Dryer plug, 4 prong.

[MAC702]

Installing the correct cord on the dryer is still "doing it right." Just do THAT "right" by installing the bonding jumper.

 

[480sparky]

It looks like you'll need to rewire the circuit with #10-3 Romex cable. And if it was built in 1996, I'm surprised it doesn't already have 4-wire, since the requirement for 4-wire ranges and dryers went into effect in 1994.

Not every structure built was wired to the 'current' code of the day. Some AHJs are 10-20 years behind in code cycles. If there was any code being enforced at all at the time.

And it's not always the NEC. Threre's plenty of home-grown codes to go around.

 

[norcal]

While the best option is a new 4-wire circuit, the existing is code compliant so another option is convert the dryer to 3-wire, I did not read most of the other posts, never really liked 3-wire receptacles, but they are still OK as existing.

 

[jmellc]

Yes, suggest, but don’t loose sleep over the three wire.

I have a 3 wire dryer circuit in my house and my level of concern is 0 - 10. I have far more important issues to worry over.

 

[peter d]

I would put a 3-wire cord on it and call it a day. It's an existing installation.