Doug Miller wrote:
In article , "Toller" wrote:


Did the machine come with a manual? It should tell you how to wire for a
three wire cordset to match your receptacle.


No, it won't. This is *very* bad advice. Receptacles (and circuits) should be
matched to the cordset, *not* the other way around.

If not, try contacting the manufacturer or post the brand and model; someone
here might be able to advise you.


That's somewhat better advice. Too bad you didn't stop there.

As a last resort, you could probably just get a plug to match your
receptacle and connect both the ground and neutral to the neutral.


Not safely, he can't. Will you PLEASE stop trying to give electrical advice
until you've figured out the difference between ground and neutral? They are
NOT the same, but you keep posting as if they are.


It is
supposed to be done in the machine,


No it's not.


but I can't see why doing it at the plug
wouldn't work;


Oh, it'll work, in the sense that the machine will operate. It just won't be
safe, that's all.


though I expect it is a code violation of some sort.


Yes, of course it's a Code violation. At least two violations. So why are you
advising him to do it?


Anyone
want to tell me why this is more dangerous than bonding in the machine;


It's not -- but who said bonding in the machine was safe? And what makes you
think that they *are* bonded in the machine?


aside from the difficulty of getting two wires on one terminal in the plug?


Because neutral is NOT guaranteed to be at zero potential with respect to true
earth ground, and ground IS. Cross-connecting ground and neutral can leave the
chassis of the equipment at a non-zero potential with respect to true earth
ground -- and that's a potential electrocution hazard.

That hazard is exactly why the Code now requires four-wire circuits for
120/240 devices, and explicitly prohibits doing just what you're advising him
to do.


It does NOT explicitly prohibit anything of the sort. It used to allow
for neutral and ground to be bonded together inside the appliance just
like he says, and still permits it for appliances installed in existing
buildings with existing three wire receptacles.

ASSuming that the mfgr. of the appliance allows it, it would be
perfectly acceptable to install a three wire cord set following the
mfgrs. bonding instructions.

I agree that using the four wire cord set would be preferable, but a
three wire cord set is NOT a Code violation AFAIK.

nate

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