3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet

Came really close to having a problem with an electric dryer connector. You may want to add something to your lease before it cost big dollars to change.

This was a topic I noted some time ago on this site and I DID NOT add language in my lease to address the issue.

So, I now have this in my standard lease. Short and to the point, as an old time lawyer once told me!

"Property is wired such that the outlet for the electric dryer is a 3 prong connector. Lessor will not change this dryer outlet to a 4 prong connector!"

It can get expensive to change to the 4 prong. No code requirement, as of now, for me to change it! --76.253.xx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Brian [MO]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 4:26 PM
Message:

I have the tenant change there dryer from the 4 prong to the 3 prong. --69.76.xxx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Smokowna [MD]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 4:53 PM
Message:

I wonder if you can wire for both next to each other.

I supply most appliances so I'm not effected.

--77.112.xxx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Blue [IL]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 5:13 PM
Message:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you just have to buy the cord for the dryer itself and change it out? I thought that's what I did the last time....12 bux. --99.186.xx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Don [MO]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 5:37 PM
Message:

Yes, I want the tenant to understand that I will not change the outlet. They have to change their dryer cord to a 3 prong. As I understand from my web research, that it is easy to change the electric dryer from a 4 to 3 prong cord, new cord, they pay for and they (tenant) rewires the dryer. Bottom line, I will not change my outlet.

Smokowna - Probably, (electric code?), if you have both a 3 and 4 outlet connector, it would require seperate line to the breaker box and seperate breakers. Expensive!? The 4 wire just adds a grounding wire, so if code allows, just have to switch out the outlet connector. I look for less work, not more, thank you! --76.253.xx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Carolyn [MO]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 5:47 PM
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I acqauired a used electric dryer that a tenant left behind three years ago. He didn't use it at my place because it didn't fit the receptacle I had. I bought a cord that would fit - and my next tenant got a dryer for her use. --205.188.xxx.xx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Reid [KS]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 6:37 PM
Message:

You might inquire as to tenants ability before they change the cord . Evidently it is possible to do it wrong . One of the "rocket Scientists" I rented to got their butt knocked across the utility room by a jolt of 220 by doing it wrong . Don't ask me how . They were still alive and able to pay rent so that's all I wanted to know about the incident. --70.244.xx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Mary [MI]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 6:39 PM
Message:

Today I bought an electric dryer and they asked what kind of outlet I had. He said that he would put on the right cord to fit the outlet----this is the first time I heard about this outlet problem. Blue is right just get the right cord on the dryer. --99.62.xxx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by ManateeAlley [FL]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 7:06 PM
Message:

Purchase security screws for the out cover plate that requires a special screwdriver to unscrew the plate for access... --174.61.xx.x

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 10:49 PM
Message:

Some 3 prong dryer cords are 30 Amp 220 volt, and some 4 prong dryer cords could be a 50 AMP 110/220 volt. You have to check the "Breaker" and "Dryer Rating" to make sure they match... Otherwise you can burn the house down! --98.119.xxx.xx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2010 10:55 PM
Message:

I understand your dilemma but I think that policy could hurt you legally.

Several years ago, code shifted to 4 prong. Any dryer sold in the last several years has 4 prong.

We upgrade to 4 prong and tell the tenant THEY must upgrade. Forcing the tenant to "downgrade" could bite the LL in the liability.

If something goes wrong, I'd rather show I have done everything in my power to provide safety.

The receptacles are only $14 and a few minutes to wire.

Installing security head screws is against code and would be considered tampering (instant fodder for the tenant's attorney). --69.243.xxx.xx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Opinionated [NC]) Posted on: Jul 20, 2010 4:48 AM
Message:

Changing a properly wired 4-prong receptacle to 3-wire is a code violation. Changing an existing 3-wire receptacle to 4-wire without the proper conductors supplying it is a code violation. Changing the cord on a dryer or range is not a code violation. --67.213.xx.xx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Jul 20, 2010 6:12 AM
Message:

Most of mine are 4 prong, as currently required by code. I offer to change the cord myself to match my unit. I keep several pigtails (cords) on hand just for this.

Dryers do not come with the cords already installed unless you pay extra when you purchase. The cords always come separately, and just for this reason. --141.129.x.xx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Gwen [MO]) Posted on: Jul 20, 2010 12:09 PM
Message:

Confirming what others have said, you always buy the cord separately for a dryer. We have 4-prong outlets, but we also always offer to put the new plug on for the tenant...I don't want them burning my place down with their 'handy' electrical work. --170.29.xx.x

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Virden [OH]) Posted on: Jul 20, 2010 3:22 PM
Message:

Having a 4 wire outlet means the house has been rewired with the updated grounding in 2002 and newer code,if you do not have the needed grounding a 3 wire system is fine, as many have said change the cord - in the back of the appliance is the instructions for moving the white/green jumper. --98.27.xxx.xxx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by Gordon [NY]) Posted on: Jul 20, 2010 9:04 PM
Message:

What income bracket is this rental pitched at? Please consider that 4-wire outlets for 220V plugs have been code since 2002, that most every dryer sold since then comes with a 4-prong cord and that changing the cord is no longer recommended by the NEC - there is the very real risk that the case may become live.

The statement gives the very distinct impression to the tenant that the landlord is that kind that does not even have the few hundred bucks in the bank for the electrician to lay a new run of cable to the breaker box. Such words will especially scare away the more solvent tenants, the kind that is less destructive and has a choice where to rent. These days there is plenty of choice.

--74.65.xxx.xx

3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Jul 21, 2010 10:04 PM
Message:

Hmmmm....I see Don's point better now. I actually like his approach it complies with code.

Interesting how I read a question one way, then they look different the next day after reading posts by others. --69.243.xxx.xx

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3 vs 4 Prong Dryer Outlet

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