How to Convert an Electric Range Three-Prong Power Cord to Four-Prong

Moving from a residence constructed before 1999 and into a newly constructed residence requires you to convert your three-prong electrical range power cord to a four-prong range cord. Thankfully, you are not required to replace the entire range when moving. The National Electrical Code (NEC) changed the requirements in 1999, requiring all range receptacles to include ground wire in new construction. The power cord connections on electric ranges are universal because of this requirement.

• 1

  Remove the screws to open the electrical access panel located at the bottom rear of the electric range, using a screwdriver. Removing the panel cover allows you to access the power cord connections to the terminal block.

• 2

  Unscrew the three screws from the terminal block holding the black, red and white wires from the three-prong power cord. Locate where the cord threads into the range. A strain-relief connector holds the cord to the body of the range. Loosen the two screws on the connector and pull the three-prong power cord from the electric range.

• 3

  Pull out the copper grounding strap attached to the middle terminal on the terminal block. Grab the strap with pliers and pull the terminal block. You may need to remove the screw above the middle screw on the terminal block to release the strap.

• 4

  Thread the wires from the four-prong range cord through the strain-relief connector into the terminal block. Attach the white wire to the center terminal and the red and black wires to the left and right terminals. The red and black wires are both hot wires and can attach to either terminal.

• 5

  Take out the green ground screw from beneath the terminal block directly below the middle terminal. Attach the green ground wire from the four-prong range power cord to the green ground screw.

• 6

  Tighten the two screws on the strain-relief connector to hold the four-prong range power cord securely to the range. Replace the electrical access panel cover to the rear of the electric range.