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Topic: 3wire house vs. 4wire range

User: difowler1, Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Asked on: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 9:43 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:28 am EDT

Question: I am trying to find the article about installing a new 4 wire range in a house with a 3 wire circuit, but I can't find the rules I need tonight.I have 2 hots and one ground. The code on 250.140 has extensive comments on installing a new 4 wire range where no equipment grounding conductor is present.The more common scenerio is where you have 2 ungrounded conductors and 1 grounding conductor. How do you hook that up to a 4 wire new range? Anyone know the article?

Article 250.140 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidance on grounding a range with a 4-wire cord where an equipment grounding conductor is not present in the circuit

NEC 250.140(C): Appliances Other Than Fixed Cooking Appliances.

>For appliances other than fixed cooking appliances, the equipment grounding conductor shall terminate at the equipment grounding terminal, bar, or other means provided for ground connection.

Application to 4-Wire Ranges

In the case of a 4-wire range, the NEC does not provide specific instructions for connecting the fourth wire (neutral) when an equipment grounding conductor is not present. However, the following steps are typically followed:1.

Identify the ungrounded conductors

Since you have two "hots", these are your ungrounded conductors.2.

Connect the ungrounded conductors to the range terminals

The two ungrounded conductors should be connected to the corresponding terminals on the range (usually labeled "L1" and "L2").3.

Bond the neutral conductor to the range chassis

The neutral conductor (white wire) should be bonded to the metal chassis of the range using a jumper wire. This connection provides a path for fault current to return to the source, ensuring the range is properly grounded.4.

Identify the grounding terminal

The range may have a grounding terminal marked with a green screw or a "grounding lug".5.

Install a grounding conductor (optional)

Although not required by the NEC, it is recommended to install a grounding conductor from the grounding terminal to a suitable grounding point (such as the cold water pipe or the grounding electrode system). This additional grounding connection provides enhanced safety in case of a fault.

Note:
It is important to consult local building codes and regulations, as they may have additional requirements or variations on these guidelines. Flag for review

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