What Stove Plug Do I Use?
So you just bought a new stove. And now you’re really confused on what plug to install. Chances are your old stove was on a 40 amp breaker and you have no intentions of changing it to a 50 amp. Well for the most part that’s too bad. Most newer, nicer stores are going to require a 50 amp line. I mean really, think about this for a minute. Your new stove claims to boiler water faster, maybe? Or the coils are bigger or you may even have a center one. Either way, these newer units are nicer and better. So, of course, you’re going to need more juice.
But hang on. Before you get all nuts here let’s check the electrical requirements. On your stove, there is going to be a metal plate stating just what it needs on KW.
Manufactures Electrical Requirements
Ok So Now What To Use. 3 Wire or 4 Wire
In this case, in this video, we already have a 40 amp connection. But it’s only a 3 wire. Do we really need to upgrade to a 4 wire? Most manufacturers will show how to with either one.
So Why Use A 4 wire?
Here’s the deal on a four-wire. The only difference is that the four-wire has an extra wire, yeah no kidding lol. But that fourth wire is a separate ground and when you use that fourth wire you will want to remove the bonding strap.
But don’t forget if you’re using a three-wire you’ll want to keep that grounding strap in place.
Good practice in my eyes is to replace the old breaker with a new one. Same one, same amp rating, just a new one. Over the years the breaker becomes weaker and weaker so it’s a good idea to change the stove or oven breaker. Ok enough of the talk let’s watch the video shall we.
Comments ( 10 )
im installing a 240v electric stove that requires a 10-4 gauge wire 40 amps i bought a 40 amp breaker and ran the bx cable, but for some reason when i put the breaker in it sparks and makes a buzzing noise can you help me out on what im doing wrong… fyi you can either choose three wire or four wire receptacle the store only had the four
Are you installing the breaker with the wires attached to the breaker?
Dominick,
I’m looking at the sticker on my new range oven. It says KW @ 208 v 8.7 / KW @ 240 V 11.6 60HZ AC. Why the two ratings? What type breaker, and wire do I need to run from the breaker box to the plug I will install? It will be a long run. Probably 50 or 60 feet. Thank you for what you do! I’m chronically ill, and can’t afford an electrician.
Sincerely,
Anthony Chiozza
I explain the two ratings on this page. It’s a little involved. Basically you want to know the amps. The max amps your range will pull. Either 40 or 50. For 50 use a #6 wire on a 50 amp breaker two pole breaker. 40 would be #8
Thanks Dominick! I downloaded your App as well. Very helpful sir. I am grateful.
Awesome, thank you very much.
I am having a oven installed. its 220 and a run of about 113 feet. What size wire should I use?
I would use #6 wire
I just bought a new range. They forgot the plug when delivered. I went out and bought one thinking I could install the cord. Stupid me took the power cord without it being connected to range and plugged it in to see if it was the right cord. It set off a large spark and melted a tiny bit on two of the the 3 prongs. Do I have to buy a new cord and a new outlet?
You can just replace the two ends. Not a big deal but your need new ends. They will be the bigger (yellow) ones and a crimper. As far as the outlet goes, I doubt it.