Type B Outlet for Dryers

[CJ Z.]

I purchased a really good condition 100 year old 4-family about a month ago. One of my tenants has told me the dryer electric needs to be updated from a "regular outlet" (Type B) to 240v. When I first looked at the building and all original tenants were there, each had a functioning dryer using the same wiring. 

I know there are 120v electric dryers, does the tentant just need a simple dryer plug conversion kit to work with Type B outlets for a 120v outlet? 

[Mike Wood]

Are you sure you dont have 240v outlet? There are two different styles of 240v plugs (three prong and four prong). Both are 240v, but the newer plugs have an additional wire for the ground. 

You tenant could buy the older stylestyle plug (three prong) and install it on their dryer. They are available at the big box stores and it's very easy to change out the plug on the dryer.

The older plug/outlet  is still legal on existing houses, but not legal on new wiring.

Unless you have an issue with the current wiring, I would not change the wiring or the outlet.