A proper solution would be to leave the 30A cordset on the dryer and replace
both the receptacle and circuit breaker at the panel with a 30A parts.
Depending on the breaker panel, this might not be very difficult as the
breakers should be the same size and pop one out and pop the other in. An
experienced DIYer can get through it in an hour with $50-$60 in parts. The
old 50A wire is plenty sufficient for 30A service and need not be replaced.



You don't say for sure, but it is possible that the dryer is on a 30A
circuit but wired with a 50A plug.

It cost additional dollars for the higher capacity wire and a 50 A
breaker. Most electricians would not logically incure the extra
expense to wire a dryer with a non-code, higher capacity circuit
unless they had some really compelling reason to do so.

Such was the case when I moved into my house (built around 1990-91).
The dryer circuit was properly wired with a 30 amp dual breaker set
and #10 wire. The dryer outlet however, was wired with a 50 Amp
Range Socket.

Apparently, the electricians in this part of the Pacific Northwest
thought they could save money by stocking just one type of 240V plug
(the 50A range socket) and 50A cordsets during that period of time.
The problem was apparently so widespread that Sears made an official
issue of it and would not allow their dryer installers to finish an
installation until the outlet had been replaced by a qualified
electrician.

I was surprised when I bought my dryer at Sears and the salesperson
brought up the issue. Sure enough, I had one of those 50A sockets in
the laundry room. It was easy enough to change out though and thus I
did not have any problems with the installers.

Another issue these days is the 4 wire vs. 3 wire plug and cordset.
I believe the requirement is all new installations need to be 4 wire
(Ground, Neutral, hot, and hot). In older work, the older 3 wire
installations were all grandfathered to be OK (where the neutral
served as a ground). This applies to dryers and ranges so make sure
you get the cordset right.

Beachcomber