Existing homes may still use 3 prong outlets.
Dryer power cord 4 prong to 3 prong.
A 3 prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000.
In an effort to shed some light on this subject we re going to discuss the purpose of these cords and why there s a growing popularity for 4 prong cables.
When moving a newer electric dryer into an older house it s not uncommon to find that the cord and plug included with the new dryer doesn t fit the 240 volt dryer outlet.
Before the mid 1990s most electric clothes dryers operated with three prong plugs that fit into three slot outlets but since 1996 the electric code has required four slot.
Welluck 1 5 ft 4 prong to 3 prong dryer adapter 30 amp dryer outlet plug power cord nema 10 30p male to 14 30r female three prong converter 250v 3prone old clothes dryer connector w ground wire 4 9 out of 5 stars 14.
The national electrical code currently requires 4 prong dryer outlets in all new home construction.
While they can both effectively power a traditional dryer the 4 prong model contains an extra grounding wire as a preventive measure.
In recent years most dryer manufacturers have adopted the 4 prong electrical cord over the dates 3 prong model.
Kohree 1 5 ft dryer adapter 4 prong to 3 prong dryer outlet plug power cord adapter nema 14 30p male to 10 30r female receptacle for clothes dryer 30a 250v 4 8 out of 5 stars 240 34 88 34.
Welluck 1 5 ft 4 prong to 3 prong dryer adapter 30 amp dryer outlet plug power cord nema 10 30p male to 14 30r female three prong converter 250v 3prone old clothes dryer connector w ground wire 4 9 out of 5 stars 13.
Up until the mid 1990s 3 prong outlets were the standard used in american homes.
Unfortunately few people understand the difference between 3 prong and 4 prong dryer cords.
The switch to a 4 prong outlet was due to a flaw in the 3 prong outlet design.