Author Topic: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?  (Read 4206 times)

srob

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do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« on: December 23, 2015, 09:41:45 AM »
Hey guys! I have a small apartment building with a common laundry room. The tenants are complaining that we need another washer and dryer in there...currently have one set. They are the traditional maytag coin op type with a gas dryer. They are fed by one 20 amp circuit. If I get a second set, will I need an additional circuit in there? I tend to think yes but I don't know how many amps these things draw...

It is kind of annoying how the previous owner set these up...waste water just goes into the utility sink, and somehow they made a hole in the glass window for the dryer exhaust. Any ideas on how to add another dryer vent if we get a second dryer? This is a basement with thick brick walls. Thanks!
« Last Edit: December 23, 2015, 10:47:55 AM by srob »

lthenderson

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2015, 11:48:06 AM »
Most of their new top loading Maytag machines draw 10 to 15 amps so I'm guessing you need a new circuit. I would go to the Maytag site and look up by model number and the spec sheet will tell you recommended amps for that particular machine.

Papa bear

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2015, 12:14:11 PM »
I'm pretty sure you need a separate circuit for each washing machine and should be gfci as well. 

When was this built and done? The 50's?  Looks like how they ran it back then.  Wouldn't pass code today.


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srob

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2015, 12:47:23 PM »
ok thanks guys I'll check out the maytag site to be sure but it sounds like another circuit will be in order. The building was constructed in 1928 and then another floor of apartments was added in the 60's, so I am guessing that is when they finished this laundry room as well. Fortunately newer wiring in metal conduit with a modern breaker box was added in the last 10-20 years I think.

paddedhat

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2015, 03:53:25 PM »
Yes, you need an additional circuit. While you're at it, add an outlet to the existing conduit, and place it closer to the existing washer, to lose that sorry collection of extension cords. The vent through the glass stunt is clearly a half assed handyman, hall of fame, lifetime achievement award winner. I would pull the glass and replace it with a sheet of thick galvanized sheet metal, which would give you a legitimate place to mount both vent hoods. The really isn't anything too horrendous about draining a clothes washer into a laundry tub, it's done that way in many older homes, and it works fine.

BDWW

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2015, 04:17:05 PM »
Hmm I would probably run 220v circuit for the new dryer. I'm curious are 120v dryers common where you are? They're a rarity here, and very limited in size.

aboatguy

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2015, 05:01:11 PM »
Hmm I would probably run 220v circuit for the new dryer. I'm curious are 120v dryers common where you are? They're a rarity here, and very limited in size.
.

the dryer is gas, the gas connection looks like it passes under the table and up the wall.   IMO gas dryers are better than 220 if you have access to cheap natural gas.

BDWW

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2015, 09:49:07 PM »
Oh yeah, that's what I get for not looking closely at the picture.

ShoulderThingThatGoesUp

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #8 on: December 24, 2015, 04:59:53 AM »
Hmm I would probably run 220v circuit for the new dryer. I'm curious are 120v dryers common where you are? They're a rarity here, and very limited in size.
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the dryer is gas, the gas connection looks like it passes under the table and up the wall.   IMO gas dryers are better than 220 if you have access to cheap natural gas.

Especially since the OP is paying the variable operating costs on the coin-op.

srob

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #9 on: December 25, 2015, 04:29:03 PM »
Hey thanks for the replies guys! Thanks paddedhat for the idea of replacing the glass with metal and adding another vent hood...I think I will do that...much easier than punching a hole through structural triple brick wall :) Yes I laughed a bit when I saw that vent through the glass.

It is a gas dryer, so only requires 120v. Do you think the breaker for the new circuit needs to be GFI or would just a GFI outlet suffice? 

paddedhat

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #10 on: December 26, 2015, 06:30:22 AM »
The circuit is dedicated to powering a piece of equipment, and does not need  GFCI protection.The outlets for the washer and the dryer need to single outlets, not the common duplex. If you are adding other outlets to the circuit for other uses, the circuit becomes a "convenience outlet circuit" and needs a GFCI.

srob

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #11 on: December 27, 2015, 07:51:32 PM »
Cool thanks for the info!

There is 1/2 in. metal conduit going from the panel to the outlets in the laundry room with only two conductors, so I think I can add two more 12 g conductors for a new circuit with a new breaker. My question is this...should I add a ground? It looks like they set up the original circuits to ground to the conduit since there are no dedicated ground wires.

And does anyone have tips on fishing new wire through existing conduit? So far I think I will use stranded THHN? since it should be easier, fish tape, and lube. Do I need special outlets for stranded wire? And will I be able to get it through safely given that there is already wire in the conduit?

Thanks!

paddedhat

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Re: do I need a new circuit for laundry machines?
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2015, 06:32:06 PM »
There is plenty of room for three more wires in the 1/2" EMT. I would install a ground, the original installation is using the conduit for a ground, but it's can be a marginal way to provide a reliable ground. In this case I would push a fish tape from the outlet toward the panel and feed the wires from the panel. This is a good time to head upstream from this subpanel, and KILL the power to the panel. I have no issue doing something like this hot, as long as I have a qualified helper with me, but it's needlessly dangerous for a DIYer. Receptacles for stranded wire have a clamping plate located under the terminal screw, so the strands are trapped between two layers of metal, and then locked down by the screw. They are real common, just find one on the shelf at the big box store and open the box it's packed in to assure that you have the right one. Remember there is no reason to not use solid wire for this installation, it can be a bit more of a pain in the ass to pull, but it's easier to terminate. Finally, there is a pretty easy way to cheat a simple install, if you are dealing with an existing simple conduit run going from the box to a receptacle. Take the receptacle out, tie and tape a string to the exiting wire pair and pull it backwards, into the panel. Now you have a pull string, and you are ready to add a few wires to the group you pull back in. Good luck, and be safe.

 

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