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    jnlmhny's Avatar
    jnlmhny Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 18, 2008, 05:38 PM
    Switching 3 prong to 4 prong
    Hi. I am wondering if it is safe for me to switch a 3 prong dryer cord to a 4 prong by myself or should I get a professional to do it?

    Thank you
    comalua's Avatar
    comalua Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
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    #2

    Nov 18, 2008, 08:50 PM
    You can absolutely do it yourself! You can get the cord from any hardware store, like Lowe's or Home Depot (if you need help choosing it, associates will know), and it's really very simple to do.

    The only note is to make sure that the dryer is compatible with both the 3 and 4 prong system. It should say so right on the dryer, or on the back or the unit.
    EPMiller's Avatar
    EPMiller Posts: 624, Reputation: 37
    Senior Member
    		  
    #3

    Nov 19, 2008, 06:53 PM

    The difference between 3 and 4 conductors is in the neutral and ground hookups. With 3 conductor the ground and neutral are the same and there is a ground strap from the frame of the dryer to the neutral/ground terminal. That ground strap has to be removed, that terminal then is for the neutral ONLY. The ground conductor in the tail is hooked to the frame of the machine.

    You do have 4 conductors in the dryer receptacle box don't you? If the whole system isn't done CORRECTLY it will be dangerous.
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