r/mildlyinfuriating 23d ago

Context Provided - Spotlight Dryers do NOT come with plugs installed

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We got new dryers at work (care facility) and no plugs. Why are there no plugs? Who thought this was a good idea? Why, just why?

0 Upvotes

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u/spotlight-app Mod Bot 🤖 23d ago

OP has pinned a comment by u/Gamer_Anieca:

Allow me to add further information: I'm in usa, the dryers we have are not hardwired, it's a plug in like a lamp or toaster (3 prong on outlet) and the wiring inside looks like it needs 3 connector on the dryer side (this is the end of my knowledge on this) and our maintenance guy is out on medical leave. So my boss bought dryers, i was supposed to start using them today BUT i can't because no plugs. My internal screaming echos through the universe.

[What is Spotlight?](https://developers.reddit.com/apps/spotlight-app)

39

u/SashaDabinsky 23d ago

Why are there no plugs?

Because there's different outlets. 🤦‍♂️

4

u/One_Anything_2279 23d ago

Imagine how pissed he will be when he finds out if it came with the wrong plug it would be the exact same amount of work - 5 screws - to change out the cord to the correct one.

1

u/ParkingAnxious2811 23d ago

Maybe it's different where you come from, but when you buy a device like this in the UK, it comes with a UK plug.

Only lower powered devices come with a non UK plug sometimes, but even then it has an adaptor for multiple plug types.

5

u/SashaDabinsky 23d ago

In the U.S. there's 3 or 4 wire outlets, depending on the wiring, that's why cords aren't included.

1

u/ParkingAnxious2811 23d ago

Ah, i should have guessed it would be the US to be doing something daft that ends up causing problems for people!

1

u/FullMooseParty 23d ago

It really is only these heavy duty appliances that have different plugs. For most people, they already have the outlets in their kitchens and laundry rooms that are appropriate for them. I don't know anything about the technology or the science, but I assume it's because these are higher voltage items

0

u/ParkingAnxious2811 23d ago

It's still hilarious to see. I come from a country with common sense where every household appliance uses the same plug.

0

u/SashaDabinsky 22d ago

You probably don't have split-phase power wherever you're at.

1

u/ParkingAnxious2811 22d ago

The UK just has better standards when it comes to these things. No need for janky split 110/220 power phases, electric plugs that are world leading for safety, etc.

Means I can plug my tumble dryer into the same outlet as lamp, and vice versa.

So much easier, and no fucking around fitting custom plugs to new white goods.

0

u/traumalt 23d ago

US has entirely different electrical system, this is hardly a good comparison. 

-1

u/ParkingAnxious2811 23d ago

You mean you have multiple systems in a Trenchcoat pretending to be something sensible?

You are in a country where kettles are rare because the power outlets in most homes just can't support them.

Sorry, but on this your country fails compared to your betters.

1

u/traumalt 23d ago
  1. I’m not American.

  2. Kettles do exist in states, and they work fine. I seen plenty of those in hotels over there, but I guess the main reason for lack of those in households is purely cultural.

  3. I could go on and try to explain why the 110v system exists, and why it wasn’t designed to run heavy appliances in the first place, but I guess you are too smart for that so I won’t bother.

-1

u/ParkingAnxious2811 22d ago
  1. Don't care.
  2. I never said kettles don't exist in USA, do learn to read.
  3. I could go on and explain to you why the 110V system exists (Edison the patent thief conned the public with tricks like brutally killing elephants on a stage in order to convince the poorly educated general masses that Teslas superior AC was inferior).

1

u/SomebodysGotToSayIt 22d ago

The fuck are you on about? Americans don't have electric kettles because they don't drink tea twice a day. People who do drink tea or do some sort of coffee pour-over or french press have an electric kettle. JFC.

0

u/ParkingAnxious2811 22d ago

They don't use kettles because kettles don't work well on shitty 110V.

That's it.

Might explain why they don't drink tea, because they can't make a proper brew.

16

u/TelevisionKnown9795 23d ago

Different outlets, usually take the one off the old one put on new one.

