GE GTD81ESPJMC, GTD86ESSJWS, GTD86ESPJMC Installation Guide

Installation Electric Dryers
Instructions

Questions? Call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) or visit our Web site at: GEAppliances.com

This is the safety alert symbol. This symbol alerts you to potential hazards that can kill you or hurt you and others.
All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and the word “DANGER”, “WARNING”, or “CAUTION”. These
words are defined as:

DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

IMPORTANT – Save these instructions for local

•
electrical inspector’s use.

•

IMPORTANT – Observe all governing codes and

ordinances.

Install the clothes dryer according to the manufacturer’s

•
instructions and local codes.

Note to Installer – Be sure to leave these instructions

•

with the Consumer.

Note to Consumer – Keep these instructions for future

•

reference.

Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a

•
qualified installer.

This dryer must be exhausted to the outdoors.

•

Before the old dryer is removed from service or

•
discarded, remove the dryer door.

Service information and the wiring diagram are located

•
in the control console.

Do not allow children on or in the appliance. Close

•
supervision of children is necessary when the appliance
is used near children.

Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.

•

Product failure due to improper installation is not

•
covered under the Warranty

• Install the dryer where the temperature is above 50°F
for satisfactory operation of the dryer control system.

• Remove and discard existing plastic or metal foil duct
and replace with UL-listed duct.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

WARNING

• Clothes dryer installation must be performed by a

qualified installer.

Install the clothes dryer according to these

•
instructions and local codes.

DO NOT install a clothes dryer with flexible plastic

•
venting materials. If flexible metal (semi-rigid or
foil-type) duct is installed, it must be UL-listed and
installed in accordance with the instructions found
in “Connecting the Dryer to House Vent” later in
this manual. Flexible vent materials are known to
collapse, be easily crushed and trap lint. These
conditions will obstruct dryer airflow and increase
the risk of fire.

DO NOT install or store this appliance in any

•
location where it could be exposed to water or
weather.

To reduce the risk of severe injury or death, follow

•
all installation instructions.

Save these instructions. (Installers: Be sure to leave

•
these instructions with the customer.)

.

- Fire Hazard

05

Printed in Mexico

234D1753P005

31-16761-1 12-15 GE

Installation Instructions

UNPACKING YOUR DRYER

Tilt the dryer sideways and remove the foam
shipping pads by pulling at the sides and breaking
them away from the dryer legs. Be sure to remove all
of the foam pieces around the legs.

Remove the bag containing the literature.

ROUGH-IN
DIMENSIONS

28”

(71.1 cm)

32” (81.3 cm)

44 1/2”

(113 cm)

POWER CORDS:

GE strongly recommends the use of factory specified parts.
Select the power cord to fit your installation requirements.

Order on-line at GEApplianceParts.com, 24 hours a day or
by phone at 800.626.2002 during normal business hours.

44 1/2”

(113 cm)

3 1/2”

Side ViewFront View

5 3/4”

(14.6 cm)

Part Number Type Length Amperage

WX9X2 3-Prong 4 Feet 30
WX9X3 3-Prong 5 Feet 30

WX9X4 3-Prong 6 Feet 30
WX9X18 4-Prong 4 Feet 30
WX9X19 4-Prong 5 Feet 30
WX9X20 4-Prong 6 Feet 30

(8.9 cm)

2

Installation Instructions

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALCOVE OR
CLOSET INSTALLATION

WARNING

Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline,
away from dryer.

Place dryer at least 18” (46 cm) above the floor for a
garage installation.

Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, or fire.

If the dryer is approved for installation in an

•
alcove or closet, it will be stated on a label on the
dryer back.

•

The dryer MUST be vented to the outdoors. See

the EXHAUSTING THE DRYER section.

•

Minimum clearance between dryer cabinet and

adjacent walls or other surfaces is:
0” either side
3” front
3” rear

•

Minimum vertical space from dryer to overhead

shelves, cabinets, ceilings, etc., is 1” on top.

•

Consideration must be given to provide adequate

clearance for installation and service.

