Prior to the 1996 NEC, which type of receptacles and cords were permitted for electric clothes dryers and ranges?

Electric clothes dryers and ranges were permitted to use 3-wire receptacles and cords prior to the 1996 National Electrical Code (NEC) update. The 3-wire configuration typically included two hot wires and one neutral wire. This type of connection allowed for 240 volts to be supplied for the appliance while also providing a return path for current through the neutral wire.

In residential applications prior to 1996, the 3-wire system was common for connecting major appliances like dryers and ranges. This setup was designed with certain safety measures, but as codes evolved, the understanding of electrical safety improved, leading to the implementation of 4-wire configurations in later revisions of the NEC. The 4-wire system differentiates the ground from the neutral, enhancing safety by reducing the possibility of shock hazards and ground faults.

Understanding this historical context helps to illustrate why the 3-wire option was used before 1996—the code at that time was based on the technology and electrical practices prevalent in the industry, which have since been updated to reflect improved safety standards.