I can't use my new dryer!

[teacherforhi]

Everything was going fine until they went to plug the dryer in. When I ordered it, I was asked if I had an old house or a new house as new houses generally have a 4-prong receptacle. Well...my house predates electricity so that probably shouldn't be the primary deciding factor.

It turns out that while I do have an older 3-prong outlet, the little socket holes point in the wrong direction for modern dryer plugs. I am furious! I don't know anything about this and that's why I questioned the salesman extensively.

Now I'm going to have to get an electrician to come out and change the receptacle .

 

[singingpixie]

Is there any way you can just change the plug on the dryer? Changing plugs usually aren't too hard. Unless the issue is the number of prongs, meaning there might be a phasing issue. Give me more info and I might be able to help.

 

[Micca]

Is there an adapter?

 

[mtemm]

we had to do this with one move, then again on the one after that. it was really easy, nothing an electrician would need to be called in for.

hope you get it taken care of soon!!!

 

[GeorgeG]

Don't panic! The delivery guys should have had both types of cords with them and used the correct one with the dryer, if not installed it. The sales person should not have left it to guess-work.

240 volt lines are the same no matter what the configuration of the socket and plug is. It's easier to match the cord and plug on the dryer to what is already in the house than to change the existing outlet.

 

[lesroi]

What they said!!!

We have the same issue but we just got a new cord with the correct-facing "thingies" (yes, technical term!)
Don't waste the money on an electrician, just go to Lowes or Home Depot!

Tracy

 

[teacherforhi]

Don't panic! The delivery guys should have had both types of cords with them and used the correct one with the dryer, if not installed it. The sales person should not have left it to guess-work.

240 volt lines are the same no matter what the configuration of the socket and plug is. It's easier to match the cord and plug on the dryer to what is already in the house than to change the existing outlet.

It wasn't an issue of having the wrong cord. The receptacle in my laundry room is old, so the current cords won't fit in it.

My dad did go to Lowe's and buy a new receptacle and replaced it. It just irritated me that the salesman just asked about 3-prong or 4-prong. No 3-prong with 3 straight 'thingies' or 3-prong with 2 straight 'thingies' and 1 'thingie' with a crook in it.