But don’t worry, it’s an easy issue to fix.
Before the change,dryer outlets were 3-slot devicesthat accepted 3-prong cords.
These outlets have four slots and will accept only 4-prong electrical cords.
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Fortunately, it is a very easy project.
Such a configuration creates a chance of shock in the rare case that the ground wire opens up.
This was the reason the code changed to require the 4-wire configuration.
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Loose connections can lead to short circuits and sparking once the appliance is plugged in for use.
Warning
Never plug in adryer cordunless it’s fully connected to the dryer.
Plugging in a cord sends 240 volts of electricity to the bare wire ends of the cord.
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If the ends touch together or touch you, they’ll create a potentially lethal short circuit.
(It should be directly above where the cord comes out.)
With magnetic tools, you’re less likely to drop screws inside the dryer.
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Separate the two halves of the fitting and pull them out of the hole one at a time.
The two outer terminals are the hot terminals, and the center terminal is the neutral.
Pull the cord out through the hole to remove it from the dryer.
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Repeat with the bottom half of the fitting below the cord.
Squeeze the two halves together and secure the halves with the fitting screws.
Snug the screws so the cord is held firmly but is not deformed by the pressure.
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Your old strain-relief fitting probably won’t work for your new 4-prong cord.
Do not use a strain-relief fitting that doesn’t fit the cord.
Reinstall the Dryer’s Electrical Cover Plate
Reinstall the cover plate with its screws.
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execute the dryer for a few minutes to verify everything works.
The white wire is neutral on a 4-prong dryer cord.
Its best to avoid plug adapters when your plug and your outlet dont match.
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Yes, the National Electrical Code now requires that dryers have a ground wire.
This allows current to be rerouted safely to avoid fires and other electrical hazards.
For a 3-prong cord, the neutral wire must be attached to the dryer’s metal ground connection.
For a 4-prong cord, the ground and neutral wires should not be connected.
