Dryer Extension Cord/Rewiring???

[SweetErika]

Um, so Hubby built this giant box for our washer and dryer to sit on, but now the fucking dryer cord is an inch or two too short to go in the dryer outlet. The current cord is only 4'-ish (might even be an inch or three short, in fact!). The fucking heavy washer, and considerably lighter dryer, are already on the box, and it was a hell of a job to get them up there!

What's our best option here, hopefully without spending a fortune, and definitely without burning our house down (so, to code/standard safety regulations)?

Can/should we replace the dryer cord with a 6-foot model safely (my husband and dad both know their way around electric tasks)?

Or is there some kind of handy-dandy dryer extension cord we could use that won't cost an arm and a leg? We've googled, but may not be using the correct terminology.

Thanks in advance!

 

[NightL]

Don't re-wire the machines... just get a power extension cord. I'm sure you local supermarket will even stock them.

I appreciate there are some strange things over your side of the world ...but check out walmart for power extension cables.

Obviously I don't know your regulations regarding laundry areas... but I doubt there will be any saying you can't use an extension.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

Is the dryer's heating element powered by electricity, or is it a gas dryer that uses electricity only for peripherals. That makes a huge difference.

Assuming that electricity is the only power source, I'd go wire in a 6-foot dryer cord, if you can get access without moving something heavy as the average Buick. (Home Depot or Lowe's will probably be cheaper than an appliance dealer). Most of the cost on this kind of work is usually labor, and it sounds like you have that covered without needing to pay an electrician (and possibly an apprentice as well) to do what is really a simple job.

If you do use an extension cord, make sure you get a heavy-duty one with high-amperage capability in both the cord and the terminals. This is no place for lamp cord! Cheap, common extension cords will overheat and could easily start a fire.

 

[gregor2001us]

If it is an electric dryer, the cord is specialized to carry a very high electrical load. The cord and outlet will look different than the rest of the outlets in your house. In that case, you should replace the dryer cord with a longer one. Or move the outlet. Or change the dryer location. Adding an common extension cord is not acceptable as far as I know. Here is a site with some information:

http://www.ehow.com/info_12176985_length-cords-dryers.html

If it is a gas dryer, the cord may simply carry a small electrical load, and adding an extension cord my be fine. In this case, the outlet and cord will look similar to other outlets in your house.

If you still have the manual for the dryer, it should say what type of electrical service is needed.

Regards

 

[SweetErika]

Right, it's an electric dryer with a special GIGANTIC 3-prong plug and outlet . It's a 220v, 30AMP, 3-wire, I think - the actual cord is flat, with 3 sections (though I suppose one of them could contain an extra wire?). So, even a "heavy duty" extension cord would not be acceptable, even if the connectors fit (they don't, since it's not a standard 2-or 3-pronged plug).

I guess we could look into moving the outlet, but I'm not sure that's something we want to do. Moving the dryer isn't really an option. We've looked at that, and it'd make doing the laundry even more of a chore! I don't want to take out the big, newly built platform/box because it'll help save my bad knee and back long-term.

So, it looks like rewiring is our best option and it's safe as long as it's done properly. That's great news (not as great as an inexpensive handy-dandy special extension cord that could be here quickly, but definitely very good)!

We'll check out that ehow article ASAP, thanks!

 

[PhilGarlic]

cable

rewire appliance using same but longer cable. It may invalidate any guarantee but how often do they go wrong!!

Save your back and knee you will be doing lots of washing over the next few years!!!

 

[SweetErika]

rewire appliance using same but longer cable. It may invalidate any guarantee but how often do they go wrong!!

Save your back and knee you will be doing lots of washing over the next few years!!!

We're past any warranty (we've had it since 2005 or 2006), so that doesn't worry me. Plus, the dryer has some issues, so I'm not going to be upset when it finally dies, provided it doesn't burn itself--and our house--to death!

 

[pimpslap]

Rewire. It's against code in most places to use extension cords. And it's not safe.

 

[Sir Victor]

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cat...53&cm_sp=bed94d04-b26d-4891-8f2b-b8c7fe05d20c

 

[fire_breeze]

Um, so Hubby built this giant box for our washer and dryer to sit on, but now the fucking dryer cord is an inch or two too short to go in the dryer outlet. The current cord is only 4'-ish (might even be an inch or three short, in fact!). The fucking heavy washer, and considerably lighter dryer, are already on the box, and it was a hell of a job to get them up there!

What's our best option here, hopefully without spending a fortune, and definitely without burning our house down (so, to code/standard safety regulations)?

Can/should we replace the dryer cord with a 6-foot model safely (my husband and dad both know their way around electric tasks)?

Or is there some kind of handy-dandy dryer extension cord we could use that won't cost an arm and a leg? We've googled, but may not be using the correct terminology.

Thanks in advance!

