How to change a dryer cord with a 3-Slot Outlet
At one point or another, most homeowners have run into a problem trying to hook a 3-prong dryer cord up to a 4-prong outlet.This is an all-too-common scenario when moving into a new home or buying a dryer with a different power cord.Most people don't know the difference between 3-prong and 4-prong dryer cords.In an effort to shed some light on this subject, we are going to discuss the purpose of these cords and why there is a growing popularity for 4-prong cables.
3-prong outlets were the standard used in American homes.Most homes built before this time had either a 3-prong outlet or range outlet.It wasn't until 1996 that 4-prong dryer outlets were required in all new homes.The NEC changes are limited to new homes, so existing homes may still use 3-prong outlets.
The NEC decided to switch from 3-prong to 4-prong dryer outlets in new homes.The ground and neutral wires were grouped together, creating the potential for shock, which was a major flaw in the old 3-prong outlets.The dryer cords have two wires that are hot and a third wire that is neutral.The current could travel up to the dryer if it got onto the ground wire.
The dryer cords have two hot wires, a neutral wire and a ground wire.There is a separate return path for unused power that eliminates the possibility of a ground current traveling to the machine.
If the current outlet in your home does not match, you don't have to buy a new dryer.Purchase a new dryer cord is one of the ways to solve the problem.The 3-prong and 4-prong dryer cables are sold by most home improvement stores.If you have aPhillips head screwdriver, you can change out the dryer cord.The strain relief comes with the new cord.
A new 3-prong or 4-prong cord can be installed by Fred's Appliance Service.You can schedule service online today.