[learning101]

I recently moved into an older house with an 4 prong outlet, my dryer has an 3 prong outlet. I bought an 4 prong wiring but now my dryer has no heat. The neutruel wire is hanging loose. Is this right?

[woodchuck]

In order to perform this job you’ll need a screwdriver. A small drill and a metal screw and washer may also be required.

The power cord will be attached to the terminal block, usually located in the back of the dryer. First remove the metal access plate exposing the terminal block. The power cord will have a middle neutral/ground wire and two outer hot wires. Detach all wires and remove the old cord.You’ll also want to detach the metal ground strap located in the center of the terminal block, where the neutral/ground wire was connected. This metal strap has been used to ground the dryer by connecting the neutral wire to the body of the dryer. A separate ground wire—the fourth wire, is replacing it. You should be able to simply remove this metal strap.

The new cord has a green ground wire; two hot wires, which are black and red; and a white neutral wire. Attach the neutral to the middle connector and the two hot wires to either end of the terminal.

In order to safely ground the machine the green ground wire must be securely connected to the dryer frame. There may be a screw on the frame where you can attach the ground but most likely you’ll have to drill a hole into the frame and attach the wire using a sheet metal screw and washer.