What is the minimum load requirement for household electric clothes dryers in a dwelling unit?

The minimum load requirement for household electric clothes dryers in a dwelling unit is established at 5000 watts. This specification is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines and takes into account the typical power consumption of residential clothes dryers to ensure they operate effectively and safely.

When determining the load for electric dryers, the NEC aims to provide adequate capacity in the electrical system, considering factors like startup current and continuous load. A requirement of 5000 watts ensures that the circuit can handle the demands of most electric dryers, which typically draw significant power, especially during high-heat cycles.

In contrast, the other wattage options do not adequately meet the expected load for modern dryers, which often exceed lower wattage ratings. Therefore, understanding that 5000 watts is the baseline helps ensure compliance with safety regulations and provides reliable performance for household appliances.