Is the plug from 1 220 v electric dryer interchangeable with another?

Question

My dryer has 3 leads that come out to a plug. It broke and needs more work than its worth. My mom gave us her old one(its 1 yr old she upgraded to front loaders) but it has a plug with 4 leads that comes out to a different type of plug that will not fit in the outlet. I know it is also a 220v, so my thought was to just switch the cords. My son is thinking it wont be right because of the extra lead. When I say lead, I mean the part that actually attaches to the dryer. Any advice?

Answer 1

To upgrade the system, replace the outlet. This is the new code required  system for the dryer. The easiest solution is to replace the cord.  I suggest, replace the outlet.  

Answer 2

Yes you can I've done it many times. the extra lead is only a ground which ties to the neutral at the box anyway.  

Answer 3

Boy, you got some real great answers. [I really liked the guy suggesting there is a difference between 120/240 Volts and 240 Volts. ALL residential services are 120/240, unless the home is really old, then they may be 110/220 (but the power company is now supplying 120/240, anyway)].

You can do either repair; just be sure the cord you purchase is listed for use with your dryer, don't just go out and buy one at the home center, go to an appliance store (you will get better advice there, too)/

The NEC requirements for dryers and cooking equipment changed in 1999; so most manufacturers started shipping appliances with cords (or whips) to meet the new requirements. The NEC does state that all NEW installations must have a 4-slot receptacle; as appliance frames are no longer allowed to be grounded through the "neutral" or grounded conductor. They must now be bonded to the Equipment Grounding Conductor (either the green or bare copper conductor in a cable assembly or RNC Conduit System; or to the metal box of a metallic raceway system). If you change the cord, follow the dryer manufacturer's instructions.

If you change the receptacle, be sure you have all 4 conductors present in the box (2 "hots", one "neutral", and an Equipment Grounding Conductor). Without all 4 conductors present, changing the cord is the best option. Remember, if your home has metallic conduit from the dryer receptacle box all the way back to the panel; and, you are sure all of the conduit connections are sound, you are only required to run a short (green or bare, probably #10 AWG) bonding jumper from the ground terminal of the receptacle to the metallic outlet box. This must be bonded to the box by using a green, listed ground s***w, or a green listed grounding clip.

The 2 key words are "Green" and "listed", as being green meets the Code requirement for identifying the grounding conductor, and being listed is the only way to prove the product is safe for its intended use.

Answer 4

Older dryers have 3 prong, newer dryers have 4 prong. Both are 240v and interchangeable. You need to switch out your wall recepticle if you go with 4 prong. If you do an answers search, you will find this issue comes up often.

Answer 5

I think you should e-mail the manufacturer the model #, and serial #, and ask if you will void any warranty and can the machine be connected to a 220 volt circuit, instead of a 110/220 volt circuit.

The newer dryers have seperate ground and neutral wires, in addition to the two 'hot' wires.

You can't change the outlet to a 4 wire type without a 4th wire being in the box to connect to it.  The dryer may be adaptable to the 3 wire cord.  If you open the back, where the wires connect, the factory may have left a jumper or metal piece that will fit between the ground terminal and the neutral terminal, allowing them to work with one wire.

The center lead on three wire cords is normally the grounded one.

Good Luck, if you have any problems call in an electrician or appliance repair person.

Answer 6

That's exactly what I did to my dryer. It was much cheaper than changing out the outlet. By all means switch the plug.

Answer 7

Remove your old cord and plug (called pigtail) and take it to your local home center. Buy the replacement pigtail with the same plug, take it home and install it. Your done ! ! !

Answer 8

This one l can't answer but make sure you get sound advice. Most likely its a ground but like l said , l don't know, Good luck. lm sure there is a way to wire it

Answer 9

You will need to replace the cord, easier than replacing the outlet.