How to Connect the Wires on a Four-Prong Plug to a GE Dryer

Four-Prong Plugs

• Newer GE dryers require 240 volts to operate. Older model GE dryers used a three-prong system, which consisted of two “hot” prongs that carried 110 volts each and a ground prong. One hot prong powered the dryer’s motor, while the other prong supported all other electrical accessories such as the switch operation, lights and signals. The four-prong plug adds a neutral wire to complete the circuit for the accessories, making it a safer choice that meets current electrical code standards.

Preparation and Safety

• Before installing the four-prong plug on your GE dryer, you need to take some safety precautions. The first is to shut down power to your dryer’s receptacle by switching off the circuit breaker associated with it. You can locate this in your home’s electrical box. The dryer receptacle circuit breaker typically has a bar connecting two breakers together. Next, move your dryer away from the wall so that you have enough room to work. Finally, ground yourself by holding a screwdriver and touching the outside shell of your GE dryer. This will discharge any static electricity you are generating.

Terminal Connection

• Locate the terminal junction on the back of your dryer. For most GE models, the junction has a special plate covering it that can be removed with a Phillips screwdriver. Once the cover is off, push the terminal end of your four-prong plug through the cord restraint of the terminal cover. Locate the three color-coded terminal junctions and match up the wire on the end of your four-prong plug to each one. Unscrew the terminals so that you can install each one in its appropriate slot, then screw them tightly together. The black and red wires are typically the hot wires, while the white terminal is the neutral. For the green ground wire, locate the green grounding point near the terminal junction and screw the wire in there.

Testing

• Before you reinstall the cover, double-check that the colors match on all the wires and that they are secured tightly to the terminals. Otherwise, you may see arcing once you plug in the dryer cord and turn the power on. If your receptacle isn’t already designed for your GE dryer’s four-prong plug, you can purchase a conversion kit. Some are designed to plug into a three-prong receptacle but have a fourth slot for the neutral prong. To test your GE dryer, switch your circuit breaker back on and plug in the dryer cord. Turn the power on.