Brilliant Changing A 4 Wire Plug To A 3 Wire
Simply buy a 4 wire to 3 wire adapter plug.
Changing a 4 wire plug to a 3 wire. Before you begin removing or installing a range cord unplug the cord from the outlet and ensure that you switch off the circuit breaker that powers the appliance. This is a job for an electrician and it brings the circuit up to code. 30amp plugs have different pin shapes and configurations that 40 amp and 50 amp plugs.
If you re switching from a four prong to a three prong cord or vice versa the first step is to remove the old cord. This is the requirement for new construction or when. This is an allowable remedy under the electrical code which grandfathers in older installations.
The other option is to replace the four prong cord with a three prong cord. If you are faced with the problem of a dryer plug and dryer outlet that don t match there are two possible remedies. It s much easier and much less expensive to replace the 4 wire whip with a 3 wire whip.
These plugs just tie the neutral and ground wires together internally. 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. You can make your own also if you have the time and knowledge.