Using an Aeotec heavy duty smart switch to monitor an dryer

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Finally reached a point after my move where I can monitor my washer and dryer again, so that’s the next project.

For the washer, I have a Samsung power monitoring plug that I used in my last home for several years, so I’m assuming that will work.

For the dryer (electric) I just ordered a Gen 5 Aeotec heavy duty smart switch. I don’t want to cut my existing dryer cord, so I also ordered a dryer cord, and a surface mount Legrand dryer outlet. The dryer is on a 30A breaker; with my clamp meter I've picked up a peak of ~27.3A when the dryer is running.

I plan to wire the smart switch to the Legrand outlet, and then plug the dryer into the Legrand outlet. The smart switch will be plugged into the original dryer outlet.

The cord I've ordered that will be between the original outlet and the smart switch is 10 gauge stranded copper and will be about 4 ft long.

The cord between the smart switch and the Legrand outlet will be about 2 ft long, and it is 4-conductor 8 gauge SOOW cable - because I have that available at home.

The smart switch and outlet will be mounted to the same stud (behind the dryer).

Does this seem ok? And is it safe? I’ve never used a surface mount dryer outlet before. I’ll make sure everything is torqued ok, and there’s no tension on the wire.

I am concerned that the smart switch will have 8 ga conductors on one side and 10 ga conductors on the other.

Anything else to look out for?

Thanks!

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I'm pretty sure 10 ga is what is called for in a 30A circuit and the fact that there is 8 ga is just icing on the cake.

But why not use an IotaWatt monitor for that and many more circuits? I suspect the cost is less than what you're investing in your solution for the dryer alone.

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10ga stranded is rated at 30 amp.
8ga is rated 40 amp.

Which I'm sure you know. The circuit is fused for 30, so the 10ga is good and the 8 ga is more than good. :smiley:

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Unfortunately, not enough room in the panel. It is really jammed tight. That was my first option.

Also thank you both - @LosinIt and @csteele

Just don't want to burn the house down, and your comments have reassured me!

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I have an Aeotec switch for my well pump. Don't monitor power, but could. It's either off or on for a minute and a half or so to charge the tank. I turn off the water when I leave the house, in conjunction with a WaterCop valve, so it also acts as a kind of presence device.

As I recall, the driver took a little time to set up and understand, which I don't think I ever really did.

edit: I've posted about my new LG Combo unit that runs on 120v. I used a ZEN15 to verify that the resistive heating element didn't come on with water temp set to cold, tap. I actually kind of like the ThinQ WiFi notifications, which also gives you energy consumption; historical for a couple months, as I recall.