I'm not so much concerned with the warranty but rather insurance. Granted, this was a theatre, but if we rewired something internally, then the insurance was void. If the in-house electrician did it, not a problem. And, I'll be the first to admit I have no idea what are the regulations and by-laws on such a thing (if there are any) where you live.

Is there an electrician that you can ask?

 

[Biker_Type]

find a good appliance parts store (not a big box like lowes/home depot) and get a longer cord. most likely your hubby can locate and replace the coird that is too short! be sure to take the plug or a cell pic of it with you, there are a large variety of 220 plugs!

 

[chipcarver]

You can get a longer cord from an appliance parts store. Lowes or Home Depot usually don't carry it. It is very easy to replace. Almost anyone can replace.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

You can get a longer cord from an appliance parts store. Lowes or Home Depot usually don't carry it. It is very easy to replace. Almost anyone can replace.

My local big boxes do carry them (I've bought cords there) but perhaps this is an an exception for the national chains.

Other sources of supply include electrical supply stores and replacement parts dealers. Several online sources also have them at good prices, but buying online forces the buyer to accept the seller's word that he's selling quality wire. Personally, I's buy locally.

And yeah, replacement is super easy--just unfasten the existing terminals and tighten the new terminals snugly but not "squashed," making certain the new wires go to the same places the old ones came off.

 

[NippleMuncher]

Install a longer cord on the dryer. Make sure you verify whether or not the existing cord is 3 or 4 wire and replace it with the same. 4 wires does not necessarily mean 4 prongs on the plug, so make sure you look at the actual wire and connections at the machine.

Another option if you only need a couple of inches is to see if you've got access to the supply line. Sometimes there is just a little bit of slack that can be coaxed out, depending on how it was installed. BEFORE playing with anything, make sure the supply breaker is turned off and check the outlet with an electrical tester to be certain it is dead. Playing with a live wire is deadly.

 

[SweetErika]

Thanks, all!

Hubby did find a longer cord at Home Depot for like $20, and said it was a super easy fix. He turned off the breaker, took out the old cord, and screwed the new one in. We have clothes in the dryer now.

 

[PhilGarlic]

work

Thanks, all!

We have clothes in the dryer now.

A womans work is never done!!!

 

[SweetErika]

A womans work is never done!!!

Actually, Hubby did the laundry tonight. He wanted to see his handiwork, both on the stand and dryer cord.

But the laundry is typically my job, and there's always a ton of it, even with just the three of us. I had no idea how much laundry a toddler could produce. If we had a few more kids, it'd practically be a full-time job! Hopefully the new box/stand will make it a little easier for us to be organized and get it done without squatting or sitting on the floor, though. I'll get to try it out tonight.

 

[PhilGarlic]

Actually, Hubby did the laundry tonight. He wanted to see his handiwork, both on the stand and dryer cord.

But the laundry is typically my job, and there's always a ton of it, even with just the three of us. I had no idea how much laundry a toddler could produce. If we had a few more kids, it'd practically be a full-time job! Hopefully the new box/stand will make it a little easier for us to be organized and get it done without squatting or sitting on the floor, though. I'll get to try it out tonight.

Yeah, toddlers just produce dirty clothes, working shift work when the wife went back to work I now do most of the washing, its easy putting it on and selecting the wash but hanging it out to dry. With the weather as it is now its always a problem bgetting it to dry (don't like using the dryer for cost and eco reasons)

I wonder what the worst household chore is?

Maybe tell hubby that things don't sound right with the 'box' vibrating against the wall, maybe he will put on another load to see what you are talking about

 

[Maxell46]

Just an added thought on dryers:

Everyone needs to keep the venting cleaned!!!
One of the biggest causes of home fires is a clogged dryer vent. All that warm moist lint tends to collect in the fittings/bends and will eventually clog things up.
A warning sign is a dryer starting to take longer to dry things.

Go outside every so often and make sure the air is blowing out.

 

[Biker_Type]

Thanks, all!

Hubby did find a longer cord at Home Depot for like $20, and said it was a super easy fix. He turned off the breaker, took out the old cord, and screwed the new one in. We have clothes in the dryer now.

sounds like a handy hubby to have around!

 

[bailadora]

I wonder what the worst household chore is?

I've always loathed scrubbing toilets.

 

[Que]

Colda cut the box down 2 inches! If you think one toddler is a lot of laundry, try 5 kids especially teenagers with activities

 

[Latina49]

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[Rolando2]

http://files.servicemagic.com/files/eid/2410000/2418443/1591508.jpg

 

[klippert]

DON'T MESS WITH THE DRYER CORD.....Contact an electrician. have them come in and mover your "female" (if you will) outlet too a new height....

That cord is specific length and size.... you raise your house too the ground....The fire investigator finds the cause of the fire.... and you've tampered with that cord... you home owners will drop you like a stone.