How to Tell If Your Dryer Is 220 Volts

Dryers run on 110 volts or 220 volts, depending on the appliance size.

Compact electric dryers and gas-powered standard-size dryers employ 110 volts of electricity to do their job. Standard-size electric dryers, however, need 220 volts of electricity to get your clothing dry. To determine if you have a 110-volt compact dryer, a 110-volt electric-start gas dryer or a 220-volt standard-size electric dryer, check your breaker box or inspect the plug configuration attached to the end of the dryer's electrical cord. The cord is the easiest way to make a determination.

Step 1

Turn off electric to your appliance for extra safety.

Flip your dryer's breaker to the off position in the breaker box.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Pull the dryer away from the wall so you can see where it is plugged in.

Step 3

A 220-volt appliance cord is configured in such a way that it cannot be plugged into a standard outlet.

Pull the plug out of the outlet and inspect the plug configuration, using a flashlight. If you find a standard three-prong plug, your dryer is either a 110-volt compact or a 110-volt electric-start gas dryer. If you find a larger three-prong plug, with two of the plugs positioned diagonally, your dryer is a 220-volt dryer.