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This guide explains how to safely change a 3-prong dryer cord to a 4-prong cord<\/strong>, with a wiring diagram and step-by-step instructions.<\/p>\n \\n\\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n 3-Prong System (Old Standard):<\/strong> Neutral and ground are combined. Risk of the dryer chassis becoming energized.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n 4-Prong System (Current Standard):<\/strong> Neutral and ground are separated, providing a safer path in case of a fault.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n NEC Requirement:<\/strong> Since 1996, new homes must use 4-prong outlets.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Tools:<\/strong> Screwdriver, pliers, wire stripper.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Materials:<\/strong> A new 4-prong dryer cord<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Safety:<\/strong> Unplug the dryer or turn off the breaker.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n \\n<\/p>\n Remove the cover<\/strong> \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Disconnect the old 3-prong cord<\/strong><\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n Three wires: red (L1), black (L2), white (neutral\/ground).<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Note: In a 3-wire system, the white neutral wire was bonded to the chassis.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Install the new 4-prong cord<\/strong><\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n Red \u2192 L1 terminal<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Black \u2192 L2 terminal<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n White \u2192 Neutral terminal (center)<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Green \u2192 Ground terminal (connected to dryer chassis)<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Remove the bonding strap<\/strong><\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n If there is a ground strap connecting neutral to the chassis, disconnect it.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Neutral and ground must be separate in a 4-wire system.<\/p>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n<\/ul>\n \\n<\/li>\n \\n \\t<\/p>\n Secure and close<\/strong><\/p>\n \\n\\n<\/p>\n
\\n\\n<\/p>\nWhy Upgrade to 4-Prong?<\/h3>\n
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\\n\\n<\/p>\nWhat You Need<\/h3>\n
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\\n\\n<\/p>\nStep-by-Step: Converting 3-Prong to 4-Prong<\/h3>\n
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Open the dryer\u2019s rear access panel.<\/p>\n\\n \\t<\/p>\n
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