Why does range cables only have two hots, a ground and no white?

Question

I do not understand why range cables don't have a white wire. Isn't that dangerous? I've seen the same installation on baseboard heaters. Why don't these 220v devices take a white wire?

Answer 1

If the device operates at 220V exclusively there is no need for the neutral. The heating elements on the range have two terminals which connect to each live line and operate directly from 220V. If there is a light bulb or 120V clock, sometimes it will use the ground wire as a neutral return. This will work but is not the preferred method of wiring. The ground conductor should carry no current unless there is a wiring fault. It is there for safety, and to ensure the appliance cabinet remains at ground voltage potential. The same can be said for clothes dryers. Some used three wires, with ground used as neutral return for the motor and light bulb. All new ranges and clothes dryers that I've seen recently use a four wire plug.

Answer 2

The white wire in question is the neutral..The proper name is the grounded conductor. It comes into play on 120V circuits.

It carries the return current to ground. There is no return current in 220V applications..

Answer 3

120v hot wire plus another 120v hot wire (of another phase) equals 240v (in residential). 120v hot wire plus 0v white wire equals 120v. Sorry but that is as easy as it gets. If you want to investigate more search for electrical theory.