Help! Going from a 4 prong plug to a 3 prong plug??? What do I do with the White
#1
04-09-15, 07:34 PM
Help! Going from a 4 prong plug to a 3 prong plug??? What do I do with the White
I am making an extension cord that plugs into my dryer outlet. My dryer outlet is a 4 prong (Black, Red, White, Bare). 
But the plug that I am using the extension cord for is a 3 prong. I know that Black and Red are Hot.
My Question is: Do I tie the white (neutral) in with the ground (Bare) or cap it off?? I have been told to cap the white wire, then another electrician said to tie the white and bare in the ground together.
What do I do? I don't want to fry the expensive 10g wire that I made the extension cord with.
But the plug that I am using the extension cord for is a 3 prong. I know that Black and Red are Hot.
My Question is: Do I tie the white (neutral) in with the ground (Bare) or cap it off?? I have been told to cap the white wire, then another electrician said to tie the white and bare in the ground together.
What do I do? I don't want to fry the expensive 10g wire that I made the extension cord with.
#2
04-09-15, 08:03 PM
That appears to be cable not cord. The dead give-away is the bare ground. Cable can't be used as a cord. If the cord is for 240 volt only you would use 3 conductor service cable (white, black, green). Example: http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?...llow&cId=PDIO1
NM-b cable is only to be used as building wiring.
NM-b cable is only to be used as building wiring.
Last edited by ray2047; 04-09-15 at 08:22 PM.
#4
04-09-15, 08:42 PM
Yes I used cable and wired both ends. But is the white and bare to be connected together and then to the ground on the plug? Or do I just eliminate the white wire?
That is all I am asking. I made the cord and yes it can be used. Just a simple question on what I do with the white wire.
That is all I am asking. I made the cord and yes it can be used. Just a simple question on what I do with the white wire.
#6
04-09-15, 09:19 PM
Cable is not intended for that purpose. It is a code violation. Even if it was you should have used 10-2 not 10-3, double mistake. The welder is 240. You do not use a neutral on 240. That would be the white. What you are doing is wrong but if you don't care that it is wrong cut off the white on both ends.
Last edited by ray2047; 04-09-15 at 09:40 PM.
#7
04-09-15, 09:43 PM
So I eliminate the white on both ends? Will it still trip the breaker if it gets overload? I know it is not code, but my main concern is a fire. That is why I have an extension cord.
#8
04-09-15, 10:29 PM
Will it still trip the breaker if it gets overload?
my main concern is a fire. That is why I have an extension cord.
