How to Replace a Dryer Receptacle

Current codes require a four-prong dryer plug and receptacle; however this is a relatively new code. Many older homes have three-prong dryer receptacles. If you choose to replace the three-prong receptacle with a four-prong, this is a fairly large job. But replacing a worn receptacle is a fairly quick and easy project.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• New receptacle
• New wire, if necessary (10 gauge recommended; check your local codes)
• Wire strippers/cutters

Instructions

Replacing a worn receptacle

1. Turn off the power at the breaker box. Unscrew the receptacle cover and then unscrew the receptacle from the electrical box.

2. Pull the old receptacle from the box and unscrew the wires from the back of the receptacle. Take the new receptacle and screw the wires in. Push the receptacle back into the box and screw tight. Replace the receptacle cover and screw it on.

3. Turn on the power at the breaker box and test for power with a voltmeter, a circuit tester, or simply by plugging in the dryer to see if it works.

Replacing a three-prong receptacle with a four-prong receptacle

1. Turn off the power at the breaker box. Unscrew the receptacle from the electrical box and remove the wires. The old style three-prong receptacles use a three-wire power supply. The new four-prong receptacles require a four-wire supply. Assuming you have only a three-wire supply, you will have to cut or pull the old wire and run a new four-wire supply. This may be very difficult, requiring you to drill holes as well as tearing out and then replacing sheetrock. If aesthetically acceptable it may be easier to run the wire in conduit on the outside of the wall. This wire is quite stiff and difficult to route.

2. Turn off the main power supply at the breaker box. Disconnect the old wire. Connect the new red and black wires to the two-pole dryer breaker. Connect the white and green or bare wires to the ground strip. You can then reconnect the main breaker, but keep the dryer breaker off.

3. Connect the wires to the receptacle as marked. The black and red are the hot wires. The white and green or bare copper are the ground wires.

4. Push the receptacle back into the electrical box, secure, and screw cover on.

5. Turn the dryer circuit on at the breaker and test the receptacle for power, either with a voltmeter, a circuit tester or by plugging the dryer in.

References

• Ask the Electrician
• Troubleshooting and Repairing Major Appliances, Eric Kleinert, 2007

Resources

• Appliance Aid