•

Closet doors must be louvered or otherwise

ventilated and have at least 60 square inches of

open area. If the closet contains both a washer

and a dryer, doors must contain a minimum of

120 square inches of open area.

NOTE: WHEN THE EXHAUST DUCT IS LOCATED IN
THE REAR OF THE DRYER, THE CONFIGURATION OF
THE DUCTING MAY REQUIRE GREATER THAN 3” OF
REAR CLEARANCE.

- Explosion Hazard

MINIMUM CLEARANCE OTHER THAN
ALCOVE OR CLOSET INSTALLATION

Minimum clearance to combustible surfaces and
for air opening are: 0” both sides, 1” front and
3” rear. Consideration must be given to provide
adequate clearance for installation and service.

MOBILE OR MANUFACTURED HOME
INSTALLATION

• Installation must conform to the
MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND
SAFETY STANDARD, TITLE 24, PART 32–80 or
Standard CAN/CSA-Z240 MH, or, when such
standard is not applicable, with AMERICAN
NATIONAL STANDARD FOR MOBILE HOME,
ANSI/NFPA NO. 501B.

•

The dryer MUST be vented to the outdoors. The

exhaust vent must be securely fastened to a
non-combustible portion of the mobile home.

•

The vent MUST NOT be terminated beneath a

mobile or manufactured home.

•

The vent duct material MUST BE METAL.

•

KIT 14-D346-33 MUST be used to attach the dryer

securely to the structure.

•

The vent MUST NOT be connected to any other

duct, vent or chimney.

•

Do not use sheet metal screws or other

fastening devices which extend into the interior
of the exhaust vent.

•

Provide an opening with a free area of at least

25 square inches for introduction of outside air
into the dryer room.

•

See the sections for electrical connection

information.

3

Installation Instructions

CONNECTING AN ELECTRIC DRYER

(Skip if your dryer already has a power cord attached)

TOOLS YOU WILL NEED

 Slip-joint pliers

Flat-blade crewdriver





Phillips screwdriver

Level



MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED

 4” dia. metal elbow

3/4” strain relief



(UL recognized)



Gloves

Exhaust hood



Before making the electrical connection, turn off
the circuit breaker(s) or remove the dryer’s circuit
fuse(s) at the electrical box. Be sure the dryer cord

is unplugged from the wall.

NEVER LEAVE THE

ACCESS COVER OFF THE TERMINAL BLOCK.

4”duct



clamps (2) or
4”spring clamps (2)

Safety glasses



4” dia. metal duct



(recommended)

4” dia., UL-listed



flexible metal duct (if
needed)

Duct tape





Dryer power cord kit

(not provided with
dryer)

UL rated 120/240V,
30A with 3 or 4 prongs.
Identify the plug type
as per the house
receptacle before
purchasing line cord.



4” Cover Plate (Kit

WE49X22606)

4

Installation Instructions

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
INFORMATION FOR ELECTRIC DRYERS

For electrical connections using a
power cord:

WARNING

Use a new UL-listed 240V 30 amp dryer power supply
cord with closed ring terminals or spade terminals with
upturned ends.

Use a UL-listed strain relief.
Disconnect power before making electrical

connections.
Connect neutral wire (white or center wire) to center

terminal.
Ground wire (green or bare wire) must be connected to

green ground connector.
Connect remaining two supply wires to remaining two

terminals.
Securely tighten all electrical connections.
Replace the terminal block cover.
Failure to do so can result in death, fire or electrical

shock.

- Fire Hazard

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

For a grounded, cord-connected dryer: This dryer

must be grounded. In the event of a malfunction
or breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk
of electric shock by providing a path of least
resistance for electric current. This dryer uses a
cord having an equipment-grounding conductor
and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged
into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed
and grounded in accordance with all local codes
and ordinances.

