In the United States, electric stoves and electric dryers do not use the same cords and plugs primarily due to historical reasons and differences in power requirements.
Power Requirements: Electric stoves and electric dryers have different power demands. Electric stoves typically require a higher wattage to generate the heat necessary for cooking, while electric dryers need a significant amount of power to generate heat and circulate air to dry clothes effectively. As a result, they have different voltage and amperage requirements.
Safety Concerns: Using the same cords and plugs for appliances with different power requirements could lead to safety hazards. The electrical system and wiring in homes need to be appropriately sized and rated to handle the specific power demands of each appliance. Using an inadequate cord or plug could result in overheating, electrical fires, or damage to the appliance.
Standardization: Over the years, manufacturers and safety standards organizations have established separate cord and plug configurations for different types of appliances to ensure compatibility and safety. For example, electric stoves usually have a 3-prong or 4-prong plug, while electric dryers typically have a larger 4-prong plug or a 3-prong plug for older models.
Historical Differences: The development and adoption of different cord and plug standards for electric stoves and electric dryers might have been influenced by separate industry practices and safety standards in the past.
In summary, electric stoves and electric dryers use different cords and plugs in America due to differences in power requirements, safety concerns, and the need for standardization to ensure proper compatibility and safety when connecting these appliances to the electrical system in homes.