plug info

[jerry from PA]

I got my 8/3 extention cord yesterday. I thought it would plug into my dryer outlet that is 3 prongs as the welder plug is. The prongs dont match. So my question is can i buy a adapter that plugs into my dryer outlet? That would make life a lot easier. I realy dont want to cut off a brand new cord to make it work. Any ideas thanks jerry. PS On the + side it is a 50a breaker with 4 guage wire feeding it.

[AndreC]

you may have to put a male plug and a different Female receptacle on the same pigtale. Costly but will work

[urch55]

Jerry,
If you don't want to cut your 8/3 cord then you will have to make up an adapter pig tail.
Or change the cord on the dryer and receptacle. But I don't know if that is kosher (code wise)..

[Sberry]

In some sense and by the letter it isn't code but,,, if this dryer circuit goes back to the main service entrance panel it will be safe to make an adapter, its done all the time.

[homeless1972]

Pigtail adapter for sure!
I've done it and keep a few on hand.
They cost about 20 bucks to make.
You'll need:
1 ft 8/3 cable (or longer if you wish)
1 dryer plug
1 welder outlet
1 6x6 metal box
1 face cover for box with round hole to accommodate welder outlet

A trip down to Home Depot and you'll be all set.

[MAC702]

The dryer plug you will need is a NEMA 10-30P.
The welder receptacle or connector that you will need is a NEMA 6-50R or 6-50C.

You will be using the dryer's grounded conductor ("neutral") as the equipment grounding conductor ("ground"), which is fine.

You can make this adapter as long as you wish and use it as another extension cord at the same time. If it is the only place you will ever plug in your machine, you could have done this instead of the extension cord you just bought.

The biggest mistake made with installing these plugs and connectors is nicking the insulation on the wires when stripping the jacket of the cord. Take care.

EDIT: I just noticed you said it was on a 50A breaker with #4 wires. That's not typical for a dryer. That would be a typical aluminum wire size for an electric range. If your dryer's neutral prong is straight instead of bent, then substitute a NEMA 10-50P for the plug on your adapter cord. If the circuit wires are aluminum, take this opportunity to turn off the breaker and tighten all the connections at the receptacle.

[jerry from PA]

just wanted to let you know if you go to the dump and take off the wire on the back of a old dryer its a 6/3 wire with a male end on it. so all you to do to make a adapter is to wire the female welder plug on the other end. 15$ at lowes. worked for me

[MAC702]

You mean put a welder receptacle (R) or connector (C) on the other end. The plug (P) is the male.

It also depends on the dryer. Some are 3-wire plugs and some are 4-wire, depending on how old the house is. All dryers can be fitted with either cord/plug.

A dryer typically has a 6-foot cord. If this is all that is needed for an adapting extension cord, or to make an adapter for another extension cord, this is absolutely a fine idea.

However, most dryers are #10 cord, not #6. A range cord would usually be #6, but most dryer receptacles are 30A and wouldn't have the same blade configuration as a range.

Old dryer installations are a NEMA 10-30.
New dryers are a NEMA 14-30.
Old ranges are a NEMA 10-50.
New ranges are a NEMA 14-50.
Welders are a NEMA 6-50.