Most older homes are wired for the 3 wire outlet as shown below.
Dryer power cord 4 prong color code.
Existing homes may still use 3 prong outlets.
This configuration did not include a dedicated ground connection.
Changing a dryer cord from a three prong to a four prong or vice versa is an easy project for most people.
The 3 wire connection is now outdated where current dryers are wired with a 4 wire cable.
The dryer s equipment ground case ground was connected to the neutral conductor in the dryer cord and the household circuit.
A 3 prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000.
The process is relatively simple and this is usually the best way to deal with the situation when your dryer cord doesn t match the dryer outlet present in your home.
Certified appliance accessories 30 amp appliance power cord 4 prong dryer cord 4 color coded wires with eyelet connectors 5ft copper wire 4 7 out of 5 stars 761 12 34 12.
The switch to a 4 prong outlet was due to a flaw in the 3 prong outlet design.
Converting a dryer outlet or dryer cord yourself.
In recent years most dryer manufacturers have adopted the 4prong electrical cord over the dates 3prong model while they can both effectively power a traditional dryer the 4prong model contains an extra grounding wire as a preventive measure if the electrical wiring tied to your dryer malfunctions the voltage.
In the first section i will be showing you how to connect a dryer cord that matches your 3 prong or 4 prong outlet.