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 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 Standard Dryer Plugs

A 3-prong power cord has two hot slots and one neutral slot, while a 4-prong cord contains two hot, one neutral and one grounded slot.

Replacing a Dryer Cord

How to Change Dryer Cords in 5 Steps 

To keep your home safe and 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. A gas dryer may use a grounded 3-prong wiring connection.

Always refer to your dryer’s manual for specific instructions and electrical circuit requirements. Consider consulting a licensed electrician for questions or concerns.

Step 1: Remove the Cover Plate

Unplug your dryer from the power source.

• 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: Remove the Strain Relief Screws

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

• Disconnect and remove the power cord.

Step 3: Disconnect the Neutral Wire

After the power cord is removed, disconnect the neutral wire from the ground screw. The neutral wire will likely be white and under the center screw of the electrical terminal.

Step 4: Connect the 4-Prong Power Cord

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

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

• Connect the hooked end of the neutral (white) wire to the port under the center screw of the terminal block. Squeeze and tighten.

• Connect the hooked ends of the other two wires under the outer terminal block screws. Squeeze and tighten.

Make sure the wires and the strain relief are securely fastened.

Step 5: Re-Attach the Cover Plate

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

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

Are Dryer Plug Adapters OK to Use?

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.