So i got a new dishwasher that needs to be hardwired ( black,white and green)Went and bought a 3 prong appliance cord thats only has a green wire and the other 2 wires are not colored. Is it ok to just connect the greens together and the rest doesnt matter ? Sorry im a newbie at this thanks!
Dumb electrical question please help
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I'm not an electrician so maybe a good one to reply here. 
When you say "not colored" are they white? Ant stripes?
Yes it can matter as black is the 120v and white is the neutral. Wait for one of the pros to help you identify which wire goes to your black on the appliance.
Bud
When you say "not colored" are they white? Ant stripes?
Yes it can matter as black is the 120v and white is the neutral. Wait for one of the pros to help you identify which wire goes to your black on the appliance.
Bud
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The neutral (white wire) will have a ribbed line or other permanent identifier on it.
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The identified wire on appliance cord is the neutral (ribbed, square, whatever looks different) ... if you have any doubt, ohm it out and see which wire connects to the wider blade of the plug.
BTW, if it absolutely needs to be hardwired, that cord doesn't qualify... you'll need to use NM cable or flex.
BTW, if it absolutely needs to be hardwired, that cord doesn't qualify... you'll need to use NM cable or flex.
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Who told you it needs to be hardwired? Cord connecting to a receptacle is commonly done and isn't considered a code violation.
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Ribbed or smooth, aren't they usually on zip cord? I would think SO would be the preferred cordage to use with a dishwasher.
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Be sure to get 14 gauge cord. Typical "garbage disposal pigtails" are 16 gauge. Many dishwashers heat the water while the motor is running requiring high amperage. I would suggest a round rubber cord rather than a flat cord.
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Ribbed is correct but to be safe, conservative, careful, scared, I still always use an ohm meter to be sure.
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But since that is an extension cord, it can't be repurposed to a dishwasher, but I do see the point. Never noticed it. Still think SO would be a better approach.
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I like to use a 14 ga. cord since the 16 ga. ones will run at 90° C. on some dishwashers. For an item under $10, why not get the good stuff?
My choice Dishwasher cord
My choice Dishwasher cord
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This statement from the store salesman is a perfect example that they are not always knowledgeable about what they are selling. It DOES matter which goes on which wire as has already been explained how to know which is which. I still would get 14 gauge. That one is 16 ( one size smaller).
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Yeah, amen to what Wiredindallas said. Store clerks are sometimes like using Google, you always get an answer, whether it right or wrong.
If you choose to or must use that cord, do it based on this picture so that you get the neutral hooked to the ribbed wire of the cord. You'll notice that the ribbed wire is on the side of the plug that has the wider prong.
Notice that the ribbed side of the cord is on the same side that the wider blade is.
If you choose to or must use that cord, do it based on this picture so that you get the neutral hooked to the ribbed wire of the cord. You'll notice that the ribbed wire is on the side of the plug that has the wider prong.
Notice that the ribbed side of the cord is on the same side that the wider blade is.
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