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What is the minimum load, in watts, required for household electric clothes dryers in a dwelling unit?

  1. 3000 watts

  2. 4000 watts

  3. 5000 watts

  4. 6000 watts

The correct answer is: 5000 watts

The minimum load requirement for household electric clothes dryers in a dwelling unit is established in the National Electrical Code (NEC). According to NEC guidelines, the minimum demand for a household clothes dryer is 5000 watts. This specification is designed to ensure that the electrical system in a dwelling can handle the power draw of the dryer during operation, which is crucial for both safety and efficiency. By defining the minimum load, the NEC aims to prevent issues such as circuit overloads and ensures that the wiring is adequately sized to handle the load safely without risk of fire or malfunction. Given the common usage patterns and the typical power consumption of electric dryers, setting the minimum at 5000 watts helps maintain consistent performance while ensuring that the electrical infrastructure remains reliable.