When it comes to highly demanding electrical appliances, it is extremely important that you consider the type of wiring that you are going to use. Given the large energy consumption, that they have, using a wire that can sustain that kind of load is extremely important. This is also true for electric stoves as they are heavy-duty appliances with consumptions usually rated in thousands of watts. Typically, these appliances come rated for 240 volts of electricity and therefore, the wiring you use in the electric stove outlet should also be capable of sustaining such loads. This guide will tell you everything that you need to know about how you can choose the right wire for your electric range.
Given the large energy requirement of an electric range, it is recommended that you use a wire with a diameter of at least 10 AWG or thicker. This is to ensure that the large amounts of electricity flowing through it can be sustained without causing any overheating or damage to the wires.
Making a Choice Between Different Wire Sizes
When deciding what size wire to use for an electric stove, it is important that you know the measurement conventions that are used. The prevalent method of measuring wires currently is the American Wire Gauge (AWG) which measures the diameter of electrical wires. The numbering used works opposite that of the diameter of the wire. This means that the smaller the number is, the larger the diameter is going to be.
While appliances using 120v electricity typically use 14-12 wire gauge, the size used for heavier appliances with 240v requirements typically need a size of 10 gauge wire or smaller. This coincides with the basic principle that the thicker a wire is, the more load it can carry. In terms of amperage, a 10 AWG wire should be able to carry a load of up to 30 amps whereas an 8 AWG wire is typically used for 40-50 amps of load. Requirements beyond that would require a wire with a 6 gauge wire rating.
Another factor that comes into play is the wire length as the longer a wire is, the more the voltage loss is going to be. Typical wire lines inside houses can be up to 100 feet long each. While you could consider this to decide which size would be the best for your needs, the general rule is to go for the heaviest option if you are unsure.
Outlets for Connecting Cooking Appliances
The electric stove outlet that you connect your wiring to is also equally important as it needs to be capable of bearing the current flowing through it. For outlets where heavy cooking appliances like electric stoves are to be installed, you need a stove outlet that has a proper grounding function in it along with 4 slots. That means you cannot fit a plug requiring 40-50 amps in a stove outlet that is only rated for 30 amps like the NEMA 14-30.
What is the Power Consumption of an Electric Stove?
This is something that varies greatly depending on the size of the stove that you are using along with the different features that it has to offer. Each new feature means more electricity consumption and it all needs to be added up. The easiest way to do this is to simply look at the information written on the back of your stove. The label on the back will tell you exactly how much energy the stove will use, and you need to match that with the circuit breaker as well to protect both the stove and the wiring. You will also need to consider the rating for the oven breaker as that is also something you can use to match the power input and circuit breaker limits. (1)
Can a Stove Run Properly Using a 10-3 Wire?
This metric is not enough on its own as you need to pair it with the circuit as well. To be able to power your stove normally, you need to pair the 10-3 cable with a circuit that can deliver 30 amps at 120/240v. The voltage will vary depending on your area and installation so be sure to get a breaker that also matches the voltage requirements. Ensuring that each of the components matches the requirements for your specific stove will save you from any potential accidents and fires.
What AWG Wire Can Take on a Load of 50 Amps?
This is something that you can determine by looking at the wattage rating of the stove that you are using. Depending on the voltage being used, the requirement can change for the wiring. Typically, to run a 50-amp stove over 240v electricity, you will need to use a 6 AWG wire. However, if your stove’s wattage makes it smaller than that, say an electric stove amp of 40 or less, you may also use an 8 AWG wire. It is important that you do proper research regarding your stove before you decide on the range wire size. (2)
What Type of Electrical Wire Should Be Chosen for Ovens?
In addition to the wire powering the oven, several other wires are also attached, each of them serving a different purpose. The overall configuration consists of a brown wire which is the live wire carrying the current, a blue wire which serves as the neutral line, and an additional exposed wire that takes away any wasted electricity. You can also find them using their different names like the “twin cable” which consists of a two-core and ground cable.
Wrapping Up
Determining the right size of wire for your electrical stove is critical to making it work flawlessly. It is a good idea to lay out a circuit diagram, so you do not miss anything. This also includes measuring the length of the wire that you may need. You can ask your electrician to advise you on that as well. In addition to that, you must also have all the necessary components ready like the circuit breaker and any additional wires for a proper connection. Fulfilling all the requirements will allow you to use your stove flawlessly and save you from potential accidents and remove the hassle of circuit trips due to overloads.
- How to test an electrical outlet with a multimeter
- How to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter
- What happens if ground wire is not connected
References
(1) electricity consumption – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/
engineering/electricity-consumption
(2) proper research – https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/
advice-for-students-10-steps-toward-better-research.html
