4 wire/4 prong dryer connection

[dtontarski]

Looking for a clarification to better understand 240 volt appliance wiring - If new construction requires 4 wire/4 prong dryer & range connections, and if 240 doesn't require a grounded neutral conductor.....what are the 4 wires in this cable?

[hausdok]

Hi,

Electric dryers use both 120volts and 240volts at the same time. With the old 3-pronged plugs, the neutral circuit was connected to the frame of the dryer - in other words, the neutral and ground shared the same prong on that plug. Think about standing on a wet laundry room floor if the washer overflows with the frame of the washing machine essentially being hot. Can you imagine what could happen if you lose the neutral leg of that 120volt circuit?

That was code until 1996 and then it changed. After that, the frame was grounded using a separate equipment-grounding conductor. Now you've got two hots, which power the heating elements, and a hot, neutral and equipment-grounding conductor to the drum motor.

Does that answer the question?

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[dtontarski]

Thanks Mike...clear as can be.