Recommendation 4 Wire Cord To 3 Wire Plug
Three prong cords and 3 slot outlets were once the norm but since 2008 article 550 16 a 2 of the national electrical code nec has stipulated that connections for electric clothes dryers must be made with a 4 conductor cord and 3 pole 4 wire grounding type plugs or by type ac cable.
4 wire cord to 3 wire plug. This is the requirement for new construction or when a new clothes dryer circuit is installed but older installations are allowed to retain their 3 prong 3 slot dryer cord and outlet configurations. These plugs just tie the neutral and ground wires together internally. The two hot wires provided both phases which were 180 degrees.
If the range requires only a 4 wire cord then a new 4 wire circuit will need to be installed if the existing circuit is a type nm cable because a separate white neutral wire is not allowed by itself. Based on the 2005. Nonmetallic sheathed cable so the fourth wire is already there but you will have to install the new 4p 30 amp receptacle.
If the existing circuit has been installed in conduit and there is enough room for an additional white neutral wire then that method is allowed as installed. How to wire a dryer with 4 wires to a 3 wire plug by jerry walch. If you have a 4 plug outlet and a 3 wire cord you can just change the cord and not use the second ground or connect to the the frame of the dryer.
One is to replace the old circuit by installing new four wire cable and a four slot outlet each with a dedicated ground this is a job for an electrician and it brings the circuit up to code. Simply buy a 4 wire to 3 wire adapter plug. However in new construction the installation of kitchen ranges and clothes dryers requires a 4 wire cord and plug.
The 4th wire in that cord and plug configuration is an equipment grounding conductor. This equipment grounding conductor is the missing wire in the older 3 wire configurations. If you are faced with the problem of a dryer plug and dryer outlet that don t match there are two possible remedies.
In these older appliance installations where 3 wire cords were legally installed the wiring consisted of two hot wires and a neutral wire. Dryer circuit wiring and hookup google books. You can make your own also if you have the time and knowledge.