Confused over dryer plug prongs?

Question

My new dryer has a 4 prong plug, but the outlet that the old dryer plugs into is for 3 prongs. I'm suspecting that I bought the wrong dryer. What do I do?

Answer 1

Some good advice above but one incorrect one.  Here's some pictures on how to wire your dryer with a new three wire cord.  If you have a three wire receptacle in your house it is legal and grandfathered in, you do not have to rewire with separate neutral and ground wires.  Follow the instructions here:

http://fixitnow.com/appliantology/dryerc...

Answer 2

This could be wired as most mobile homes are. The 4 prong plug is used to satisfy strong building codes.  You can change the dryer cord without any problems. Just get a 3 prong 30Amp dryer cord and attach the 2 big leads, maybe red and black (or the two outside in the flat wire) to the post of the dryer marked as line. The small wire in the 3 conductor cord (normally green or white) to the common post.

**JD

Answer 3

Well first make sure its the right voltage for your wall socket, other than that just rewire with a three prong plug and make sure its earthed

Answer 4

actually  a 4 prong plug,unlike a three prong plug,has an additional prong that's called a neutral.newer dryers are using more electronics that require 110 volt.a three wire prong has 2 phases of 110v,and a ground.a 4 wire prong has 2 phases of 110 volt ,a neutral and a ground.hire a certified electrician to run you a new 4 wire circuit  .i agree that it is legal and grandfathered to do this.but,its probable a 10-2 NM with ground to the plug ,and that means current will now return on a bare conductor.ground wires are for fault currents ,not running currents,legal ,yes perfectly safe,no

Answer 5

You did not buy the wrong dryer.  Newer building codes require a ground prong on dryer plugs.  Older homes however typically have the three prong plug.  The fourth prong on your new dryer is the ground prong.  The easiest fix is to buy a three prong dryer cord at a home center and replace power cord on your dryer.   The wiring is usually well marked on the back of dryer and requires minimal tools.  FYI typically in this type of wiring the green colored wire/connection is the ground.  On a three prong 220 circuit the "hot" lines are two on the plug that are similar to each other and the common line is the third prong.

Most important always make sure the power is cut to the wall plug before and during this type of project.