Electrical question about Frigidaire dryer

[jessed]

As you all know I just got the 1956 Frigidaire Filtrator dryer. I see in the book that came with it originally that it was either 120V or 220V. Right now it is 220V but the place where I want to put it after it is cleaned up does not have a 220 line.

Basically I was wondering if there were separate models and just one book or if every dryer could be wired either way. I hope someone can clear this up for me.

Also I was wondering if there is anything internal I should check right away as everything seems to be working fine

 

[launderess]

According to my copy of Tech-Talk 1952-1960

Several models were available which could be wired either way; 115/230 volts or 115 volts. Thus answer to first part of your query is no, there weren't separate modes, things just depended on how they were wired/connected.

Models that ran on both were:

1952 (115v or 115v/230v)

Super DS-56
Deluxe DD-56
Imperial DI-2-56

1957 (120v or 120v/230v)

Super DS-57
Deluxe DD-57
Imperial DI-1-57

1958 model year was basically the same.

By 1959 the Deluxe, Custom Deluxe, Imperial, and Custom Imperial all could be wired for either 240v or 120v, but heating wattage dropped from previous 4000 and 1100 watts respectively, down to 4400 and 1100. This continued for the 1960 model year as well.

Back of service manual has this as well:

"The heater for 1955 and 1956 models is not applicable to 1957 and 1958 models and vice versa.

Reason for all this was Frigidaire like other dryer makers didn't want to leave money on the table. If a household didn't have 220v/240 electrical connection, no problem. Dryer could be wired for 115v or 120v and still function. Drying times obviously would be longer with lower heating, but there you are. [this post was last edited: 11/7/2018-21:03]

 

[jessed]

Thanks

So my 1956 could be wired to the 120V that the house where it is going has. The book said that it needs its own 20amp fuse which luckily there is one open fuse spot in the box.

Also do you know how I would change from the current 220 to the 120?

 

[combo52]

Running a 230Volt Dryer On 120 Volts

Any US dryer that says 230-240 volts can be run on 120 volts.

 

Hi Laundress, All through the 1950s FD built dryers wired for 120 volts only, they had a single 1700 watt heater so they worked a little better on 120 Vs than wiring a 240 V model to 120 volts and getting only about 1000 watts, your research was not very complete.

 

The 1952-4 FD Filterator dryer model TR-60 was designed for 230v volts and had two 2200 watt elements the TR-61 had a single 1700 watt element designed for 120 only.

 

FD built their TOL Filterator through the 1960 model in either the 230-240 volt version or this 120 volt version for people that lacked 230-240 volt service.

 

John L.

 

[launderess]

Don't ask me luv! *LOL*

My electrical skills aren't top shelf, but can read the diagram/instruction from Tech Talk manual.

"Connections For 115 Volt 2 Wire Use Package 5876626"

From diagram there are three connections on terminal block:

Black

White

Red

230-115 power is provided by "splitting" two 115 connections (one each to Black and Red terminal), with Neutral wire to White.

115 power is provided by connecting Black and White terminals only.

Manual states: "Note: Connect Yellow wire to Neutral White Terminal for 115 volt service only. For 115/230 volt service make sure that yellow wire is properly insulated from terminal block posts and metal frame parts.

Am sure someone else will correct any errors and or otherwise chime in with more information.

 

[tomturbomatic]

It's hard to believe that the bearings in the front rollers don't need cleaning and lubricating, but I am going to leave the instructions for that procedure for someone who has time and searching capabilities because this was given in excruciating detail many years ago.  I will caution anyone going into a 1956 or older Frigidaire dryer to be very careful in removing and replacing the plug surrounding the drum opening. There is a door switch which must be negotiated when maneuvering the piece out of and back into the dryer because the switch is very easily broken.

 

You will want these rollers which support the front of the drum turning very freely because if you are going to try drying on 120 volts, you are talking drying times in hours. If the rollers do not turn freely, the rubber sustains damage and there ain't no mo rollers that I know of in parts houses.

 

[jeb]

.220/110

In Westinghouse slant front dryers you had to move one of the wires (I think it was the red one) to the neutral terminal for 110 operation.

 

[philr]

I'm a bit curious about models with an automatic setting. What happens if they're wired on 120 volts? Will the heat from 1100 watts be enough for the thermostat to make the timer advance?

 

[launderess]

Recall reading something about/on a vintage Westinghouse

Dryer that when wired as 115v/120v (and thus on low heating power all the time)automatic drying wasn't available.

 

[jessed]

Bearings

What should I use to clean and lubricate the bearings of the front rollers