Hello lovely people of reddit.
I'm low on money but my dryer outlet burnt out. My electrical knowledge is based on youtube videos so I appreciate any input/education which may also include "hire an electrician for +$300 and skip some meals for the next few weeks" if you really think I'm in over my head.
I did some research and learned that 4 prong outlets are the new code (?). The problem I'm facing is the fact that the current wires are too short to install after cutting out the damaged burnt areas (cutting off the damaged wire was also part of the research I did but correct me if I'm wrong.). One of the videos I watched suggested using in-line connectors but I would like to know if that is the optimal method.
I'm also unsure how to tell what damaged wire looks like. I'm assuming after the wire burnt, any of the parts with melted casing is damaged and needs to be cut off but do you need to check further down the wire?
Yes, i did turn off the power to the breaker and tested the wires with a noncontact tester.
No, i cannot pull any wire out as I tried and it didn't budge.
Also, what type of wire should I be buying to extend the wires? 14/2? 10/3? And do any of the letters after the numbers matter?
Are the wires in the picture even the correct type to use for a 4 prong dryer outlet?
Some possibly important information: I have one of those awful zinsco panels which i do not have $5000 to replace. The wiring before i took the burnt plug out was exposed. As you can see, the previous owner put a cap and connected the green wire but they left it hanging out which was probably a contributing factor to the burnt plug.
Location is in the US
Thank you very much for your time and wisdom