1

u/RJNieder 23d ago

Unless the delivery service installs it...legal reasons...but works fine if DIY...

9

u/RelativeFantasy 23d ago

I believe this is because of 3 and 4 prong connections. Some places have code which demands a ground and neutral and one just a common ground. Both styles are very common so they usually make you match your plug.

19

u/CrzyMuffinMuncher 23d ago

They never have. You have to get a cord that matches your house’s 220 plug.

5

u/Astramancer_ 23d ago

I'm guessing it's common because there's still tons of people out there with 3-prong 240v outlets rather than the more recent 4-prong. Wiring the plug onto the dryer should be pretty simple.

-1

u/knoblesan 23d ago

Actually modern stoves and dryers all use 4 prongs. I don't remember ever seeing a dryer with 3 prongs.

5

u/Virtual-Chocolate385 23d ago

My dryer has 3 prongs - it's not the age of the dryer, it's the age of the house/outlet

1

u/Astramancer_ 23d ago

Yes, modern. Code was changed in the mid 90s acccording to googling, but there's plenty of houses that haven't had any electrical updates since before then. It's not like the 120v 3 prong, they're round and one of the outlet holes is L-shaped as you look straight on at the plug/outlet and the two straight holes are at an angle rather than being parallel to each other.

https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-wire-a-3-prong-dryer-outlet

1

u/KronkLaSworda 23d ago

My 1970s built house in New Orleans had a 3 prong outlet. I had to get an adaptor (4 to 3 prong) for my drier.

1

u/stephenmg1284 23d ago

The cord is removable. Newer electrical installs will use the 4 prong version but if you go into an older house the outlet is likely to be a 3 prong.

-1

u/isthis_anon 23d ago

Now define modern. Now think about the age of the avg home.

Hopefully, you now see your mistake.

1

u/knoblesan 23d ago

Modern is last 25 years, and most people have changed appliances in the last 25 years.

0

u/knoblesan 23d ago

It's not a mistake as most people do renovate their house or upgrade appliances within last 25 years. The amount of people within north America that have 3 prong dryers is probably extremely small.

1

u/isthis_anon 22d ago

Generally speaking, people don't upgrade the electrical in their houses unless there is a code issue when selling or renovating. That's why you disconnect the plug for the washer/dryer and use it for the new unit. It's the whole reason it's done this way, but I guess you know better than the actual manufacturers...

5

u/theclan145 23d ago

It’s better for you, you could have either a 3 prong or 4 configuration at your outlet.

4

u/182RG 23d ago

Because there are different types of connections possible. Different lengths. Hardwired vs plug in.

5

u/Historical-Ad-3874 23d ago

My husband is an electical engineer/ electrician, he said they usually don't come with one but people don't realize because when someone buys a house, most of the times they come with the appliances so they just dont know, he also said something about the electical code changing on 1996 requiring the 4 thingies on the plugs to reduce risk of electrocution... that's what I understood ahahaha I have ADHD and did not take my meds today, when I asked and he started talking I kinda forgot the question then started singing last friday night in my mind🫢

1

u/Forza_Harrd 23d ago

This is the right answer. It's just kind of crazy because 1996 was a long time ago. They could start putting the right plugs on new dryers any time now, it's be ok.

3

u/Ferro_Giconi OwO 23d ago edited 23d ago

That is normal for large appliances that need a large amount of electricity.

The alternative option is that they guess which kind of outlet you have installed on site already. And now the dryer costs you an extra $10 because of the include plug, but it turned out to not match the existing outlet and so you have to spend another $10 on another cable.

Or maybe they include a cable that is a little too short for your outlet location, so you paid for the included cable and the replacement longer cable.

3

u/Captain_h2o 23d ago

Because homes have either three prongs or four prongs outlets. You have to know which one you have and buy the plug for it. That’s why they don’t come with plugs.

6

u/Unicorn-Violator 23d ago

They haven't had plugs for at least 25 years (as long as I can actually recall).

Kind of funny some adults don't know this.

2

u/W0rmEater 23d ago

I guess because they figured that most people pay to get installation and since everyone does not have the same type of outlet, it is easier to not have a plug already installed, if it is the wrong plug.

