Dryer Power Cord 4 Prong Installation

The national electrical code currently requires 4 prong dryer outlets in all new home construction.

Dryer power cord 4 prong installation.

A 3 prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000. Wiring for a 4 prong dryer receptacle. The nec requires that dryers have a dedicated circuit with a minimum of 30 amps. Install a ul listed strain relief into the power cord through hole and then thread the three wire power cord through the strain relief.

The switch to a 4 prong outlet was due to a flaw in the 3 prong outlet design. Always remember safety is the number one thing. Install the new 4 prong cord by inserting the loose wire end through the hole in the dryer s back panel and making the following connections. Connect the new 4 prong cord.

The 120 volt service is for the dryer s timers sensors and other electronics while the 240 volt service supplies power to the heating elements. Connect the white cord wire to the center neutral terminal. Remove the screws holding the terminal block access cover and pull off the excess cover. Installing a four prong cord to fit a four slot outlet if you have the related but opposite situation an older dryer with a three prong cord but a newer house with a four slot outlet it is equally easy to replace an old cord with a new four prong cord that will fit a four slot outlet.

A 4 prong dryer outlet is wired as a 120 240 volt circuit. Alternatively if your house has an old three slot dryer outlet you can install a three prong dryer cord on your new dryer to make it compatible with a three slot dryer outlet. Existing homes may still use 3 prong outlets. This project shows you how to install a new four prong dryer cord for use with a four slot outlet which has been the standard for more than 20 years.