How To Install 4 Prong Dryer Outlet

Dryer Outlet - three Prong or 4 Prong?

Electrician Greenville 864-834-9955

Choosing the Right Dryer Outlet for Your Domicile

So you moved into a new abode, and your dryer plug does not fit the receptacle. Either your dryer cord has too many or too few prongs to fit. This event is common and doesn't mean your home has Bad Wiring, and it certainly doesn't hateful you need to buy a new dryer. Homes congenital before the mid 90'south but required 3 prong receptacles, only in 1996 the National Electric Code (NEC) mandated all new home wiring apply a neutral for Dryer and Range electric circuits. The change like almost code changes was made to increment prophylactic past limiting the potential for electrical shock, and this why your new abode has a 4 prong dryer outlet and your dryer cord won't fit.

Fact: The first Electrical Dryer sold to the public was in 1938

Why Was a Change Needed?

The potential for electrical stupor was starting to get more and more of an issue with the rising of digital displays and components utilizing 120v for their operation even though the dryer circuit was 240v without a neutral. This condition becomes unsafe because the voltage is cycling back and forth on a ground wire instead of the required neutral wire. Since the metal frame of the dryer is bonded to the incoming ground wire, there was a potential to be shocked by stray voltage when touching the dryer. People are much more at risk if they are barefoot while using the dryer. What is the deviation betwixt 120v & 240v?

Fact: The term "220 volt excursion" is not accurate in the United states, we employ 240 volts as a standard although nigh appliances still run off 240v or 220v. A dryer using 5000 watts when supplied with 240v draws 20.83 amps while a dryer using the same 5000 watts when supplied with 220v draws 22.73 amps. The 240v organisation is much more efficient.

What Was the Solution?

The obvious solution was to add together a neutral wire then the 120 volt components could operate safely without being used as a neutral path. Mod homes are wired using 10-3 NM Cable (Romex) and take four prong dryer receptacles installed. This wiring method safe carries all voltage back to the main electrical panel where the ground and neutral are bonded together. Whatever faults that occur use the grounding path to the Ground Rods or Grounding Organisation and voltage travels into the Earth instead of energizing the metal frame of the dryer.

Fact: Your dryer excursion should be supplied from a 2 pole 30amp Breaker. If it is more than than xxx amps, the Wrong Breaker was installed. If your panel doesn't have breakers and still uses a cartridge and screw-in fuse information technology is time to think most a Panel Upgrade. Call an Electrical Contractor in Greenville for an evaluation.

What Tin can Yous Exercise?

Adding a iv Prong Dryer Cord is the recommended course of action. With the average cost of a new cord being less than $25 and the installation involving the removal of a cover plate, three termination screws, and 1 ground connexion this qualifies as a DIY projection with many YouTube Videos offering advice. Although this is a moderate DIY projection if yous a are the least bit uncomfortable or unsure, delight consider Hiring an Electrician in Greenville for aid. Always turn off power and verify the power is off earlier working on whatsoever electrical arrangement.

Ian Ramirez | Upstate Electrical Solutions Ian Ramirez is a Licensed Master Electrician with more than xx years of experience with Residential and Commercial electric projects. Contact Ian direct at 864.834.9955 or Click Here to Schedule Electrical Service for Greenville & Upstate SC customers. Upstate Electrical Solutions is a member of the Improve Business organisation Bureau. Cheque out our 5-Star reviews on Google, Facebook and Yelp. Our reliable service comes with upfront pricing and a 100% Money Back Guarantee.