AutumnsList

People have asked me if it is possible to change from the newer 4 prong dryer cords to the older 3 prong dryer cords and the answer is Yes, just follow the following instructions.

REMEMBER TO UNPLUG YOUR DRYER FIRST!!!!!

*** Also When You go to plug the changed cord in to the outlet you Should Turn The outlet OFF AT THE CIRCUIT BOARD to prevent the circuit from breaking when you plug it in, this is very common. ***

4 prong to a 3 prong:

You will need a 10/3 cord specifically labelled as a dryer cord. The "10" refers to the wire gauge, and the 3 refers to the number of individual wires within the cord.

1. Remove safety plate (usually attached only by 1 or 2 screws)
2. Remove old cord and restraint with a hand or cordless drill. I find that I tend to strip these softer screws with the cordless drill, and they are short enough that they can be easily unscrewed by hand. The restraint is the collar that fits tightly around the cord to hold it firm to the dryer.
3. Connect the center wire of the 10/3 cord to the center silver terminal. Turn screw in firmly but not too tight.
4. Now you have two wires remaining which are attached on either of the two terminals beside the silver terminal. It does not matter which wire goes on which terminal, as both wires are hot. Screw in firmly.
5. Be sure to use the restraint color, this will prevent the wires from being pulled out of the dryer. Sometimes you can reuse the plastic one on the dryer (if equipped), if not just use the one that came with the new wire. slide the tab end of the color half into the slot if applicable. now tighten each screw equally as possible.
6. You now have to make sure your dryer is properly grounded. The green wire that you took off from the 4 prong wire has to be hooked up again. If the dryer does not have a wire going from the middle terminal to the screw that the green wire was on you will have to make that wire. I personally like to use a copper wire from an electrical wire. There is no green so I use bare one or you could use the black one and put a piece of green electrical tape on it. I you use the bare one just be sure it does not touch any other connections.
7. Now you can replace the safety plate.

Here is a picture of what is looks like when it's done. note that this dryer has a strap like ground cable going to the center terminal.


Here is a pic of a 4 prong hook up with the ground cable tucked away for storage or future use.


A 3 prong with ground strap visibly attached to the dryer frame


A 4 prong setup with green ground wire visible for your reference.


NOTE:
To avoid the possibility of shock , you must ground the dryer. Return the frame ground strap to the center terminal post (neutral). When a 4 conductor cord is used, the frame ground has been located to its own dedicated terminal.

nice tutorial, thanks