This article will explain what options you have to get your dryer wired and running.
Dryer power cord 3 prong 4 wire.
The key difference in the wiring configuration between 3 prong and 4 prong cords is that with the older setup the 3 prong cord has only two hot wires and one neutral wire there is no separate ground wire.
Purchase 4 prong dryer cord.
This eliminates the possibility for a ground current traveling to the machine as it features a separate return path for unused power.
Electrical wiring for a dryer power cord has a typical 240 volt electric power cord with 3 wire and 4 wire wiring configurations many people may experience the situation of trying to make a older dryer work with an new four wire receptacle.
Purchase 3 prong dryer cord.
However in new construction the installation of kitchen ranges and clothes dryers requires a 4 wire cord and plug.
A 4 prong 30amp 250v dryer power cord will usually cost around 15 to 25 dollars if you buy it yourself.
The 3 wire connection is now outdated where current dryers are wired with a 4 wire cable.
In recent years most dryer manufacturers have adopted the 4 prong electrical cord over the dates 3 prong model.
Therefore the dryer s neutral was tied to the ground connection on the metal case of the dryer.
While they can both effectively power a traditional dryer the 4 prong model contains an extra grounding wire as a preventive measure.
The 4th wire in that cord and plug configuration is an equipment grounding conductor.
Kohree 1 5 ft dryer adapter 4 prong to 3 prong dryer outlet plug power cord adapter nema 14 30p male to 10 30r female receptacle for clothes dryer 30a 250v 4 8 out of 5 stars 240 34 88 34.
This may save you around 40 dollars depending on what the electrician will charge for a new power cord.
If you will be calling an electrician to install the cord it may be cheaper for you to buy the 4 prong dryer cord beforehand.
Learn why there are two styles.
The more recent 4 prong dryer cords feature two hot wires a neutral wire and a ground wire.
This equipment grounding conductor is the missing wire in the older 3 wire configurations.
Most older homes are wired for the 3 wire outlet as shown below.
Electric dryers can use cords with 3 prong or 4 prong plugs designed to match either 3 slot or 4 slot outlets.