Dryer cord 4 to 3 prong change out - with added ground wire (DIY)

*update 9.10.2021: dryer is still working well, no issues whatsoever, it gets used once or twice a week and I've never had to do anything with it since this video.

I know there are many comments explaining different ways to do this, some agree with me, others don't. Below is where I gathered my information to do this, but I don't claim expertise-proceed at your own risk. However, I've had zero issues with my setup and would absolutely let you all know otherwise if I'd had any issues.

So please keep comments constructive and helpful, I'm trying to create an opportunity for learning, not arguments or insults, and so far that's happened, so be sure to look over the comments for alternative methods.

Thanks for watching... and don't forget to check out my info sources below ⬇️

Around 1999 electrical codes changed and new houses are required to have 4 prong outlets for dryers ( and stoves too, I think). If you have an old 3 prong outlet, you will probably need to change out your dryer cord. This is totally doable, but you must heed the instructions since you are dealing with electricity. You can change the outlet, but that should be done by a licensed electrician only since it will require actual rewiring work (NOT a diy project)!

While researching, I found videos on changing dryer cords from 4 prongs to 3 prongs, but I read an article by a 20 year electrician who adamantly stated to add a ground wire to this setup for safety reasons (I'm a fan of electrical safety), which was not covered in the videos I watched. I have posted the link to his article below for reference.

So, this is my detailed version of my DIY cord change. I went into great detail because I myself like detail and had never done any home electrical work, so I figured anyone watching this would be like me and may appreciate the overly detailed, laymen's explanations. Perhaps it may encourage you to DIY, because this is quite doable, even for the inexperienced.

Feel free to leave helpful tips, tricks or general comments below; note: some of my terminology may be off as well--I do not claim to be a pro by any means. I am not some fancy youtuber and simply made this with the goal of helping people by showing them my trials and errors, yet successful finished product, similar to my other few DIY videos. (((**BUT, perform this AT YOUR OWN RISK** I am not an electrician and this is merely one approach, the one that I chose, on how to do this task!)))

Article by Dan Harmon (Dan has been a licensed journey-level electrician for some 17 years. He has extensive experience in most areas of the electrical trade.):
https://dengarden.com/appliances/how-to-change-a-4-prong-dryer-cord-and-plug-to-a-3-prong

NOTE: This video was approved by the above article's author and he has included a link to it in his article. Here are his additional comments following his watching of my video:

"A FYI for you, just so you understand better: That extra green ground wire that you installed is necessary. Without it there is no electrical connection to the body and frame of your dryer. It will operate just fine that way...as long as everything inside is proper and in top condition. The problem is that things wear out and unexpected events happen - one of those is that a hot wire might someday touch the frame of the dryer. With that ground wire installed, current will travel down that wire to the breaker panel and instantly trip the breaker, turning off the power.

But if there is no ground wire, there is no path for the current to take and the breaker will not trip. The body and frame will remain energized, with that damaged hot wire touching it much like the end of a battery, but with 120 volts rather than the 1.5 volts of a common battery. The next thing that happens is that you come into the room, lay a hand on your washer (or other grounded metal) and touch the dryer. The current has now found a path to travel; the one through your body to ground! It's called a "shock" and hurts! :D

So yes, that ground wire is necessary from a safety standpoint. It is also necessary from a legal one as it is required by the National Electric Code, which is used in virtually every locality."

I also sought feedback on a DIY forum; you can read those comments here: https://www.diychatroom.com/f18/dryer-cord-change-feedback-diy-video-675467/#post6018213

Видео Dryer cord 4 to 3 prong change out - with added ground wire (DIY) канала Liz G