Installing Stacks where singles were

[David]

I'm considering removing my ancient SQ 30lb dryers and replacing with stacks, since space is such a premium in my mat and more dryer pockets would be a definite boost.

I have a 1.5 inch gas line feeding 7 dryers along one segment. Will I be able to just add a tee to the gas line outlet to accomodate the second line? (Or do some dryers only have a single inlet for a stack unit?)

I'm sure I have enough makeup air.

Anything else to consider?

[mike]

Most of the twins have only one gas line, I have the wasco td3030, and like it because there is only one vent needed so you have a minimum of adapting to do.
The only other problem I forsee is having to buy a trailer to get all that extra cash to the bank :-)

[pete f]

the stack dryer must have been the biggest great thing to be invented in this business. Nobody ever had enough dryers prior to. The things I have come across in upgrades were make up air, and electric service. The venting and gas were non issues.
I will look at my gas line but I think it is 1 1/2" feeding 12 stacks.

Some dryers need 2 vents, others need 1, some need 2 electric plugs, others need 1. I think most have single gas connector.

[CharlieS]

I just did this switch, removing 17 singles and replacing them with 12 stacks.

Considerations -

1) The stacks were taller, requiring modification of the existing header wall over the original dryer. Mine was made of wood 2x2s. We used a circular saw to cut it to the new height, then added new sections of 2x2 across the bottom, and a 1 x 6 on the back side to stiffen it up.

2) Check your electrical panel capacity. The stack usually require a separate circuit for each pocket. You need to have the capacity available in your panel, plus adequate feed to the panel. Have your electrician in on the plan early, so you don't get caught if you need more capacity.

3) Will your 1.5 inch gas line adequately feed the new dryers? Again, this requires a gas expert to look at early. There are many considerations, including total BTU input and length of the pipe from the main regulator. Most Natural Gas systems are regulated to about 1/2 PSI, then further regulated at the appliance. LP is usually regulated to 11 water column inches, then the appliance regulator is forced wide open and not used. My installation did not have adequate piping for the LP. Instead of replacing the pipe (very high cost), we replaced the main regulator with a 2 PSI LP regulator, then added a small vent limiting regulator at each dryer. If your installation is LP, don't forget to order the LP conversion kit with each dryer.

I am very pleased with the conversion. We added 7 additional pockets, 40% more dryer capacity, and a much more modern look to the store, while removing our slightly problematic older slimlines. The doubling up of pockets actually reduced the length of our dryer wall, allowing us to separate the 12 stacks into 3 groups of 4 stacks, with a 5.5 foot area in between each group. We used aluminum studs and drywall to create a finished area 4 foot deep, where I installed an overhead light and a 5 foot folding table. This nicely breaks up the dryers, naturally separating the customers, and gets some of the people folding out of the aisle.

In this store, I now have 12 Maytag MLG32 stacks. In the other store, I have 15 Wasco TD3030. I'll keep the group posted on how they compare to each other. I chose to go with Maytags in this conversion, since the store is otherwise a Maytag store.

Charlie

[David]

I've already consulted a electrician, he says space or circuits will not be a problem.

But I hadn't consided whether I'd have enough NG to feed them.

I guess I need to decide which stack I want and check into the gas demand.

I have two rows of dryers. The first seven are along one wall. The previous owner had tried to increase capacity and stuck four along another wall, but they are just backed up against a block wall, and stick out into the room. I'm hoping to replace the seven with stacks, and get rid of the other four to open up the floor.

Thanks for the info everybody!

[Lar Hylobates]

I wish I had a mat somewhere where I could wonder these things. Seems the city is always determining it for me??