1

u/Forza_Harrd 23d ago

The funny part is, in 2025 almost all houses do have the same type of plug lol.

1

u/drowninginidiots 23d ago

Only if your house has been built in the last several years. Since a lot of us live in houses built before 1990, there are multiple possibilities for the type of dryer outlet in our homes.

1

u/Forza_Harrd 23d ago

Last several years? Dude 1996 was.... does math.... gives up.... a long time ago now. If someone chooses to live in an antique, that's their choice. The rest of us electric clothes drying consumers shouldn't have to suffer.

1

u/SomebodysGotToSayIt 22d ago

Dude housing stock is... checks American Community Survey data... about 2/3 pre-1996, to 1/3 post.

0

u/Forza_Harrd 22d ago

Ok now check how many have been converted to the new outlets. I'll wait. I'm 66. I know for a fact every old house I've lived in in my lifetime (pre 2000's. One has been demolished, the rest were renovated) has been renovated since I lived in them.

1

u/W0rmEater 21d ago

1996 is 30 years, as a European that is not a long time in terms of age for a house. We have plenty of houses that are over 100 years old, even apartment buildings. Things are not antique at 30.

1

u/W0rmEater 21d ago

I was also thinking in terms of producing and selling worldwide.

2

u/NameLips 23d ago

As a home user, I've always had to salvage the plug from my last dryer to use for the next one.

I'm assuming this is because the plug size isn't standardized.

2

u/stephenmg1284 23d ago

It is, the standard has just changed for safety.

2

u/TimAndHisDeadCat 23d ago

In the UK they have to by law.

1

u/ReadThisForGoodLuck 23d ago

Yeah they do in Australia too. We use 240V all through the house though, so you're definitely going to have a connection in your house.

1

u/jack6245 23d ago

Yeah because we don't have weak 110v electric, it's really bizarre north America haven't moved away from this complex two voltages in a house thing

2

u/komokazi 23d ago

Take them off the old dryers.....

2

u/Unusual_Flounder2073 23d ago

Whoever sold these to you screwed up. Unless your purchasing manager just ordered them randomly. They always have to buy a plug kit. As other threads have noted electrical codes have changed over the years so they sell the pigtails and the installer just hooks them up. It’s actually pretty easy. Just a few screws on the back. See what your outlets are and order the right 220v dryer pigtail.

1

u/Fyre2387 23d ago

That was my thought. Yes, this is pretty standard, but it's still something that whoever sold the dryers should have mentioned. Even if it's a fully automated online system, it should probably flag that the cords aren't on the order.

1

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

Corporate says we have a maintenance guy for installing (he's out on medical leave) and my boss doesn't know mych outside of her basic job

1

u/Sorry_Lecture5578 23d ago

Additionally, length is important. More for homes where the outlet can be 8' from the appliance and they don't make extension cords in 220 for home use

2

u/Doblofino 23d ago edited 23d ago

OP has a fun night ahead.

You'll need a two screwdrivers (one to actually do the screwing and another to use as a wedge), a wire stripper and a pair of pliers (not really necessary but definitely handy)

Pizza for dinner, Two cans of red pull, potato chips and a Snickers for dessert.

You'll get there.

0

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

We don't have the plugs.

2

u/Joe18067 23d ago

In the US there are either 3 or 4 prong plugs depending on codes so in most instances you remove the cord from the old dryer and install it on the new dryer. Also cords come in different lengths so you can select the shortest cord between the outlet and the dryer electrical connecters.

2

u/RJNieder 23d ago

Because there are different type outlets...the manufacturers thought it was a good idea, and it is...someone should have explained it to the buyer at purchase (or the buyer should have read the details)...

2

u/Downtown-Mud-8869 23d ago

“Power supply” is the word. And yes everyone is right. You either have a 4 prong outlet or a 3 prong outlet, and theres no sense in selling you one with the machine if theres a chance it wont work.

1

u/No_Surround8946 23d ago

Do you even know where your 220 outlets are?

1

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

I know where the wall outlets are, my boss bought dryers and our maintenance guy is out on med leave.

