Changing 4 conductor dryer to 3 conductor

[CruisinGA]

We got a free dryer from a friend, it is a residential model, but has a 4 conductor plug. Our wall outlet is the standard 30 amp 3 conductor (slant blade).

It should be possible to just install a new 3 conductor plug on the dryer, right? How would I wire it?

 

[nat]

Old style 220 is 2 hots and a neutral

new style, is 2 hots, 1 neutral and 1 ground.

If it were me, I would rewire the 3 prong wall outlet to a 4 prong style.

 

[e rock]

Go to the hardware store or appliance store and buy a new 3-prong pigtail - make sure it's long enough for your application (usually 4 or 6 feet) - maybe $15 or so?

On the back of the dryer, pull off the little access panel right above where the cord goes in (5/16" hex). Disconnect the old cord and remove the stain-relief bracket. Insert new cord through the hole and hook up the three wires to the posts. As long as the middle wire goes to the middle post, you're good. Tighten the nuts and install the stain-relief bracket (yes it's important).




*accurate for 95% of dryers out there.

 

[bsevans]

New dryers have 4 wire to support the electronic controllers in newer dryers.

 

[GiantTechGuy]

Go to the hardware store or appliance store and buy a new 3-prong pigtail - make sure it's long enough for your application (usually 4 or 6 feet) - maybe $15 or so?

On the back of the dryer, pull off the little access panel right above where the cord goes in (5/16" hex). Disconnect the old cord and remove the stain-relief bracket. Insert new cord through the hole and hook up the three wires to the posts. As long as the middle wire goes to the middle post, you're good. Tighten the nuts and install the stain-relief bracket (yes it's important).




*accurate for 95% of dryers out there.

Don't forget to reinstall the machine's euipment ground bond between the "Middle" post and the machine's frame.

 

[GiantTechGuy]

Overall BEST installation would be to hire an electrician and have him-her install a new 4 wire receptacle.

 

[GiantTechGuy]

Main reason for the 4 conductors is to isloate the neutral conductor( current carrying) from the machines frame and still "GROUND" the frame. You see old style 3 prong installations can be a shock hazard if you were to contact that frame and be a better path to ground than is the circuit's neutral conductor.

 

[CruisinGA]

It's an older dryer...

Found the installation manual online, installed a 3 prong pigtail according to the manual... Works great!

 

[GiantTechGuy]

It's an older dryer...

Found the installation manual online, installed a 3 prong pigtail according to the manual... Works great!

Did you install the machine's euipment ground bond between the "Middle" post and the machine's frame?

 

[CruisinGA]

Did you install the machine's euipment ground bond between the "Middle" post and the machine's frame?

Yes.

Thanks.

 

[GiantTechGuy]

Yes.

Thanks.

Great, happy drying