In which year did four-wire 240V circuits become a standard requirement?

Four-wire 240V circuits became a standard requirement in 1996 as a result of changes made in the National Electrical Code (NEC). This standardization was introduced to improve safety by ensuring that circuits could accommodate modern electrical loads while also providing a separate ground wire.

The addition of the fourth wire, typically a ground, reduces the risk of electrical shock and helps prevent equipment failure. Many appliances and systems, such as dryers and ranges, require this setup for proper operation and safety compliance. The NEC is updated every few years, and the 1996 revision specifically emphasized the need for four-wire configurations to enhance safety measures in residential and commercial electrical installations.

Understanding this change is crucial for home inspectors, as it affects how electrical systems are evaluated for safety and compliance with current standards.