Changing a four-prong dryer cord to a three-prong cord involves reconfiguring the electrical connections on the dryer's power terminal block. This conversion is necessary when you move to a location that uses a three-prong outlet, as some older homes still have them. It's essential to ensure your safety during the process, so if you're not familiar with electrical work, it's best to hire a qualified electrician. However, if you have experience working with electrical connections, here are the general steps to change the dryer cord:
Note: Before starting, make sure to unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet to avoid any electrical shock.
Materials you will need:
- A new three-prong dryer cord (make sure it matches your dryer's electrical requirements).
- Screwdriver (usually a Phillips or flat-head screwdriver).
Instructions:
Remove the old four-prong dryer cord:
- Access the dryer's terminal block cover, usually located at the back of the dryer near the bottom.
- Unscrew or remove the cover to reveal the terminal block and wiring connections.
- The four-prong dryer cord should have four wires, typically colored red, black, white, and green (or sometimes bare copper). Carefully take note of how the wires are connected to the terminal block.
Disconnect the wires:
- Loosen the screws that secure the wires to the terminal block. Make sure to remember or label which wire goes to each terminal (red to red, black to black, white to white, green/bare copper to the green grounding screw).
Install the three-prong dryer cord:
- Take your new three-prong dryer cord and feed it through the opening in the terminal block cover.
- Connect the three wires of the new cord to the corresponding terminals:
- The outer two wires (red and black) connect to the outer screws (either left and right or top and bottom) on the terminal block.
- The center wire (white) connects to the center terminal screw.
- If the new cord has a green wire (or a green grounding strap), connect it to the green grounding screw on the dryer's frame.
Secure the connections:
- Tighten the screws on the terminal block to secure the wires in place.
- Double-check that all connections are secure and there are no loose wires.
Replace the terminal block cover:
- Place the cover back over the terminal block and screw it into place.
Test the dryer:
- Plug the dryer into the electrical outlet.
- Turn on the dryer and test it to ensure it's working correctly.
Remember, working with electrical connections can be dangerous if you're not familiar with it. If you have any doubts or concerns, it's best to seek help from a qualified electrician to ensure the conversion is done safely and correctly.