Dryer Power Cord 4 Prong Color Code

In the first section i will be showing you how to connect a dryer cord that matches your 3 prong or 4 prong outlet.

Dryer power cord 4 prong color code. A 3 prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000. Existing homes may still use 3 prong outlets. The switch to a 4 prong outlet was due to a flaw in the 3 prong outlet design. In recent years most dryer manufacturers have adopted the 4prong electrical cord over the dates 3prong model while they can both effectively power a traditional dryer the 4prong model contains an extra grounding wire as a preventive measure if the electrical wiring tied to your dryer malfunctions the voltage.

The national electrical code currently requires 4 prong dryer outlets in all new home construction. The process is relatively simple and this is usually the best way to deal with the situation when your dryer cord doesn t match the dryer outlet present in your home. Due to changes in the national electrical code nec recommended wiring for electric clothes dryer outlets changed in 1996 before the change dryer outlets were 3 slot devices that accepted 3 prong cords. The 3 wire connection is now outdated where current dryers are wired with a 4 wire cable.

This configuration did not include a dedicated ground connection. Changing a dryer cord from a three prong to a four prong or vice versa is an easy project for most people. Converting a dryer outlet or dryer cord yourself. The dryer s equipment ground case ground was connected to the neutral conductor in the dryer cord and the household circuit.