While they can both effectively power a traditional dryer the 4 prong model contains an extra grounding wire as a preventive measure.
Dryer power cord 4 prong to 3 prong.
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.
A 3 prong dryer cord was the standard for dryers prior to 2000.
The key difference in the wiring configuration between 3 prong and 4 prong cords is that with the older setup the 3 prong cord has only two hot wires and one neutral wire there is no separate ground wire.
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.
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Therefore the dryer s neutral was tied to the ground connection on the metal case of the dryer.
The national electrical code currently requires 4 prong dryer outlets in all new home construction.
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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.
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 4 prong electrical cord over the dates 3 prong model.