WARNING

can result in a risk of electrical shock. Check with a
qualified electrician, or service representative or
personnel, if you are in doubt as to whether the
appliance is properly grounded. DO NOT modify the
plug on the power supply cord. If it will not fit the
outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualified
electrician.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Improper connection of the
equipment-grounding conductor

ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
INFORMATION FOR ELECTRIC DRYERS

For direct wire connections:

WARNING

Use 10 gauge copper wire.
Use a UL-listed strain relief.
Disconnect power before making electrical

connections.
Connect neutral wire (white or center wire) to center

terminal.
Ground wire (green or bare wire) must be connected to

green ground connector.
Connect remaining two supply wires to remaining two

terminals.
Securely tighten all electrical connections.
Replace the terminal block cover.
Failure to do so can result in death, fire or electrical

shock.

- Fire Hazard

GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS

For a permanently connected dryer: This

dryer must be connected to a grounded metal,
permanent wiring system, or an equipment­grounding conductor must be run with the circuit
conductors and connected to the equipment­grounding terminal on the appliance.

WARNING

can result in a risk of electrical shock. Check with a
qualified electrician, or service representative or
personnel, if you are in doubt as to whether the
appliance is properly grounded.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Improper connection of the
equipment-grounding conductor

5

Installation Instructions

CONNECTING AN ELECTRIC DRYER (cont.)

CONNECTING DRYER USING 4-WIRE
CONNECTION (MUST BE USED FOR
MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION)

NOTE: Since January 1, 1996, the National Electrical Code

requires that new constructions use a 4-wire connection
to an electric dryer. A 4-wire cord must also be used where
local codes do not permit grounding through the neutral.

3-wire connection is NOT for use on new construction.

SCREWS

COVER

(3)

HOT
WIRE

NEUTRAL

(White)

RELOCATE
GROUND SCREW
HERE

HOT
WIRE

GREEN
OR YELLOW

WIRE

STRAIN
RELIEF
BRACKET

3/4", UL
RECOGNIZED
STRAIN RELIEF

CONNECTING DRYER USING 3-WIRE
CONNECTION

If required, by local code, install external ground (not
provided) to grounded metal, cold water pipe, or other
established ground determined by a qualified electrician.

GROUND STRAP

SCREWS (3)

COVER

GREEN GROUND SCREW

NEUTRAL (White)

HOT
WIRE

HOT
WIRE

STRAIN
RELIEF
BRACKET

3/4", UL
RECOGNIZED
STRAIN RELIEF

1. Turn off the circuit breaker(s) (30 amp) or remove the

dryer’s circuit fuse at the electrical box.

2. Be sure the dryer cord is unplugged from the wall

receptacle.

3. Remove the power cord cover located at the lower back.

4. Remove and discard ground strap. Keep the green

ground screw for Step 7.

5. Install 3/4 in. UL-recognized strain relief to power cord

entry hole. Bring power cord through strain relief.

6. Connect power cord as follows:
A. Connect the 2 hot lines to the outer screws of the

terminal block (marked L1 and L2).

B. Connect the neutral (white) line to the center of the

terminal block (marked N).

7. Attach ground wire of power cord with the green

ground screw (hole above strain relief bracket). Tighten
all terminal block screws (3) securely.

8. Properly secure power cord to strain relief.

9. Reinstall the cover.

NEVER LEAVE THE COVER OFF OF THE TERMINAL
BLOCK.

3-wire Connection

Not for use in Canada.
DO NOT use for Mobile Home Installations.
NOT for use on new construction.
NOT for use on recreational vehicles.
NOT for use in areas where local codes prohibit

grounding through the neutral conduction.

1. Turn off the circuit breaker(s) (30 amp) or remove the

dryer’s circuit fuse at the electrical box.

2. Be sure the dryer cord is unplugged from the wall
receptacle.

3. Remove the power cord cover located at the lower
back.

4. Install 3/4-in. UL-recognized strain relief to power cord
entry hole. Bring power cord through strain relief.

5. Connect power cord as follows:

A. Connect the 2 hot lines to the outer screws of the

terminal block (marked L1 and L2).

B. Connect the neutral (white) line to the center of the

terminal block (marked N).

6. Be sure ground strap is connected to neutral (center)
terminal of block and to green ground screw on cabinet
rear. Tighten all terminal block screws (3) securely.

