Choosing between the different wire configurations has been a confusing topic for a good while. For 220v loads, there’s a common debate between the 3-wire and 4-wires settings.
What should you choose between 3-wire vs 4-wire for 220v?
Appliances using only a 220v circuit do not require a neutral wire. So in most cases, a 3-wire 220v suffices. But, some appliances like cloth dryers utilize a mix of 220v and 110v circuits. A 110v circuit does need a neutral wire. So for these appliances, a 4-wire configuration is essential.
But this barely clears things out. If you wish to know more about the products and how they compare, read along. I’ve made a detailed analysis comparing the two.
Now, let’s find out which suits you the best. Let’s start!
Comparing the 3-wire and 4-wire: At a Glance
The 3 wire and 4 wire configurations are being widely used across the world. They have clearly outdone the days of 2 wire configurations due to efficacy.
In order to have a quick understanding, take a look at the table below. This will shed light on their structural differences at a glance:
| Factors | 3-wire | 4-wire |
| Composition | 2 Hotwires, 1 Ground Wire | 2 Hotwires, 1 Ground Wire, 1 Neutral Wire |
| Compatibility | Used with 220v Appliance | Used with Appliance using Multiple Circuits |
| Examples | LED strip lights | Air Dryer, Stoves |
| Price | $45 (100 feet) | $85 (100 feet) |
I hope this gives an initial informed idea about the differences between the two. Now let’s get down to the details.
3-wire vs 4-wire: A Head-to-Head Analysis
The appliances these configurations use and compatibility may differ. In order to understand that, let us first look at the different compositions of the two. Let’s start!
Configuration
The number of wires is in the name itself. But do these wires all play the same role? The answer is no. When assessing the 3 wire settings, you’ll notice two insulated wires and one bare copper wire.
Speaking of 3-wire, you may be interested in wiring a 3-wire plug with 3 wires.
These insulated wires will be in red and black colors. This identifies these wires as hotwires. In other words, the red and black wires are mainly responsible for conducting the current.
As for the bare conductor, it has two functions. It works as a ground wire and also a route for returning current. As it is a ground wire, it prevents the circuit breaker from shorting.
Different from the 3-wire setting, this configuration offers an extra wire. So let’s start off with the basics. This configuration also has 2 hotwires in red and black, and a ground wire.
But, it also comes with a white wire. This is a neutral wire. What’s interesting is that in this case, neutral wire carries the current back to the source. So the ground wire has only one function, that is to prevent circuit breaker short.
Some people deem this configuration as more effective and ideal in all regards. But as you progress further, you’ll learn which configuration is more applicable where. Electric heaters use the 4-wire settings.
Users report cold air is blowing from electric heaters, but that’s never a wiring problem.
Appliances and Compatibility
This segment mainly covers the suitability of these wire configurations. This will better equip you with the technical knowledge required to make a decision.
Now in this article, we’re mainly comparing the two for 220v power loads. For 220v power loads, it’s important to note that a neutral wire isn’t required. This is why, in most cases, a 3-wire will suffice.
So, what’s the explanation for this? You see, for a 220v load, only two hotwires are required for it to function. This obviates the need for the neutral (white) wire.
The 3-wire configuration can be used for appliances like the electric water heater.
But does this mean that the 4-wire isn’t used anywhere? The answer is, it definitely is used.
The 4-wire 220v is used in appliances like cloth dryers and stoves. These appliances utilize a mix of 220v and 110v circuits. That’s why it’s important to learn the wire connection guide for 220v dryers.
While the 220v does not require a neutral wire, the 110v circuit does need it. And this is where 4-wire configurations come in.
From the 4-wire structure, you’ll notice it has a white wire for returning currents. This makes it perfect for appliances using other circuits with a 220v circuit.
Some appliances also have 240v circuits integrated with the 220v circuits. That’s why a 4 wire is necessary for these too.
Still having doubts? An example should clear this out once and for all.
Example for Multiple Circuit Appliances
To exemplify the necessity of a 4-wire configuration, we chose a 220V dryer. Now although this has a 220v load, there are other circuits at play here.
The dryer can have 110v components like lights and clocks. They generally also have 240v components like heating elements.
Due to all these additional components, a 3-wire configuration won’t suffice.
This is why it’s always important to check the label of your appliances for recommended settings.
But oftentimes, the problem isn’t in the configuration but the wires themselves. You can use a megger to test your wires.
Check out our recommendation for buying meggers from trusted sources:
| Product 1 | |
| Product 2 |
They come with warning alarms for high voltage, backlit display graphs, and low-battery indicators.
We hope that this article, along with the example, has provided some insight on what to choose.
Pricing
The last difference between the two is pricing. A 100 ft. 3 wire cable can be bought for around $45-50 online. Whereas, a 4 wire cable can cost around $85-90 online. Basically, the added neutral wire steepens the price of a 4-wire.
You can buy them in famous online stores like Amazon and eBay. However, you may find better deals at your local appliance stores.
FAQs
Question: How safe is a 220v three-wire power plug?
Answer: Most modern-day technologies are inclining towards 4-wire configurations. But there are appliances that still use the 3-wire setting. The problem with 3-wire configurations is that the neutral wire carries return currents. These short trips to the ground. With 4-wires, there is a separate wire to shorts. This provides more accuracy.
Question: What can we understand by wire colors?
Answer: Most commonly, you will find red, black, white, and green colors in your wire. Now red and black wires are what you call hot wires. They primarily carry the currents. The white wire is basically a neutral wire that is a path for returning currents. Lastly, the green wire is a ground wire.
Question: How to choose a wire gauge?
Answer: When trying to wire a 220v plug, you need to choose a wire gauge. Gauge basically means the thickness of wires. The rule of thumb is, if the gauge is lower, the wire is thicker. Usually, a 10 gauge or 8 gauge is recommended for 220v plugs. On the flip side, the 110v plugs are suited for 12 gauge wires.
EndNote
With that, we’ve reached the end of our discussion. That’s all we have on 3-wire vs 4-wire for 220v. We hope this article has helped you determine which 220v wire is best for you.
If you’ve found this article interesting, feel free to browse and look through the others.
Until then, take care of yourself!