Re-wire 2 wire 220 outlet for a 4 wire plug
#1
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Re-wire 2 wire 220 outlet for a 4 wire plug
Hello,
Here's my 'simple' problem. Someone gave me a washer and dryer. I already have a set. Thought I'd just put the news set on patio till I could sell. I could show they work because I have a 220 outlet there. After I rented a truck and got the appliances on my patio I remember a voice from 20-25 years ago. A repairman saw the plug and said someone used to do welding. Hmmm
First step was to verify this outlet did have 220, got a tester - yep, 220. Went to store and got special 4 prong outlet needed for this dryer. Read new plug instructions. Took off old plug cover to look at wires. Looked at disconnect box. Yep - 2 wires. Only. Two wires from the double switch in the box to the outlet. No ground or neutral. This new dryer is all fancy - computer control board and so on. I don't want to fry this dryer by not having the wiring correct at the outlet!
I'm not an electrician. I don't really want to be messing inside the disconnect box. My current dryer uses a 3 prong plug.
I can run an extension cord for the washer to get it to work. How can I easily show this golly-gee-wiz fancy dryer works so I can sell this matched set?
I've been unemployed for 5 months so I don't have much money to spend to get an electrician to make that outside plug have 4 wires for a very temporary usage?
I'm open to suggestions for what I might do.
Sincerely,
bamakodaker
Here's my 'simple' problem. Someone gave me a washer and dryer. I already have a set. Thought I'd just put the news set on patio till I could sell. I could show they work because I have a 220 outlet there. After I rented a truck and got the appliances on my patio I remember a voice from 20-25 years ago. A repairman saw the plug and said someone used to do welding. Hmmm
First step was to verify this outlet did have 220, got a tester - yep, 220. Went to store and got special 4 prong outlet needed for this dryer. Read new plug instructions. Took off old plug cover to look at wires. Looked at disconnect box. Yep - 2 wires. Only. Two wires from the double switch in the box to the outlet. No ground or neutral. This new dryer is all fancy - computer control board and so on. I don't want to fry this dryer by not having the wiring correct at the outlet!
I'm not an electrician. I don't really want to be messing inside the disconnect box. My current dryer uses a 3 prong plug.
I can run an extension cord for the washer to get it to work. How can I easily show this golly-gee-wiz fancy dryer works so I can sell this matched set?
I've been unemployed for 5 months so I don't have much money to spend to get an electrician to make that outside plug have 4 wires for a very temporary usage?
I'm open to suggestions for what I might do.
Sincerely,
bamakodaker
#2
First step was to verify this outlet did have 220, got a tester - yep, 220.
#3
I need Ray's help on this one. I have a serious safety concern.
Let's say the buyer has the same set up as you, 3-prong dryer receptacle.
Buyer might remove 4-prong cord and replace it with a 3-prong cord, not realizing the bond between neutral terminal and dryer chassis is missing.
I recommend you remove 4-prong cord and replace it with a 3-prong cord. This will allow you to test the dryer in your existing dryer receptacle.
I need help though to explain what is the best way to replace bonding strip that is missing when you change to a 3-prong cord.
DO NOT replace cord until you understand the bond.
Let's say the buyer has the same set up as you, 3-prong dryer receptacle.
Buyer might remove 4-prong cord and replace it with a 3-prong cord, not realizing the bond between neutral terminal and dryer chassis is missing.
I recommend you remove 4-prong cord and replace it with a 3-prong cord. This will allow you to test the dryer in your existing dryer receptacle.
I need help though to explain what is the best way to replace bonding strip that is missing when you change to a 3-prong cord.
DO NOT replace cord until you understand the bond.
#4
Manufacturers instructions are the best source of info re bonding strap. Sometimes it is removed from the neutral but left connected on the other end. It could be replaced with a piece of #10 THHN green if no longer there. How I can't say without seeing the dryer.
Since dryers are usually shipped connected for 3-wire I agree set it up for three wire and install a 3-wire cord.
Since dryers are usually shipped connected for 3-wire I agree set it up for three wire and install a 3-wire cord.