7. Properly secure power cord to strain relief.

8. Reinstall the cover.

NEVER LEAVE THE COVER OFF OF THE TERMINAL
BLOCK.

6

Installation Instructions

EXHAUSTING THE DRYER

WARNING

This dryer MUST be vented to the outdoors.
Use only 4” rigid metal ducting for the home

exhaust vent.
Use only 4” rigid metal or UL-LISTED transition duct

to connect the dryer to the home exhaust duct.

DO NOT use a plastic vent.
DO NOT exhaust into a chimney, kitchen exhaust,

gas vent, wall, ceiling, attic, crawl space, or
concealed space of a building.

DO NOT install a screen in or over the exhaust duct.
DO NOT use duct longer than specified in the

exhaust length table.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in

death or fire.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS YOU WILL
NEED TO INSTALL EXHAUST DUCT

 Phillips-head

screwdriver

- Fire Hazard



Drill with 1/8” drill bit

(for bottom venting)

CONNECTING THE DRYER TO HOUSE
VENT

RIGID METAL TRANSITION DUCT

•

For best drying performance, a rigid metal transition

duct is recommended.

•

Rigid metal transition ducts reduce the risk of crushing

and kinking.

UL-LISTED FLEXIBLE METAL CLOTHES DRYER
TRANSITION DUCT

• If rigid metal cannot be used, then UL-LISTED flexible
metal clothes dryer transition duct (GE part –
PM08X10085) can be used.

• Never install transition duct in walls, ceilings, floors or
other enclosed spaces.

•

Total length of transition duct should not exceed
8’ (2.4 m).

• For many applications, installing elbows at both
the dryer and the wall is highly recommended (see
illustrations at right). Elbows allow the dryer to sit
close to the wall without kinking and/or crushing the
transition duct, maximizing drying performance.

•

Avoid resting the duct on sharp objects.



Duct tape or

duct clamp



Rigid or UL-listed

flexible metal 4”
(10.2 cm) duct

PARTS AVAILABLE FROM GEAPPLIANCES.COM

Hacksaw





Vent hood

OR LOCAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

PM8X85
PM08X10085

WX08X10130
WE49X22606

Outdoor exhaust hood
8’ Flexible metal clothes dryer

transition duct with 2 clamps
4” Dryer exhaust clamp
Rear exhaust opening cover, for side

or bottom vented dryers

UL-LISTED FLEXIBLE METAL (FOIL-TYPE) TRANSITION
DUCT

In special installations, it may be necessary to connect

•
the dryer to the home exhaust vent using flexible
metal (foil-type) transition duct. UL–LISTED universal
flexible dryer transition duct (GE parts – PM8X73 or
WX8X73) may be used ONLY in installations where
rigid metal or flexible metal transition ducting cannot
be used AND where a 4” diameter can be maintained
throughout the entire length of the transition duct.

•

In Canada and the United States, only transition ducts

that comply with “UL 2158A STANDARD FOR CLOTHES
DRYER TRANSITION DUCT” shall be used.

• Avoid resting the duct on sharp objects.

•

For best drying performance:

1. Slide one end of the duct over the clothes dryer

outlet pipe.

2. Secure the duct with a clamp.

3. With the dryer in its permanent position, extend

the duct to its full length. Allow 2” of duct to
overlap the exhaust pipe. Cut off and remove
excess duct. Keep the duct as straight as
possible for maximum airflow.

4. Secure the duct to the exhaust pipe with the

other clamp.

7

Installation Instructions

EXHAUSTING THE DRYER (cont.)

• DO cut duct as short

as possible and install
straight into wall.

•

DO use elbows when

turns are necessary.

Elbows

• DO NOT bend

or collapse
ducting. Use
elbows if turns
are necessary.

• DO NOT use

excessive
exhaust
length. Cut
duct as short
as possible.

EXHAUST LENGTH

Using exhaust longer than specified length will:

• Increase the drying times and the energy cost.

• Reduce the dryer life.

• Accumulate lint, creating a potential fire
hazard.

The correct exhaust installation is YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY.

