How to switch 3 prong cord to a 4 cord prong.

Unplug the dryer then remove the terminal block cover and disconnect the 3-prong cord from the dryer. Note that the cord has red , black, and white wires but sometimes the red and black wires are both replaced by same color wire, usually gray and can switch places. There's also a ground strap wire also connected to the center terminal together with the white (neutral) wire.

Get yourself a 4-prong cord and note that it has red, black, white, and green/yellow wires but sometimes, like the 3-pronged one, the red and black wires are both replaced by same color wire, usually gray and can also switch places. All you have to do now is connect the 3 wires in the same manner they are connected as 3-prong cord to the terminal block. The ground strap wire now just need to be connected to the remaining 4th wire, the green/yellow wire instead of the center terminal together with the white (neutral) wire. Reinstall the terminal block cover and it's done.

It can be observed that converting a 3-prong cord to 4-prong cord is merely splitting the neutral line and the ground thereby increasing the number of prongs from 3 to 4 whereas, on the other hand, converting a 4-prong cord to 3-prong cord is merely joining the neutral line (white) and the ground (green/yellow) thereby reducing the number of prongs from 4 to 3.. The links below might enlighten you further on this matter.

Four-prong to Three-prong Electric Dryer Conversion
Three-prong to Four-prong Electric Dryer Conversion

It's either you convert the 3-prong outlet to 4-prong or the 4-prong cord to 3-prong. But the latter is easier and more feasible. Unplug the dryer then disconnect the 4-prong cord from the dryer. Note that it has red, black, white, and green/yellow wires but sometimes the red and black wires are both replaced by same color wire, usually gray. The red and black wires are lines L1 and L2 reversibly, meaning they can switch places, while the white and green/yellow wires are the neutral line and ground, respectively.

Get yourself a 3-prong cord and note that it has red , black, and white wires but sometimes, like the 4-pronged one, the red and black wires are both replaced by same color wire, usually gray and can also switch places. All you have to do now is connect these 3 wires in the same manner they are connected as 4-prong cord to the terminal block. The wire strapped to the dryer cabinet and connected to the green/yellow wire of the 4-prong cord wire is now left hanging. The last step is to connect this hanging strap wire to the same terminal on the terminal block (center) where the white wire (neutral) is connected and it's done.

It can be observed that converting a 4-prong cord to 3-prong cord is merely joining the neutral line (white) and the ground (green/yellow) thereby reducing the number of prongs from 4 to 3. On the other hand, converting a 3-prong cord to 4-prong cord is merely splitting the neutral line and the ground thereby increasing the number of prongs from 3 to 4. The link below might enlighten you further on this matter.

Electric Dryer Prong Conversion

You can connect the green ground to any bare metal on the dryer. Just look for someplace that is in reach of the wire or drill and tap a screw to attach it to.

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Here is a tip that will help you with changing your dryer plug.

Dryer Cord and Wiring Dryer 3 Wire or 4 Wire




heatman101

To switch from a 4 prong to a 3 prong. First remove 4 prong cord, save screws you will need them. Look a 3 prong, it will be flat with 3 wires next to each other with metal fittings on the ends. The 2 outside which are hot wires go to the outside screws on the block, and the center which is neutral goes in the center. The only difference in the cords is the 4 prong has a ground, in new construction this is code. You don't need a ground if house is wired for a 3 prong.

You will either have to get a 4 prong cord or 3 prong outlet. I would opt for the 4 prong cord. only difference is the four prong cord has a neutral where the 3 prong doesn't

Yes, you can convert a 3 prong power cord to a 4 prong. The following link explains how:

http://www.fixya.com/support/r793520-3_prong_4_prong_power_cord_conversion

The main difference is how the neutral (WHITE) wire and the ground (GREEN) wires are connected. In a 4 wire configuration the neutral and ground are independent of each other.

If you have questions, please ask. I hope this helps you.

WHy are you switching the cord from a 3 to a 4? If the dryer came with a 3 prong cord and its a 3 prong terminal block, then i dont think you can change it to a 4 becuase you will short circuit. DOes the terminal block where your cord was hooked up have 4 terminals. Each termial can only have one lead/wire to it. check your circiut breaker panel? Is the circiut breaker tripped?

The forth is just a cabinet ground hold the cord flat the one in the middle goes on the white ( the middle terminal in the back the other two do not matter they are both live wires the middle one is the only one that is different

Purchase a 3 prong cord at a home improvement center. and replace your 4 prong cord. all you need is a screwdriver.