there is a used dryer i think i may be getting today. it has a 3 prong plug on it but it will be plugged into a 4 prong receptacle. so i'm thinking that i have to get a 4 prong plug to replace the 3 prong plug. is this going to be obvious how to hook it up? the dryer is for my inlaws.
electric dryer prongs
- Thread starter randy41
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Dmace
Elite Member
When you open the rear of the dryer where the cord goes into the electrical box, you will see three screws next to each other with wires (Red, White, Black) and one screw on the chassis with a green wire. The 4-prong cord will have the same Red, White, Black, and Green wires. Just match the wire to the same color and your good.
jimmyj
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Hey Randy, can you get somebody familiar with this stuff to have a look before you "go live"? I'm not being cheeky, but obviously you are asking the question because you are not sure and understand how important it is to get it right.
Cheers
Jim
Cheers
Jim
chopped
Veteran Member
D mace is correct.. the fourth wire is an equipment ground.
The 'correct way' would be to run new wire with the three wire with ground to it. But not to practical in most cases.I usuall just change the wall outlet to the four prong type..But even then its not correct. as I dont have the wire with the second ground..You will need a new pigtail if you use the same 4 prong wall outlet..Just hook up as the picture shows.
The 'correct way' would be to run new wire with the three wire with ground to it. But not to practical in most cases.I usuall just change the wall outlet to the four prong type..But even then its not correct. as I dont have the wire with the second ground..You will need a new pigtail if you use the same 4 prong wall outlet..Just hook up as the picture shows.
JoeBiscuit
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Randy,
I don't think you should do that. I don't think it's that simple. I believe the two outlets have different amperage ratings and breakers.
It'll probably work OK, but I wouldn't do that at someone else's house. Change the outlet, use the proper dryer pigtail.
I don't think you should do that. I don't think it's that simple. I believe the two outlets have different amperage ratings and breakers.
It'll probably work OK, but I wouldn't do that at someone else's house. Change the outlet, use the proper dryer pigtail.
Egon
Epic Contributor
Wiring a Clothes Dryer and Power Cord - 3-Wire and 4-Wire 240 Volt
Site showing 3 & 4 wire hook ups.
Note: I'm not an electrician.
Site showing 3 & 4 wire hook ups.
Note: I'm not an electrician.
chopped
Veteran Member
Good site
Bird
Rest in Peace
I've changed those darned dryer cords both directions; 3 to 4 and 4 to 3. I just always bought a new power cord, if I didn't already have one on hand. Doesn't every place that sells dryers have both power cords?
Western
Super Member
The couple of times I had to go from a 3 to a 4, was easy, instructions with the cord are simple.
chopped
Veteran Member
Oh yea Home Depot, Lowes ,Wal Mart, and local hardware stores here have them Ive even seen them in the Dollar store. what I get a kick out of is when you buy a new dryer. They love to scare you into buying a new one, Like its a law or something...I can understand asking and making sure you have one and its in good shape. but to push it like they do is wrong
Walmart.com: Woods 4' 10/4 SRDT Dryer Cord, Black: Electrical
Walmart.com: Woods 4' 10/4 SRDT Dryer Cord, Black: Electrical
Dutch445
Elite Member
if you are replacing your current dryer, you already have the cord,, right?
I have replaced several dryer cords in the past. 3 to 4 and 4 to 3. Just match the colored wires on the cord with the colored wires on the dryer - red to red, white to white and black to black; the green wire should be attached to the cabinet. replace one wire at a time so as to keep them in their correct location. Don't ask how I know. I just bought a new electric dryer. I had to by the cord separately. when the installers delivered it they wired it red to red, black to black, and both white and green to the white post on the dryer. They also didn't install the strain relief. I checked with several electricians and each said "it would work, but the cabinet would not be grounded and could be a safety hazard". Be careful and have an electrician do the job if you are not fully confident in your ability.
Norm
Norm
rus_geek
Gold Member
When you open the rear of the dryer where the cord goes into the electrical box, you will see three screws next to each other with wires (Red, White, Black) and one screw on the chassis with a green wire. The 4-prong cord will have the same Red, White, Black, and Green wires. Just match the wire to the same color and your good.
One more thing when switching from a three to a four, that copper/brass strip above the white wire in this photo should be attached to the white post when using a three-wire cord, but *not* attached (like in the picture) when using a four-wire cord. In other words, if the three-wire cord is correctly installed, that strap is on the center post and should be removed when connecting the four-wire cord.
-rus-
so i got the replacement cord and it sure was easy to replace until i dropped the screw that holds the wire terminal to the power connection (the white one) on the dryer. so it fell into the dryer cabinet somewhere and we couldn't find it so now i have to find the right size screw. of course their house is 40 minutes away. i got the cord at lowes for $22. not sure where to get the screw. and also the dryer is missing one of those plastic feet that screw in but they don't have replacements at lowes.
chopped
Veteran Member
Ive done the saem dropped the screw. ended up on one tipping it upside down and shaking it.. The next time I hjust got a but. Im not sure the thread etc but I am sure ahardare store would have one. or try one at HD..
