Dryers use both 120 and 240v... Half the outlet is 120v, and it uses that half for some of the electronics, and uses the 240v for the heating element.
@duke_mabank wrote:So, where is the outlet for the dryer? I have no clue. I bought this place 7 years ago and that is the first time I thought to check it.
The 240V outlet for the dryer will be considerably different looking than a normal outlet, with the "blade slots" usually a little thicker, wider, and turned different ways than those of a standard outlet.
What you explained in your successive post makes a lot more sense. I was scratching my head a little with thinking about 240V through a standard outlet, but I've actually seen odder things, so I figured it was entirely possibe. I shouldn't have made that assumption.
I hope everything is still working well for you.
Well, I am no electrician and I may have trouble tracking someone down in here that would be able to give me an answer but I will tell you a short story of a customer I had in the past...
They had a similar set up as you, except the modem was sharing an outlet with their fridge. When the fridge would turn on to cool, the modem would lose power. Keep in mind that the radio transmitter on your dish is being supported through the modem's power source too. Other setups like power strips or surge protectors may create low power situations that impacts performance (slow speeds, intermittent connection).
Good example of why it's always good to have things like compressors and heaters on their own service to the breaker box. The load when it kicks in probably dropped the line voltage below the threshhold that the modem's power supply required. Kind of like when your lights dim slightly when the air conditioner cycles on a hot day.