Range grounding

[bennie]

Ranges were permitted to be grounded by connecting the neutral to the frame in the 1940 Code. This was not only approved but was highly recommended instead of a separate ground wire.

This should put and end to the old tale about the shortage of metal during World War II, being the cause of 3/wire cords instead of 4.

[ April 17, 2003, 10:03 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]

 

[charlie]

Re: Range grounding

Bennie, the good ol' U S of A was supplying France, Spain, Australia, and Great Britton with supplies and munitions at that time and we were saving copper then for the war effort. We were not in the war but we were doing a lot to help, including the encouragement of some of our young men to go over and fight the Nazis.

 

[bennie]

Re: Range grounding

Charlie: The 1930's was the era of huge expansions of the electrical industry, in the US.

The REA (Rural Electric Administration) and TVA was created in 1935.

There was apparently an abundance of copper wire.

The rural areas went from 10% to 40% electrified.

The 3/wire range connection was performed, with the first appearance of an electric range for domestic use.

The 3/wire was not a mistake, it was planned. There has not been a history of problems with the 3/wire, but a lot are now developing since the change.

A side note: I have a friend whose father sold scrap metal to Japan, and became wealthy, right up to 1941. This conduct was legal then.

We did get most of it back.

[ April 18, 2003, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: bennie ]

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Range grounding

Bennie,

There has not been a history of problems with the 3/wire, but a lot are now developing since the change.

What problems have been caused by the "4 wire" requirement?
Don

 

[bennie]

Re: Range grounding

Don: Consumers are changing the 3/wire receptacle to a 4/wire. The appliance is not grounded when plugged in.

Others are changing the 4/wire cord to a 3/wire and not connecting the ground strap. The appliance is not grounded when plugged in.

This situation would not happen if they had remained 3/wire.