Dryer Power Cord 4 Prong Installation

Existing homes may still use 3 prong outlets.

Dryer power cord 4 prong installation.

Wiring for a 4 prong dryer receptacle. A 4 prong dryer outlet is wired as a 120 240 volt circuit. Remove the screws holding the terminal block access cover and pull off the excess cover. Install a ul listed strain relief into the power cord through hole and then thread the three wire power cord through the strain relief.

During installation you can also refer to the insulation diagram provided for you located near the terminal. This project shows you how to install a new four prong dryer cord for use with a four slot outlet which has been the standard for more than 20 years. The switch to a 4 prong outlet was due to a flaw in the 3 prong outlet design. Connect the new 4 prong cord.

The 120 volt service is for the dryer s timers sensors and other electronics while the 240 volt service supplies power to the heating elements. Connect the white cord wire to the center neutral terminal. Installing a four prong cord to fit a four slot outlet if you have the related but opposite situation an older dryer with a three prong cord but a newer house with a four slot outlet it is equally easy to replace an old cord with a new four prong cord that will fit a four slot outlet. Connect the green cord wire to the ground screw.

The national electrical code currently requires 4 prong dryer outlets in all new home construction. A 3 prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000. The nec requires that dryers have a dedicated circuit with a minimum of 30 amps. Install the new 4 prong cord by inserting the loose wire end through the hole in the dryer s back panel and making the following connections.