Changing a Dryer Cord

	If you install a new dryer in an older home, or an old dryer in a newer home, you may find that the cord on your dryer does not fit the outlet on the wall. Older homes typically have 3-prong outlets. The National Electrical Code requires homes built after the year 2000 to have 4-prong outlets. While these same codes prohibit changing a 4-prong to a 3-prong outlet, the code does allow changing the dryer's cord to match the existing outlet regardless of whether the cord is 3- or 4-prong. Many homeowners who are familiar with a few common household tools can easily change a dryer cord themselves.

Steps 1 - 5 of 5

Step One

Open the Access Panel

1.	Unplug the dryer.

2.	Open the access panel where the cord enters the back of the dryer.

3.	Use pieces of masking tape to label which colored wire attaches to each terminal. The wires are typically color-coded, with a black wire on one end, a white wire in the middle and a red wire on the other end.

Step Two

Remove the Old Cord

1.	Loosen the connection screws holding the wires in place.

2.	Disconnect the ground wire or strap that connects the center terminal to the case.

3.	Use pliers to hold the strain relief bracket in place while loosening the bracket's screws.

4.	Remove the old cord.

Step Three

Note: When replacement cord wires are color coded, simply match the colors of the new cord’s wires to those on the terminal block.

Attach the New Cord

3-Prong Cord

1.	Attach:
	the middle, or groundwire, to the center terminal, one of the outer wires to the right terminal, and the other outer wire to the left terminal.

2.	Attach the ground strap or wire that runs from the center terminal to the dryer case.

4-Prong Cord

1.	Attach:
	the white wire to the center terminal, the red wire to the right terminal with the red wire installed, and the black wire to the left terminal with the black wire installed.

2.	Attach the green wire to the green grounding screw or to the dryer case.

3.	Remove the masking tape labels.

Step Four

Replace the Access Panel

1.	Fit the strain relief bracket into the cord access hole and evenly tighten both bracket screws firmly onto the cord. Don’t skip this step--the bracket protects the connections and helps avoid a possible short if the cord is yanked.

2.	Replace the access panel on the back of the dryer.