What's the difference between a 3 wire power cord and a 4 wire power cord for a new range?

Question

I'm getting a new range for my kitchen and it says it requires either a 3 or 4 wire (pronged) power cord. What's the difference between a 3 wire and a 4 wire power cord?

Answer 1

A three wire cord has two hot wires, and a ground wire.

A four wire cord has two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.

Electronics will work either way per instructions. The theory is that you will use the old cord from the old stove since it was safe to use this way. But... IF... the neutral becomes disconnected or shorted the stove will continue to operate normally because each hot wire is 180 degrees out of phase. Making the unit a death trap if you touch it and a good ground at the same time. So... much safer to get four wire but okay if you want to use three and are stubborn about recycling.

Answer 2

the onle difference is one more ground wire,this has been code in mobile homes for years,now the fed.gov.has found a new way for the big mfg.co. to charge us more. it really dosen't do anything for a earth grounded home,but it did help in mobile homes.

Answer 3

MAKE IT SIMPLE JUST GET WHAT FITS YOUR OUTLET.

Answer 4

A three wire cord has two hot wires, and a ground wire.

A four wire cord has two hot wires, a neutral wire, and a ground wire.

If the stove has electronics, such as a digital display, it usually requires a four wire cord.

Answer 5

A four wire cord will include a ground connection and is a bit safer.

Check your old receptacle and match the number of wires in the cord

with the number of slots you see.