Convert 4 Prong Dryer Cord to 3 Prong Outlet

Convert 4 Prong Dryer Cord to 3 Prong Outlet

4 Prong and 3 Prong Dryer Plugs. Copyright Sam's Club, Inc.

Updated December 04, 2014.

When moving a newer dryer into an older house, one common problem is that the dryer has a 4 prong plug yet the outlet is the older type that accepts only plugs with 3 prongs. Can you convert, and if so, how do you convert? Is an electrician required?

1. Convert Outlet from 3 Prong into 4 Prong

The first option is to convert the 3 prong outlet (to clarify, an outlet that accepts 3 prongs) into a more modern 4 prong outlet that is up to code. While this is not absolutely necessary, as the 3 prong outlet will be grandfathered in, it's always preferable to update older electrical systems whenever possible.

2. Convert Dryer Cord from 4 Prong into 3 Prong

The second option is easier: convert the dryer cord so that its plug is 3 prong. That way, it will fit into your 3 prong outlet.

7 Steps To Make The Switch

Materials and Tools

• Cord: Y ou need a 10/3 cord specifically labeled as a dryer cord. The ",10", refers to the wire gauge. and the 3 refers to the number of individual wires within the cord. (Buy Direct - 10/3 Dryer Cords ).
• Manual Phillips Screwdriver

Why do this if you are not working on the outlet? With electrical--especially higher voltages associated with dryers--I like to exercise an abundance of caution. I never know what I might accidentally do. It's entirely your choice.

1. Remove Dryer Safety Plate. On the dryer, remove safety plate (usually attached only by 1 or 2 screws).
2. Remove Dryer Cord. Still on the dryer, remove old cord and restraint with a hand or cordless drill. I find that I tend to strip these soft brass screws with the cordless drill. Since they are short enough and loose enough to be unscrewed by hand, I recommend this. The restraint is the collar that fits tightly around the cord to hold it firm to the dryer.
3. Center Wire Of New Cord. Connect the center wire of the 10/3 cord to the center silver terminal. Turn screw in firmly but not too tight.
4. What About The Other 2 Wires? Now you have two wires remaining to be 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. Attach Restraint Collar. The hardest part is always the restraint collar. From the outside of the dryer, you need to slide the tab end of one of the collar halves into the 10/3 cord wire hole. Do the same with the other half of the collar, except on the other side of the hold. The two screws will, theoretically, easily draw the two halves together to tighten against the cord. However, the two halves of the collar never seem to be parallel, and it takes quite a bit of effort to get the screws to catch. As long as even the tips of the screws have ",caught,", you're good to go: turn the screws and they will slowly draw the halves together, even if the halves are not really parallel.
6. Replace Safety Place .
7. Special 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.

Source