re: 4 prong dryer hook up question

quote:

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It was many decades after the advent of electricilty in homes before anyone saw the need for a 3 wire system with ground, I wonder home many people actually died because of the lack of chassis gound. There are literaly houndreds of thousands if not millions of older homes that have never been re-wired, still using the two wire system, but hearing about someone being electrocuted in their home is pretty rare.

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That is true, it is rare. I do think if you look at the rate of electrocution relative to the use of electricity and electrical appliances has probably decreased. The fact is, a 110 AC shock is usually not deadly and often no more than a frightening jolt. People with heart conditions and small children are probably most at risk. The main issue here is that modern appliances are built with grounding as the primary protection against stray voltages. Older appliances (designed for the two wire systems) were designed the way many hand tools are now, double insulated. Of course if you go back far enough, you'll find even that wasn't in place.

Codes are there for a reason ands it's usually best to try to follow them.