I am trying to connect a new 4-wire range in a new location in my house. When I removed the old cover I see 3-wires connected 1) red 2) black, and 3) green.
If I understand correctly, red and black are 110v each, and green is ground. I picture a rod in the ground for green. Neutral in another hand, I picture it as a wire taking back electrons to the station.
Now when I open the panel – I noticed that the neutral (white) and the ground (green) are connected to the same bar on both sides of the panel.
So my questions are as follows:
— Why are white and copper (ground) come from the same bar?
— How do I use this setup to connect a 4-wire system?
Side note: My new range allows for a 3-wire setup – maybe all is possible with my house.
Best Answer
This is your main panel so grounds and neutrals are allowed to be attached to the same bars. You'll need a four wire whip, probably provided, from you new range, to your outlet box. Connect your black to black, red to red, white to white and green to bare copper. The black and the white wires should be 120 Volts phase to neutral and 240 Volts phase to phase. Check your instruction booklet and it will tell you how to remove any jumper from neutral to ground on your range. Make sure your range amperage does not exceed the breaker and wires that are feeding your range circuit. If your range didn't come with a 4 wire whip, you might be able o add the white wire depending on the FMC size.