Dryer outlet adapter

Dryer plug adapter 4 to 3 designs harmonize the use of old-style dryer outlet adapter by connecting the old 3 prongs dry adapter to the newly designed 4 prong dryer cord adapter. The design of the output adapter you choose will depend on your dryer output type. Electric dryer adapters differ from gas output adapters. Electric have a 240 voltage and a gas one features a 120 voltage amp.

Differences between three-prong adapters and four-prong adapters

Primarily, there are two different cords of dryer output adapters. 4 prong dryer adapters and 3 prong dryer adapters. Initially, dryer plug 3 prongs was used, but later, in 1996, homes started utilizing dryer plug 4 prongs. 3 prong dryer socket adapter has a 240-volt circuit, while a four-dryer prong adapter has 240-volt and 30-amp circuits. 4-prong output adapters have a neutral wire, ground wires, and two hot wires, while a 3-prong output adapter, ground, and neutral wires are grouped, plus two hot wires. 3-prong dryer adapters face a risk of increased frequency and causing electrocution as the ground and neutral wires are the same. Meanwhile, in 4-prong dryers, the ground and neutral wires are separated, reducing the risk of shock.

Converting a 3 prong to a 4 prong dryer output adapter

To convert a dryer adapter 3 prong to dryer adapter 4 prongs, you will need a voltage tester, magnetic nut driver, pliers and screwdrivers, and a 4 prong dryer cord adapter. To change, unplug your dryer from the breaker box. Then, using a non-voltage contact tester, access the back panel, disconnect the vent to access, and work on the dryer. Remove the dryer electrical connection power using a screw. After, disconnect the neutral wire under the center screw from the ground screw. Insert the four-prong dryer adapter into the strain relief. Connect the green ground wire to the port, which is grounded, and secure it. followed by connecting the neutral wire hook end to the port under the terminal block center. Squeeze and secure the wire. Follow by connecting the other two wires located under the terminal block with the hook ends, squeeze and tighten them. Ensure strain relief and wires are properly fastened. Lastly, insert the dryer cover plate and cover the wiring and tighten with screws to get your dryer plug adapter 4. Conversely, a 4-prong output adapter can be converted to a 3-prong output adapter. However, this is less common as the adapters are outdated.