You are correct in what you're saying for an electric clothes dryer, but the
OP called it a washing machine and hasn't returned to amend that statement



"Nate Nagel" wrote in message
...
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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