What type of cord and plug assembly installation is allowed for a new electric clothes dryer with a jumper between the neutral and ground terminals?

The installation of a four-wire cord and plug assembly for a new electric clothes dryer is essential for safety and compliance with modern electrical codes. In a four-wire system, there are two hot conductors, one neutral conductor, and one ground conductor. This configuration helps ensure that the ground and neutral paths are kept separate, which is vital for preventing potential shock hazards.

Removing the jumper between the neutral and ground terminals is crucial in this setup. The purpose of the jumper is to bond the neutral and ground at the appliance, a practice that is not permitted when using a four-wire system, as it defeats the purpose of having a separate grounding conductor. By maintaining a distinct grounding path, it guarantees safer operation, as any fault current will return through the ground wire directly to the service panel, rather than along the neutral path.

On the other hand, a three-wire system typically incorporates a neutral that is also used as a ground, which is less safe and is no longer recommended or allowed in new installations for clothes dryers. This is why a four-wire system is the preferred method, as it meets current safety standards and electrical codes for dryer installations.