If my dryer cord has 4 prongs on the male side(comeing from the dryer). Does the outlet that it goes into?

Question

it need to have 4 prongs connected to it also??

The oulet wire i have only has 3 cords going to it but the cord coming from the dryer has 4 is it ok to use?

Answer 1

Yes you need to either change the plug (male) or the outlet (female) new electrical code requires 4 prong; however, if your outlet has only three, it would be grandfathered. You can buy a three prong cord at any home improvement store or Sears for $10-15 and attach it to the dryer. It has nothing to do with the voltage, dryers are all 220-240. If you change the receptacle, either know what you are doing with electricity or have an electricial do it. You have to have the power off (should be a dedicated breaker in your panel for that).

Answer 2

This is a common question, prior to the 2000 electrical code there were only thre wires on 220v appliances, now there are 4 wires, the extra wire is a ground. appliances these days have isolated motors and if a wire comes off the motor it will electrify the metal frame of the dryer. and shock you. ( this is an example) so the extra wire goes to the frame of the machine so the power will trip the breaker insted of you. You cannot get 220v out of a 120 socket. this "extra" wire is to help keep you safe. you will either have to chage the receptical or the wire to the dryer, i suggest you change the outlet. Call an electricain for help. 220v at 30 amps is nothing to play with.

Answer 3

the dryer cord is probably 220vac and the wall outlet is 120vac. the 4th prong is the extra "hot". you cant run the 220 with the 120 socket. you need to get an electritian out to install a new line.