Hamilton/Frigidaire dryer question

[northwesty]

The dryer says 115 volts and it has this three-wire set up for the cord that is missing. Just wondering what type of cord would go on this and where it can be plugged in. Thanks for any advice.

If I can use this in the garage without too much wiring - that would be a good thing.

Also, Gyrafoam's email doesn't seem to be usable. In his collections photos he has some machines like this one. I wouldn't mind touching base with him if someone is in contact with him. Thanks.

 

[wireman]

Careful!

Brian,

Electrician here...Sure doesn't look like a 115 volt; Size and color of the wire suggest it was probably direct wired to the fuse panel for 220/240 volt. Of course, so many did their own "wirin'" back then that almost ANYTHING is possible; folks used whatever was around the place or was cheap. AND many dryers COULD be wired for either. Center terminal is the neutral block (white, on older machine this also acts as the frame ground) the outer terminals (red and black are connected to them ) are the "HOT" wires. Newer 240 volt dryers have a 4 prong plug, as the ground(green) and neutral(white) are now seperate. If hooking up the standard old gray dryer cord, the center (inner) wire on the cord goes to that center neutral terminal, and the outer(HOT) wires go to the outer terminals

Hope that helps; if not certain about doing it call someone familiar with wiring...There may be a wiring diagram on the machine that tells more!

Good Luck,
Duane

 

[mrboilwash]

Wireman

I knew I have read somewhere before that older dryers used the neutral to ground the frame as well.
I recently started a thread in the Super Forum called "vintage electrical outlets", where I wondered if polarized two prong 120 Volt outlets have ever been used for grounding, too.
Apparently polarization was only intended to keep light fixtures saver, but nobody knew for sure.
Maybe you can give me the answer ?

 

[pturo]

It all scares the s*** out of me, looking at the back of the thing, but I have electrophobia. One wrong move and your hair is nice and curly for your funeral, sort of like Elsa Lancaster.

 

[Unimatic1140]

That looks like it is a 240 volt dryer. I suspect that you can use it on 120 volts or 240 volts. I would connect a standard 3 wire dryer cord to it and try it out. But before you do this Brian you should checking it out for any looose or burned wires.

 

[wireman]

Very Good Point!!

Robert,

Glad you mentioned the point about checking for frayed wires BEFORE hooking it up to power...Or else, as Phillip, mentioned, you could end with a Elsa Lancaster 'do!! You are the vintage washer/ dryer GOD! So good of you to put so much into this site and help so many.

Thanks!!
Duane

 

[wireman]

Very Good Point!!

Robert,

Glad you mentioned the point about checking for frayed wires BEFORE hooking it up to power...Or else, as Phillip, mentioned, you could end with a Elsa Lancaster 'do!! You are the vintage washer/ dryer GOD! So good of you to put so much into this site and help so many.

Thanks!!
Duane