How do i convert 4 prong dryer cord to a 3 prong cord?

Question

Hello, i am having trouble and have looked all over the internet... i have a 4 prong cord on my dryer now but need to place a 3 prong cord (from home depot) in its place so as to fit my 3 prong outlet at my apartment. I know the basics (two outside are hot (black and red)and thus connect them to the outside posts and the center (white) gets the center post. However, my dryer cord had a green wire (from original 4 prong cord) connected to the ground nut (also green in color, weird to see a green nut) on back of dryer. Also, after removing this green wire and the 4 prong cord entirely, there is a second green cord that is connected to this green nut and the other end of this cord dives back into the dryer to what seems a mix of cords coming off the terminal block (the block containing the posts for the 4 prong/3 prong cord hookups).... what do i need to do with this wire that goes back into the dryer? And/or how do i make this safe?

Answer 1

GOOD LORD!   YOU are going to blow something up Probably the dryer and the electrical panel in the basement!!!

dryer is 220 that is why it has four prongs.  You cannot cut off a prong and stuff it into a 110 outlet with a three prong extension cord!

  Please consult an electrician before you go one step further.

Answer 2

Hey derek s

  These answers confuse me.I work in the apartment business and have changed these back and forth many times.The newer 4 prong simply is a 4th prong that is a definite ground back to your breaker panel. The old 3 prong had a ground that went to the frame of the dryer.always on had it correct and  got a thumbs down.WOW kind scary isn't it? You have it correct on the 3 wire. The left is red the right is black and the white center is common. Any green wires coming from the dryer should be tied together and screwed to the green s***w on the frame. You may have to use a jumper wire to extend the green to the frame. If you have any questions please ask in the comments section of your question.

Answer 3

Why not replace the old 3 prong receptacle with the proper 4 prong unit?

Answer 4

Go to a hardware store or Lowes or Home Depot and by the right pigtail and wire her in and let her rip.

Wire nut  the greens together.Tie in one 6 inch extra wire with them and connect it to the dryer chasis or where the nut is.Now she is grounded safely.

Answer 5

Like i said before you had my answer you had my answer deleted.

Call a pro

You need to be able to verify the last guy did it right before you know the colors mean anything

remember that last guy is not Maytag but the guy who put the outlet in

I think home owner doing there own wiring is the same as home dentistry,

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 6

Put the original cord back on the new dryer. Go back to the home depot and get a four prong receptacle. The new dryers use different circuits and thus need the ground for proper operation.