My dryer has 4 wires going into the outlet but the cord that i have to attach the outlet to only has three can i take the 4 prong outlet off and put a three prong on it??
2007-02-05 12:13:51 · 8 answers · asked by SaChiE 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Barrbou214 gave a decent answer. However, he forgot to tell you about bonding the neutral. If you connect your dryer cord according to his instructions, you will have a very unsafe installation as your dryer will not be grounded.
You need to install a bonding strap or a #10 ground wire between the neutral terminal and the green ground screw on the dryer's frame.
He also did not tell you which wire goes to which terminal. You just need to match the colors. The black wire connects to the terminal with the other black wires. Typically on one end. The white wire will terminate in the middle with the other white wires and the red wire will connect to the terminal with the other red wires.
I wrote an article about this on my blog and 1 of my websites.
The link below is to the blog article:
http://electricalblog.gilchrist-electric.com/221/changing-an-electric-dryers-power-cord-from-a-3-prong-plug-to-a-4-prong-plug/
The link below is to my website article:
http://www.ezdiyelectricity.com/changing_an_electric_dryer_power_cord.php
Edit: I updated the website article to include pictures. My article gives instructions about changing a 3-prong dryer cord to a 4-prong dryer cord. So, you just need to reverse the process.
Well mjv842, I see from your answer that you are not an electrician. Please allow me to correct you. Three prong receptacles are not 120 volts only.
Three prong receptacles are also 220 volts with 2 - hots and 1 - ground. The amperage rating is also important here. Three wire (3-prong) cords and receptacles can be 15 amps - 50 amps.
This scenario would require a 3-wire (3-prong), 10 gauge, 30 amp dryer cord.
2007-02-05 14:57:53 · answer #1 · answered by gilchristelectric 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first turn off the power to the dryer outlet, push the dryer out to create a usable workspace (in other words so you can get your
self behind the dryer), remove the cover where the cord goes in, remove the 4 prong dryer cord from the terminal block (don't lose the screws), there may be a "strain relief coupling" on the cord and since there are
so many types, you may have to think this one out, not to hard.
then you will thread the 3 prong cord through the opening, you will notice that there are 3 lines, 2 are on the outside with one in
the middle, that is basically how the will attach to the screws
on the dryer terminal, the wire in the center will attach to the center part of the terminal and the rest of the wires will attach
to the remaining terminals.put it all back together and then
plug it in then turn the breaker on. if all goes well you won't be in the dark as soon as you turn the breaker on. just remember to keep the power off to the dryer until you get it all hooked up.
you can do it, i have faith in you, uuhh, good luck.
2007-02-05 13:11:06 · answer #2 · answered by barrbou214 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! The dryer uses 220 volts. Thats why you have the 4 prongs. 2 hot wires, one neutral, and 1 ground. 3 prong outlets are 110 volts only and any 3 prong outlet you could plug it into would never handle the voltage required for the dryer and you could easily start an electrical fire. Good luck
2007-02-05 15:51:26 · answer #3 · answered by mjv842 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
never change a 4 wire to a three wire . the fourth wire is a frame ground for your appliance or electrical device,this will make the appliance or device unsafe. convert your appliance to a 4wire cord and connect to your 4wire outlet, note if you had to ask this question you need to hire a licsensed electrician. dont burn your home down or electricute yourself. this is serious business
2007-02-05 12:27:21 · answer #4 · answered by dave 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Directions to do this are in you installation instructions that came with the dryer.
2007-02-05 14:31:56 · answer #5 · answered by Lon B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have an older house perhaps.
Changing connectors like you are suggesting can be dangerous. Call a licensed electrician, or talk to someone who is VERY knowledgeable in appliance repair. Don't ask just anybody with a screwdriver, I am serious, do this wrong and you could have a very big fire on your hands. How big? How big is your house? I am not trying to be funny, I'm just trying to impress on you how serious I consider this.
2007-02-05 12:28:59 · answer #6 · answered by gimpalomg 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I think what you'd need to do is hook up the white or "neutral" wire to the ground wire.
2007-02-05 12:27:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
no not a good idea
2007-02-05 12:17:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