Can I safely change the power cord from a 3-wire to a 4-wire? I moved to a new home and the receptacle for the drier is for a 4-wire plug. If safe, how do the wires connect (i.e. red, blue, white and black)? The drier is a Maytag electric model LDE303 Series 05.

Bob, November 2004

Yes, the 4th wire is just a ground. The wires in a 3 wire 240 volt setup are not earth, neutral and live. They are 1 common (neutral), 2 hot (120v); for a total of 240 volts. Look up the correct color coding.

wrenchmonkey, July 2006

SOunds like you would be better having someone with a basic electrical knowledge do this for you. The dryer only requires 3 wires. THese are for earth, neutral and live. Technically there is no problem with using a 4 core flex as long as it is capable of supplying the appliance with sufficient current.

Pete., December 2004