Dryer plug?
Question:I bought a used dryer and just realized the plug in the wall has 4 outlets when the dryer only has 3 , is there some type of adapter or something I could buy ??
Answers:
go to the hardware store and tell what u have, and its best to take a imprint of the size and shape of the wall plug and they will be able to show u what u need and possibly even how to replace the one for the other plug
if not , u will need someone with some with some electrical experience to swap out the plugs
The plug you have in he wall has a ground. The one on the dryer doesn't. You can either buy a new plug with three or pick up a new dryer cord with 4 prongs. I would do the later.
no go to your local hardware store ( Lowe's, home depot)
draw a picture of the outlet of the outlet take it with you and they can get you a new plug for the drier and just change it out
on the drier
Yes! Any hardware store (maybe even Wal-Mart) has attachments that will connect to the four prong that will have a three prong on the opposite side. They are also not expensive.
You'll need to buy a new four prong cord. Most hardware stores carry them...less than $15.00. The new cord will have installation directions...very simple.
you will need to bring in an electrician to do this legally ( keep everything up to local codes) . the differing prong configurations denotes different amp ratings. an electrician can change out the plugs and change the breaker as well as running new wire if needed
You have 2 options, you can either change the dryer cord for a newer 4 prong plug or you can change the wall outlet for a 3 prong unit. I am not sure you can still get a 3 prong dryer wall plug so the best thing to will probably be to change the cord on the dryer. If you are not experieced in electricity this is not the place to practice. If you are then it is pretty straight forward. All you have to do is unhook the wires in the back of the dryer and hook up the new ones according to color in the same place. The most important thing is green wire to ground. You will have an extra wire in there. just cap it off with a wire nut. Or do the easy thing and call an electrician. 15 min is all it should take.
when I bought my dryer it had the plug on it - a 3-prong. My outlet was a 4-prong.
You see, the three prong has a single ground for both lines, a four prong has a separate ground for each line.
Solution : I had to have a 4-prong plug put on the drying .. removing the 3-prong. It works great for a few years now.
The plug cost about $20 so it is really worth it to just install the proper plug.
Just change the cord on the dryer. You can buy one at and hardward store. Chances are since you bought a use dryer the old cord has broken down anyway. The load on dryers really take a toll on these cords and replacement is minimal compared to a short or a fire.
Change the dryer cord to a 4-wire cord. Remove the jumper between the neutral terminal and the dryer chassis. Put the ground to the chassis, neutral to the center terminal.
Code now requires 4-wire. Two hots, neutral, ground.
Old way the ground and neutral were the same conductor. Bad idea.
If I were you I would talk to an appliance technician. Then have her or him do Any installation if need be. As anything electric is very dangerous and not to be trifled with. One mistake can cause instant death or fire and/or both. Some "DIY" projects have to big of liability then you will save.
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