I have a new range coming and moved the receptacle. As I did, I forgot what color wires go where on the 3 prong 240V receptacle. Older home (mid 60's)... the wire is 6 gauge aluminum with colored cellephane type wrapping. One is wrapped red, other black and one blue. There is a fourth bare wire also of the same gauge.. Can anyone tell me what wires go where on my 3 prong receptacle?

Are you in Canada? There blue is neutral sometimes, I believe.

If so, the black and red will connect to the brass screws, and the blue will connect to the silver screw. The bare wire is ground and should connect to any green screw, or to the metal housing of the receptacle

Not in Canada... but that is what I did... although I did not attached the fourth bare wire as the ground... left in unconnected, would not be a big deal to correct if necessary. Comments? I appreciate you lending your expertise!

No, it is a big deal, it is the safety ground that drains any fault currents from the metal frame of the unit. Connect it somehow to the frame.

No, it is a big deal, it is the safety ground that drains any fault currents from the metal frame of the unit. Connect it somehow to the frame.


Thanks... took a photo to show you... is it the one toward the back/top... just above the blue one... can't see it to well. Bare strands... can I run it back out of the j box then to the range frame?