TYPES OF DRYER PLUGS: HOW TO REPLACE YOUR DRYER CORD

3-Prong vs. 4-Prong Dryer Cords

There’s a reason why there are different clothes dryer plug types. In the early 1990s, electric dryers used a 3-prong cord for a 240-volt circuit. Since then, homes built after 1996 are required to have a 4-prong dryer plug with a 240-volt, 30-amp circuit to reduce the risk of shock. The grounded, 4-prong plugs can also help keep your home up to code. If your house has 4-prong outlets and your appliance has a 3-prong dryer plug, adjustments will need to be made to meet the standard mandates for 4-prong power cords. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding the electrical connections for your dryer, refer to your owner’s manual and consult a licensed electrician for assistance.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN 120 VS. 240 VOLT DRYER OUTLETS AND PLUGS

There’s a significant difference between a 120-volt outlet/plug and a 240-volt outlet/plug.

A standard 120-volt outlet/plug, often referred to as a standard 3-prong plug, is commonly found throughout homes and used for various electronics, lights, and some appliances. These outlets are smaller in size and accommodate the standard plugs found on most household items, including gas dryers.

On the other hand, a 240-volt outlet/plug is much larger than a standard plug and reserved for major appliances that require higher voltage, such as electric dryers.

INSTALLING OR REPLACING A DRYER CORD

HOW TO HOOK UP A 4-PRONG DRYER CORD IN 5 STEPs 

To meet the standard regulations for houses built or remodeled after 1996, a 4-wire electrical connection is required for your electric dryer. Luckily, switching your dryer’s electrical connection to a 4-prong plug can be tackled in about an hour with a few tools and this general overview of the process. Read on to learn how to install a new 4-prong plug or change a 3-prong plug to a 4-prong cord.

When installing a new dryer or connecting a new cord, always refer to your dryer’s manual for specific instructions and electrical circuit requirements. If you do not have experience working with electrical wiring or if you have any doubts, consult a licensed electrician for questions and concerns.

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

Step 1: Remove the Cover Plate

1. Unplug your dryer from the power source.

2. Using a screwdriver, remove the plate housing the electrical wires. The plate will likely be above the power cord in the back of the appliance.

STEP 2: LOOSEN THE STRAIN RELIEF SCREWs

Loosen the screws from the strain relief fitting—the fitting that secures the power cord to the dryer. Remove the power cord from the dryer.

STEP 3: DISCONNECT THE WIRES

After unscrewing each wire from its respective terminal, carefully pull the cord through the strain relief. Then, proceed to disconnect the neutral wire from the ground screw. You’ll typically find the neutral wire, which is often white, under the center screw of the electrical terminal.

Step 4: Connect the 4-Prong Power Cord

1. Insert the new 4-prong cord into the strain relief.

2. Connect the grounded (green) wire to the grounded screw or port and tighten.

3. Connect the end of the neutral (white) wire to the port under the center screw of the terminal block. Tighten securely.

4. Connect the ends of the black and red wires to the other two ports under the outer terminal block screws. Tighten securely.

5. Ensure the wires and the strain relief are securely fastened.

6. Retighten the strain relief, ensuring the cord is snug but not overly tight.

Step 5: Re-Attach the Cover Plate

1. Insert the cover plate over the wiring and secure it with screws.

2. Plug the power cord into the 4-prong outlet.

ARE DRYER PLUG ADAPTERS SAFE?

It is strongly recommended to refrain from using dryer plug adapters to connect to a 4-prong circuit. Instead, refer to your owner’s manual for instructions to switch to a 4-wire electrical connection to meet standard regulations and safety requirements. For questions or concerns about altering the circuit, consult a licensed professional for assistance.