrical codes of your region and be compatible with your home's electrical outlets. Here are the types of dryer purchases:
- Electric Dryers: Electric dryers utilize electricity and require a dedicated 240-volt electrical outlet with a 30A current capacity. They heat the air using electric heating elements.
- Gas Dryers: These are powered by natural gas or propane. They require a standard 120-volt electrical outlet and a gas supply line for proper functioning. These dryers are popular for their efficiency and cost-effectiveness in terms of energy consumption.
The exclusion of an electric dryer plug and power cord with an electric dryer doesn't offer any benefit to the manufacturer. Instead, it's a practice to ensure you obtain the correct power cord matching your electrical requirements and outlet type.
Note: Gas dryers usually do not require a power cord since their primary power source is gas. However, they still need a standard 120-volt electrical outlet for operational functions like running the motor and controls.
What is Included in an Electric Dryer Purchase?
Following are the things that you will get along with your new electric dryer:
- Exhaust Vent: An electric dryer typically includes an exhaust vent or duct at the back or side of the unit. This vent is used to release the hot air and moisture generated during the drying cycle. The vent should be connected to a suitable exhaust system or vent pipe leading outside your home.
- Pedestals: Pedestals are optional accessories that can be purchased separately or sometimes included with the electric dryer. These stands or bases elevate the dryer off the ground, providing additional height and storage space beneath the unit.
- Lint Filter: Most electric dryers have a lint filter near the dryer door or at the top of the unit. This filter catches lint and debris from your clothes during the drying, preventing them from clogging the dryer vent.
- User Manual: Manufacturers provide a user manual or instruction guide that explains how to operate and maintain the electric dryer. It includes safety instructions, installation guidelines, and troubleshooting tips.
Types of Dryer Plugs
Let's discuss some common electric dryer plug options:
1. 3-Prong Plug
This type of plug has three prongs: two hot wires and a neutral or grounding wire. The two hot wires are usually red or black, while the L-shaped prong is the neutral wire or grounding wire, which is white or green. The hot wires provide the power for the dryer, while the neutral wire or grounding wire carries the return current. The prongs are arranged in a straight line, with two slanted prongs positioned at the top and an L-shaped prong at the bottom. The 3-prong plug is an older standard commonly used in homes built before the 1990s.
2. 4-Prong Plug
The 4-prong plug became the standard in the United States to accommodate changes in electrical codes. In 1996, the NEC made it necessary for all 240V dryers to use a 4-prong electric dryer plug. This plug has four prongs, including two hot wires, a neutral wire, & a ground wire. The ground wire serves as an additional safety measure to guard against electrical shocks.
The hot wires supply power to the dryer, and the neutral wire conducts the return current. The prongs are arranged in a 2x2 square configuration, with the two slanted prongs on the top, a straight prong at the bottom, and the ground prong at the top or bottom.
Role and Function of the Dryer Power Cord
The power cord for an electric dryer provides power and ensures the safe operation of the appliance. Here are some of the main functions of the dryer power cord:
- Electrical Power Supply: The power cord transmits power from the outlet to the dryer. It connects to the back of the dryer and promotes current flow that powers the various components of the appliance.
- Safety Features: Electric dryer power cords typically include safety features to protect against electrical hazards. These features may include grounding wires or prongs to ensure that any excess electrical current is safely directed to the ground, reducing the risk of electric shock or fire.
- Voltage and Current Regulation: Electric dryer power cords are designed to handle the specific voltage and current requirements. The power cord ensures that the appropriate amount of electrical power is supplied to the dryer, preventing potential damage to the appliance and promoting safe operation.
Safety Guidelines for Dryer Plug and Power Cord
Here are a few safety guidelines that you must follow for an electric dryer plug and power cord:
- Avoid using an electric dryer with a power cord that is frayed, cracked, or otherwise damaged. Damaged cords can pose an increased risk of electrical shock or fire. If you notice any signs of damage, quickly replace the power cord or electric dryer plug.
- Don't plug high-power appliances or devices into the same outlet as your electric dryer. Overloading the outlet can lead to overheating, tripped circuit breakers, or electrical fires. Therefore, make sure each high-power appliance has its dedicated circuit.
- If the plug does not fit into the outlet easily, do not force it. Plugs and outlets should match in terms of configuration and voltage. Forcing a mismatched connection can damage the plug and outlet or cause electrical hazards. Consult a qualified electrician to address any compatibility issues.
- Don't pull the power cord suddenly or loosely to disconnect the plug from the outlet. It damages the cord, loosens the connection, or even causes electrical shorts. Instead, grasp the plug firmly and pull it straight out of the outlet when you need to disconnect the dryer, as it prevents unnecessary strain on the electrical connection.
EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay - Transforming Your Traditional Electric Dryer into a Smarter Appliance!
If you want to swap your traditional electric dryer plug with a smart plug and experience smart home automation, EVVR is the right choice! The EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay help you track your hourly energy consumption with 99% accuracy at any time. Thanks to its innovative Magnetic Retention Relay, it consumes 90% less working energy (only 0.5-1W) than other products.
This means you can enjoy stable device status while reducing energy costs. There's a shell tamper-proof and button lock design to ensure the safety of your home.
With a maximum current capacity of 16 amps, it's compatible with high-power appliances, reducing the risk of electrical fires. Controlling your electric dryer with the EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay is a breeze. You can turn it on and off using the EVVR App, the built-in button, or even through the popular Apple HomeKit. It's compatible with voice assistants, so you can easily use it by simply saying, "Hi Siri, turn on the electric dryer."
Key Features
- Consumes 90% less working energy (only 0.5-1W) compared to other products
- Innovative Magnetic Retention Relay for stable device status and reduced energy costs
- Shell tamper-proof and button lock design for enhanced safety
- The maximum current capacity of 16 amps for compatibility with high-power appliances
- Control through EVVR App, built-in button, or Apple HomeKit
- Compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for voice control functionality
Conclusion
An electric dryer doesn't come with an electric dryer plug or power cord. You must buy one separately following your region's electrical codes and your home's outlet type. The function of the electric dryer power cord is to transmit power and ensure the current flows safely. You should ensure the electric dryer isn't plugged in with other heavy appliances to avoid overloading.
But if you want to get rid of your traditional electric dryer plug and want something safe yet affordable, the EVVR Energy Monitoring Smart Plug and Relay got you!
Our smart plug comes with thermal and overload protection, ensuring your dryer runs smoothly without any safety concerns. Moreover, it's Homekit compatible so that you can monitor everything remotely using the EVVR smart home app. So, get in touch and grab your favorite innovative home products like the EVVR Plug, EVVR Hub, EVVR In-Wall Relay Switch, etc., now!
