NEC Strain Relief for Dryer

[FishingJim]

We just had a new electric dryer installed. The big box store insisted that I needed a new L14-30 power cord. When the installed attached the cord, he did not use a strain relief or bushing. The jacket had been stripped back enough that some of the conductors were sitting on the knockout. Potential fireworks.

Before I go in and have words with the business, I would like to know where I can find the appropriate section of the code.

Thank you.

 

[AC\DC]

yes its dangerous they do the same thing around here. I had a call once and pulled range out and a giant bang' black wall and flames were cool though. Get it fixed.

 

[letgomywago]

We just had a new electric dryer installed. The big box store insisted that I needed a new L14-30 power cord. When the installed attached the cord, he did not use a strain relief or bushing. The jacket had been stripped back enough that some of the conductors were sitting on the knockout. Potential fireworks.

Before I go in and have words with the business, I would like to know where I can find the appropriate section of the code.

Thank you.

It'll be in the manufacturers instructions for the pig tail.

 

[tom baker]

It’s an appliance and not covered under the NEC which is for premise wiring. Burt we can look to other sections that require a strain relief or clamp for cords.
But first what do the installation instructions require?

 

[augie47]

All the factory dryer (and range) cords I've purchased come with a dinky little two-piece clamp that serves as a grip.
Go back by big box and look at the cords,,,chances are you will see what I'm talking about.
Apparently, the installer chose not to use it.

 

[LarryFine]

A cheap Tomic connector, basically. Some are one piece.

 

[Tulsa Electrician]

Before you go take a picture of it missing and the bag with the part that was supposed to be put on.
Or go get the one they sold you and show them the part that was not installed.

I would also turn of the breaker unplug the dryer and remove wire access cover to be sure they removed the jumper from the ground( green screw ) to netural ( white wire). If not sure post pic.

When big blue delivered my dryer they told me that they had to install the cord for warranty. I ask, you a qualified person to install the cord to which he said he was.
I waited for him to get done and than ask him to fix and install correctly and informed him and his manager he is not a qualified installer. I loved it when he ask me what me think I'm qualified to tell him it's wrong. My wife said oh no and left the room.

Your dryer instructions will show you this jumper in the manual for a four wire hook up.

I say give them heck and good luck.

 

[LarryFine]

I have done this more than once:

 

[LarryFine]

I would also turn of the breaker unplug the dryer and remove wire access cover to be sure they removed the jumper from the ground( green screw ) to netural

I had to correct my cousin's new dryer after it was delivered. They used a 4-wire cord to match the receptacle I installed, and put both the white and green on the neutral terminal.

 

[zbang]

For the OP-

L14-30 power cord

Probably a regular 14-30, not locking (the "L") part; there's huge difference between the two.

 

[FishingJim]

My mistake - good catch. We are mostly in data centers, so typically locking.

 

[FishingJim]

It'll be in the manufacturers instructions for the pig tail.

The manufacturer calls out for a strain relief. The big box installers are two guys in a truck. They installed the cord with an electric drill. I presumed with a torque setting. Based on my experience, I stopped and made sure that each was tightened properly. They also managed to crush the dryer vent hose with one of the water lines when they pushed it back to the wall. Ain't it great.

If NEC doesn't cover it, I will try to see if NFPA has anything.

 

[FishingJim]

Before you go take a picture of it missing and the bag with the part that was supposed to be put on.
Or go get the one they sold you and show them the part that was not installed.

I would also turn of the breaker unplug the dryer and remove wire access cover to be sure they removed the jumper from the ground( green screw ) to netural ( white wire). If not sure post pic.

When big blue delivered my dryer they told me that they had to install the cord for warranty. I ask, you a qualified person to install the cord to which he said he was.
I waited for him to get done and than ask him to fix and install correctly and informed him and his manager he is not a qualified installer. I loved it when he ask me what me think I'm qualified to tell him it's wrong. My wife said oh no and left the room.

Your dryer instructions will show you this jumper in the manual for a four wire hook up.

I say give them heck and good luck.

I did verify that they had removed the jumper.

 

[kec]

A cheap Tomic connector, basically. Some are one piece.
View attachment 2570470 View attachment 2570475 View attachment 2570471

I hate those connectors. I used a 3/4 two screw fitting.

 

[norcal]

I prefer to scrap out the strain relief supplied with the cord, & use a Romex® connector. As GFCI requirements become more widespread, waiting on the havoc the installers create when they bond the neutral on a 4-wire install.

 

[curt swartz]

Add me to the list that uses 2-screw NM connectors. The clamps they include with the cords are garbage and a PITA to install. If they included a better clamp more installers might use them.

 

[FishingJim]

It’s an appliance and not covered under the NEC which is for premise wiring. Burt we can look to other sections that require a strain relief or clamp for cords.
But first what do the installation instructions require?

The manual calls out for a strain relief.

 

[electrofelon]

I also use a NM connector. If you are looking for something real nice, I have been loving and starting using these cord grip kits from American fittings. It's only like 5 bucks:

Cord Grip Connector CG KITS 1/2" to 2" Steel, Aluminum, & Stainless

AMFICO 's JOB READY EZ Cord Grip Kits are Packaged to Fit Your Needs ONE Package Accommodates a Full Range of Flexible Cord Sizes Cord Grip Kits are Available in Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Zero Job Site Worries - Cover ALL Cord Ranges

amftgs.com

 

[kwired]

I have done this more than once:

View attachment 2570476

Them clamps that come with the pigtail are a pain. Sometimes they won't really fit in the space the appliance allows either.

I tend to just use a 2 screw style NM cable connector instead and save a little cussing during installation.

 

[FishingJim]

After poking around, it seems like 400.10 would be applicabl!