I had heard the statement about the lack of copper during WW2. I have also heard that this requirement was in the code way before the Big One. I will look into my old code books tomorrow to see if I can verify this.
As for the fact that there have been deaths caused by this, I would say - no way -.
If there were deaths that have been caused by this, do you really think it would have taken 50+ years to get the code changed? I have heard of long discussions by the code making panels, but 50 years?
There has been only one death locally that was involving a dryer. The teenage was laying on top of the dryer, and reaching down behind it to unplug the unit. He worked the plug out some, then grasped the plug by wrapping his fingers around the blades, which were still energized. Current thru him to the unit. This would have happened whether the unit was wired via 4-wires or 3-wires.
I honestly believe most deaths have happend because of damaged unit, or by mis-use, like this kid, and not because the unit had only 3-wires.
I like the rule for not having the neutral used as a ground. It is pretty hard telling an apprentice that you do not tie neutrals and grounds together anywhere in a home, but then telling him/her that it is ok to do it on a dryer/range. The new rule makes sense.
Rick Miell
