How do i change a 4 prong dryer outlet to a regulare 3 prong for a washer?

Question

I live in a very old house and the only outlet for the washer is an old 4 prong dryer outlet. I went to Lowes and didn't see any adapters to change it from 4 to the regular 3 prong. Do you know of anything online or at any other home improvement store that I can buy to make this work.

Answer 1

If you're asking this question and want to live a long life then don't try to do it yourself. What you don't know about electricity could easily kill you and/or burn down your house - in which case your insurance won't pay up - which would make an electrician's service call look like a real bargain. If you do insist on trying to do this yourself, at least make sure your will is up-to-date. Seriously.

Answer 2

its not the same power...you have to get a conversion box from that box you run a cord up and behind the dryer with the proper plug in. It will switch the power, then no need to replace the plug (washers have regular plugs...dryers have a similar cord to a stove...but the power is not the same if you plug a dryer into a stove outlet with a converted cord you might blow the dryer fuse or worse burnout the heating elements(in the dryer).and you can't use both at the same time...without it. Call an electrician in the long run its cheaper. (and legal)i suggest drill a hole and run an extension cord from somewhere. =)

Answer 3

you should have a 120 volt outlet there some were or if it is an older built house you my have a 2 prong plug there in that case go to the hardware store and get an adapter. (2 prong to a 3 prong)

Answer 4

You don't. This 4 prong is 240 volt and your washer is 120 volt.

The breaker for the 240 volt would most likely be too high of an amp rating for the washer, and it would be a double breaker where the washer needs to be on a single breaker.

You are looking for problems you don't want to find here.

Get an electrician to run you a new circiut for your washer.

Answer 5

Go to Home Depot or some other appliance store and ask for an adapter kit.

It 'll show how to disconnect the cable & install a new one.

Answer 6

the 4 prong is wired for a 220 volt dryer and a washer is a 120 volt appliance you can not use a adapter to switch this you need to have a regular outlet installed for your washer

Answer 7

Do NOT use any adapter, the power from the 4 pin outlet will destroy the washer. The 4 pin outlet is 240 volt/30 amp, the washer should be 120 volt/15amp.  Search the area near the washer drain and the water supply, there should be an outlet for the washer. If there is none, call a qualified professional electrician to install one. Good Luck.

Answer 8

Call a used appliance place in your are because I had to do the same thing and thats where I got my adapter kit. It's easy to do.

Answer 9

Definitely get an electrician to do this one for you. That's a little too important to risk s******g up.