How do I add a 240-volt outlet for a dryer or stove in New Brunswick?

Adding a 240V Outlet for a Dryer or Stove in New Brunswick

If you're moving a laundry room, converting from gas to electric, or finishing a basement suite, you may need a new 240V outlet. This is not a DIY project — it requires a licensed electrician and a TSANB permit.

Understanding 240V Circuits

Your electrical panel supplies both 120V and 240V. Standard outlets use one hot wire plus neutral (120V). A 240V outlet uses two hot wires (each carrying 120V, opposite phase), a neutral, and a ground — delivering 240V to the appliance.

Dryer Circuits

Modern requirement (CEC):

• Circuit: Dedicated 30-amp, 240V


• Wire: 10/3 NMD90 (10 AWG, 3 conductors + ground)


• Outlet: NEMA 14-30R (4-prong) — two hots, one neutral, one ground


• Breaker: 2-pole 30A

Older 3-prong outlets (NEMA 10-30):
Many NB homes built before the 2000s have the older 3-prong dryer outlet with no separate ground. These are grandfathered — you don't need to upgrade the existing outlet. But if you're running a NEW circuit, it must use the 4-prong configuration with a separate ground wire.

Stove/Range Circuits

Modern requirement (CEC):

• Circuit: Dedicated 40-amp or 50-amp, 240V


• Wire: 6/3 NMD90 (6 AWG for 50A) or 8/3 NMD90 (8 AWG for 40A)


• Outlet: NEMA 14-50R (4-prong, 50A) — most common for ranges


• Breaker: 2-pole 40A or 50A

Check your range's nameplate — most residential ranges draw 30–50 amps. A 50-amp circuit handles virtually any residential range and gives headroom.

What the Installation Involves

Panel assessment — your electrician verifies you have space for a new 2-pole breaker AND sufficient amperage capacity on the panel. A 200A panel almost always has room. A 100A panel may already be at capacity, requiring a panel upgrade.

Wire routing — the electrician runs NMD90 cable from the panel to the outlet location. Routes typically go through the basement/crawlspace or attic. Wall penetrations, fire stops, and cable protection (nail plates) are installed per CEC.

Outlet box installation — a large metal or plastic box rated for the wire gauge is installed flush with the wall.

Breaker and connections — the new 2-pole breaker is installed in the panel, wires are connected at both ends, and the circuit is tested.

TSANB inspection — the inspector verifies wire gauge, breaker size, outlet type, grounding, and routing.

Costs in New Brunswick

| Scenario | Cost Range |
|----------|------------|
| 30A dryer circuit (panel in basement, laundry on main floor) | $400–$800 |
| 30A dryer circuit (long run, panel far from laundry) | $700–$1,200 |
| 50A range circuit (panel in basement, kitchen above) | $500–$1,000 |
| 50A range circuit (long run) | $800–$1,500 |
| Panel upgrade required (add $2,500–$4,500) | $3,000–$6,000 total |
| TSANB permit | $50–$100 |

The biggest cost variable is the distance between the panel and the outlet. Longer runs need more wire (6 AWG copper is ~$5–$8 per metre), more labour for routing, and may require upsizing the wire to compensate for voltage drop on runs over 15 metres.

Basement Suite Considerations

If you're wiring a basement apartment or in-law suite in your NB home, the suite likely needs its own dedicated dryer circuit and stove circuit. Depending on your municipality and whether you're registering the suite:

• Some jurisdictions require a separate sub-panel for the suite
• The stove and dryer circuits must be dedicated — not shared with the main home
• Smoke and CO detectors may need to be on their own circuit
• The suite's electrical may need to be independently metered (check with NB Power and your local building department)

3-Prong to 4-Prong Conversion

If you have an old 3-prong dryer outlet (NEMA 10-30) and buy a new dryer that comes with a 4-prong cord:

Option 1: Replace the dryer's cord with a 3-prong cord ($15–$25, most dryer manufacturers sell them). This is legal for existing installations.

Option 2: Have an electrician upgrade the outlet to a 4-prong NEMA 14-30 by running a ground wire from the outlet back to the panel. Cost: $200–$500 depending on access.

The 4-prong configuration is safer because it provides a dedicated equipment ground separate from the neutral. If you're doing any work near the outlet anyway, upgrading is worthwhile.

Key Takeaway

A 240V circuit installation is straightforward work for a licensed electrician but involves heavy-gauge wiring and double the voltage of a standard circuit. Always use a TSANB-licensed electrician and always get the permit. The inspection confirms everything is safe and up to code, and having a closed permit protects your insurance coverage and home value.

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