Do we need neutral for 240 volts oven or air-condition system

[gilamor]

Some electrical oven state in the installation instruction that the neutral and ground can be bounded together and suggest to look at local code requirements
In Los Angeles County when I call the electrical code hotline some inspectors are saying that old appliances used to be connected with ground only but this requirement has been changed and now you must put neutral as well, other inspectors say to use the manufacture suggestions. When I asked electricians 20-40 years in the business they give the same answer. Some say that it is ok to omit the neutral for an air-conditioned but not for an oven
Does anyone know the requirement?

Ophir Amor
Amor electric

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[Dennis Alwon]

For new installation you need a neutral for the oven if it requires one and a separate ground. A/c generally don't require neutrals so they are not necessary. art. 250.140

 

[peter d]

A 240 volt air conditioner has no need for a neutral, only an EGC (a ground.)

A 120/240 volt oven, range, or dryer will require 2 hots, a neutral, and a ground. For a new connection, they neutral and ground need to be connected separately, and the bonding done in the appliance will have to be removed.

 

[dereckbc]

Some electrical oven state in the installation instruction that the neutral and ground can be bounded together and suggest to look at local code requirements.[/B]

Don't mean to be rude, but the answer is in the BOOK 250.140.

Your confusion revolves around 250.140 that is for existing branch circuits for ranges and clothes dryers ONLY

The short answer is if the 240/120 circuit requires a grounded circuit conductor, then you run 4-wires (L1, L2, N, EGC). If the appliance has no need for 120, then the grounded circuit conductor (neutral) may be omitted. In any event an EGC is allways required, and no new 240/120 circuit installation are allowed to be ran 3-wire with N-G bonded together.