tenant called and GE wouldn't install a new dryer because there is a 3 prong outlet. Their claim is that the new dryer requires a 50 amp circuit w/ a 4 prong outlet. And that if a 3 prong plug is installed on their dryer it might short out the dryer and void the warranty. They further told them it was a range outlet. I have had tenants use this for a dryer for over 15 years. Isn't this a non-issue? The box stores ask you all the time what cord you need. I'm reluctant to tell the tenant to do this when GE told them otherwise. Should I recommend they buy a dryer elsewhere? I don't know why a 4 prong outlet on the service line for 30 amps isn't sufficient.

Never heard of such a thing. Dryer’s use a 30 amp breaker, either 3 or 4 prong.

I suspect the installer doesn’t know what they’re talking about. I would not change my breaker for some special needs anomaly dryer. Your plug is to standard code.

What they were recommending it sounds like is they change out the 30 amp 3 prong plug to a 30 amp 4 prong dryer plug which newer homes require because it has a build in ground (or something like that). But the existing 3 prong plug will work just fine and is what most people have anyway.

I would ask for the model number of the dryer and look it up on-line or ask them to send you a photo of the plate on the dryer with the specs. I have never seen a 50 Amp dryer and to do so would certainly go against the building code so pretty sure a manufacturer wouldn't do that. Dryers are 30 amp and Stoves are 50 amp by code.

30 Amp for dryer

50 Amp for range

I got clarification from the tenant. GE installer looked at the outlet and said it is a range outlet, which led them to assume it is a 50A circuit. I verified the circuit is 30A.

Unfortunately you can't legally just change the outlet. The code requires a 2nd ground wire so you will have to have another wire pulled to a grounding source/breaker panel.

The national electric code changed around ‘98 that changed the requirements from a three wire to four. It’s perfectly acceptable to have a three wire receptacle.

Mike is correct. But the simple way to do is to put a 3 prong cord on the dryer and plug it into the existing plug.

The wire for a 50 amp circuit (6 or 8 gauge) is heavier than for a 30 amp circuit. I don't see why a 30 amp receptacle could not be attached to it. You would not even have to change the breaker to 30amp because the wiring is rated at 50amp, although you could if you wanted to.

I am a landlord, contractor and electrician. There is a communications gap between you, your tenant and the appliance provider. A few things should have been discussed but weren't.

Like when it comes to a dryer, here are a few questions:

#1 Is the dryer Natural Gas, Propane or Electric (120 volts or 240 volts)?

#2 Does the vent pipe discharge from the back or the sides (Which side)?

#3 Which direction does the dryer door open? From right to left or from Left to right?

The owner should inform their tenant what type of dryer will fit in the home. Like a 240 volt electric dryer with a 3 prong plug. Rear venting.

MikeA, my electrician said I could update the outlet on a 30 Amp line w just swapping the outlets. My circuit is 30 amp.

The only item I saw on HD (nothing in store either) is an adapter that has an additional grounding wire that has to be inserted into the ground pin on a standard outlet (15 or 20A).

Robert J, yes lots of miscommunication. It would be nice if the tenant informed me about the install. The dryer is electric, the vent is in the lower right corner. The GE guy saw this, but only raised a concern about the outlet. Door swing either way- no problem.

A 240 volt dryer is two hot s and a neutral.

The neutral goes back to the panel.

Although the neutral bar and the ground bar at the panel are separate , they both effectively go to ground, don't they .??