Prior to the 1996 NEC, which type of receptacles and cords were permitted?

The correct choice highlights that prior to the 1996 National Electrical Code (NEC), 3-wire receptacles and cords were permitted. This is important because the 3-wire configuration includes a hot wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire, which enhances safety by providing a path for fault currents. This grounding feature helps prevent electric shock hazards and improves the overall reliability of the electrical system.

In earlier codes, 2-wire receptacles were commonly used, which only included the hot and neutral wires without a grounding conductor. While they are still in use today under specific conditions, their safety is considerably lower compared to 3-wire installations, especially in environments where grounding is critical for protection against electrical faults.

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and weather-resistant receptacles were introduced or emphasized in later revisions of the NEC as specific safety measures for particular applications. GFCIs protect against ground faults, while weather-resistant receptacles are designed for outdoor use to mitigate moisture-related issues. However, these were not the standard before 1996; hence the recognition of the 3-wire system as the predominant safe and effective choice prior to that code revision.