How to Wire a Dryer Cord
If you own an older home, you may have a three-prong, 220-volt dryer outlet, which contains two hot leads and one neutral wire. Building codes now require that newer homes come equipped with a four-prong outlet, which provides a ground wire in addition to the other three. This offers additional protection against electrical shock, but new dryers can be wired to either type of outlet. Wiring your dryer cord, whether it is a three- or four-wire connection, is a simple, straightforward task. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Small Phillip's-head screwdriver
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Pliers or socket set
Instructions
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Three-Wire Installation
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1
Determine whether you have a three- or four-wire dryer cord by examining the number of wires on the cord you will be connecting to the dryer terminal block. These will be on the opposite end of the cord as the outlet prongs.
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2
Remove the terminal cover--a small metal plate--by removing the screw that attaches it to the back of the dryer. The terminal block should have three lugs with nuts, or three Phillips-head or slotted screws.
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3
Loosen the screws or lug nuts and connect the left and right wires from your dryer cord onto the left and right posts on the terminal block. The left and right wires are interchangeable with either the left or right side of the block posts.
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4
Connect the center wire to the center terminal post. It is very important that you connect this neutral wire only to the center post. Tighten all three screws or lug nuts to the posts.
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5
Reposition the terminal cover and attach it to the dryer with the screws.
Four-Wire Installation
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6
Locate and remove the cover over the dryer terminal block as directed in the three-wire installation.
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7
Attach the red wire to the right terminal post and the black to the left (these are also interchangeable).
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8
Attach the white wire, which is the neutral wire, to the center post.
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9
Tighten all three screws or lug nuts.
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10
Attach the green wire to the small bolt on the dryer chassis. This is very close to the terminal block--just to the side or bottom of it--outside of the box. Replace the terminal cover to the back of the dryer.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Three-wire cords usually do not have a color designation on the wires; position as directed.
Do not plug in the dryer cord while connecting the wires to the terminal block.
