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.