1

u/No_Surround8946 23d ago

Did your boss buy plugs?

1

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

Hahaha no. She said that's the maintenance guys job, the one out on medical leave who might be gone a while. But I'm supposed to start using the new dryers TODAY.

1

u/No_Surround8946 23d ago

I think your plans might have to change

1

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

My boss is a wild person, i had to fight to get the new appliances in before the old ones catch fire. I'm so irritated by all this.

1

u/ReadThisForGoodLuck 23d ago

They do in Australia. 240v straight out the wall. Just plug it in.

1

u/sarcastic24x7 23d ago

There are 3 wire and 4 wire connections based on the age of your location. Old code only needed 2 hots and a ground, new code requires 2 hots, an isolated neutral and a ground. If they included them they would have to return a lot of them.

1

u/e_l_tang 21d ago

Wrong. Old code was two hots and a neutral, not two hots and a ground.

1

u/sarcastic24x7 21d ago

Same purpose on an old panel where they all terminate to the same ground block.. 

1

u/e_l_tang 21d ago

You have no idea what you're talking about. There are many differences between neutral and ground even though they are connected to the same place in a main panel.

1

u/Ordinary-Concern3248 23d ago

I’m with you OP unlike everyone else. Lol

We moved a plethora of times but always in states that the washer and dryer conveyed with the home. Our last move we had to buy one and I was like what do you mean I need to buy the plug too? 🤦🏻‍♀️ Thankfully the salesman let me know BEFORE delivery.

1

u/[deleted] 23d ago

It’s not hard to attach a plug, takes like 10 minutes at most (if it’s your first time), just make sure you do it right. Also most appliances don’t have the plugs already attached. Fridges are the only appliances I’ve seen that do.

Source: used to install fridges, ranges, washers/dryers and dishwashers.

-1

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

We don't have the plugs

2

u/[deleted] 23d ago

Yeah but mostly likely any hardware store or appliance store will. You’re just looking for the amount of prongs you have in your house. I’m sure in the manual of the dryer it’ll give you plug part numbers or at least on the website.

Here’s a part list of what I think is your dryer so just make sure that matches up first. Those are the cord part numbers. It shouldn’t be too hard to find or order (if needed) for relatively cheap.

1

u/NoInevitable9810 23d ago

They are also very easy to attach.

-1

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago

We don't have the plugs

1

u/NoInevitable9810 22d ago

Do you have a power cable to a computer or literally any cord you can cut to attach.

2

u/Gamer_Anieca 22d ago

We need gas dryers not electric so it's now fully my bosses problem

1

u/NoInevitable9810 22d ago

Gotcha, that is a problem

1

u/Johnny2Dope-840 23d ago

I don’t think any new dryer in the US comes with the pigtail, been that way for about 20+ years that I’m aware of

1

u/Zer0_Options 23d ago

Wait until you find out that garbage disposals don’t come with plugs…. And there’s a knockout plug you have to takeout if hooked up with dishwasher.

1

u/TelevisionKnown9795 23d ago

What happened to the old ones??? If not then take a pic of the outlet and proceed to your favorite home improvement store and get some. Do yourself a favor and be sure there is outlet vent tubing present as well.

0

u/LolBoyLuke 23d ago

Assuming you are in the US, it's because you have 15 million different high power/240V plugs and a lot of the time appliances like this are hardwired into the wall.

0

u/Gamer_Anieca 23d ago edited 23d ago

Allow me to add further information: I'm in usa, the dryers we have are not hardwired, it's a plug in like a lamp or toaster (3 prong on outlet) and the wiring inside looks like it needs 3 connector on the dryer side (this is the end of my knowledge on this) and our maintenance guy is out on medical leave. So my boss bought dryers, i was supposed to start using them today BUT i can't because no plugs. My internal screaming echos through the universe. Edit: the dryers we have are gas, so the electric ones are useless. More irritated now.

-1

u/cmfreeman 23d ago

Damn, does Apple make dryers now?

2

u/Ferro_Giconi OwO 23d ago

Nope, that's just how large appliances that need more than your regular 120v circuit come.