Problems due to incorrect installation are not
covered by the warranty.

EXHAUST LENGTH

FOR NORMAL VENT MODELS

RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM LENGTH

Exhaust Hood Types

Recommended

4" DIA.

4" DIA.

Use only for short

run installations

4" DIA.

• DO NOT

crush duct
against the

.

wall

• DO NOT

set dryer
on duct

The MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE length of the exhaust
system depends upon the type of duct, number of
turns, the type of exhaust hood (wall cap) and all
conditions noted on the chart.

• Internal elbows added for side or bottom vent

conversions must be included in the total elbow count.

• Any elbow greater than 45° should be treated as a

90° elbow.

• Two 45° elbows will be treated like one 90° elbow.

• For every additional 90° elbow, reduce the allowable

vent system length by 10 feet.

• When calculating the total vent system length, you

must add all the straight portions and elbows of the
system (including the transition duct).

EXHAUST LENGTH

FOR LONG VENT MODELS

RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM LENGTH

Exhaust Hood Types

Recommended

4" DIA.

4" DIA.

Use only for short

run installations

4" DIA.

.

No. of 90°

Elbows

0
1
2
3
4

4"

Rigid

Metal

90 Feet
60 Feet
45 Feet
35 Feet
25 Feet

Rigid

Metal

60 Feet
45 Feet
35 Feet
25 Feet
15 Feet

2-1/2"

8

No. of 90°

Elbows

0
1
2
3
4
5

4"

Rigid

Metal

150 Feet
135 Feet
125 Feet
115 Feet
105 Feet

95 Feet

2-1/2"

Rigid
Metal

125 Feet
115 Feet
105 Feet

95 Feet
85 Feet
75 Feet

Installation Instructions

EXHAUST SYSTEM CHECKLIST

HOOD OR WALL CAP

Terminate in a manner to prevent back drafts or entry

•
of birds or other wildlife.

Termination should present minimal resistance to

•
the exhaust airflow and should require little or no
maintenance to prevent clogging.

Wall caps must be installed at least 12” above ground

•
level or any other obstruction with the opening
pointed down.

SEPARATION OF TURNS

For best performance, separate all turns by at least

•
4 ft. of straight duct, including distance between last
turn and dampened wall cap.

SEALING OF JOINTS

All joints should be tight to avoid leaks. The male end

•
of each section of duct must point away from the
dryer.

Duct joints should be made air- and moisture-tight

•
by wrapping the overlapped joints with duct tape or
aluminum tape.

Do not assemble ductwork with any fasteners

•
that extend into the duct. These fasteners can
accumulate lint, creating a potential fire hazard.

• Horizontal runs should slope down towards the
outdoors 1/4” per foot.

•

Provide an access for inspection and cleaning of
the exhaust system, especially at turns and joints.
Exhaust system shall be inspected and cleaned at
least once a year.

INSULATION

Ductwork that runs through an unheated area or is

•
near air conditioning should be insulated to reduce
condensation and lint buildup.

STANDARD REAR EXHAUST

We recommend that you install your dryer before
installing your washer. This will permit direct
access for easier exhaust connection.

Slide the end of the exhaust duct on the back of the
dryer and secure with duct tape or a duct clamp.

EXTERNAL DUCT

OPENING

DUCT TAPE OR
DUCT CLAM

4" METAL DUCT CU
TO PROPER LENGTH

P

T

DUCT TAPE OR
DUCT CLAM

P

NOTE: We strongly recommend using rigid metal
exhaust duct. However, if flexible ducting is used it
must be UL-Listed metal, not plastic.

• For straight-line installation, connect the dryer
exhaust to the wall, using duct tape or a duct
clamp.

RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATION TO
MINIMIZE EXHAUST BLOCKAGE

Using duct elbows will prevent duct kinking and
collapsing.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Remove and discard existing plastic or metal foil
duct and replace with UL-listed duct.

•

Remove any lint from the wall exhaust opening.

Wall

Internal
Duct
Opening

Check that exhaust
hood damper opens
and closes freely.

Transition
Ducting

9