Adding 240v for electric range

[midnightscape]

I'm replacing my gas range with an electric smoothtop that requires 240v. Wondering what wire gauge (4 wire I assume) I need as well as breaker size.

Thanks,
Jason

[Sparks]

Check the watt rating. Usually you're going to need #6 (6-3) 2 hots, one neutral, and one ground. 50 amp breaker, 2 pole. Standard 4 terminal range receptacle. Keep the neutral and the ground wire separated at the receptacle, don't hook them together (believe me, I've seen it done).

[midnightscape]

Sparks is the watt rating the same as kilowatt? If so, the kilowatt is 11 (found the manual for the one I'm looking at) Also it shows a 40 amp breaker, would you recommend the 50 instead/better?

Also wouldn't that be 6-4 (2 hots, 1 neutral, 1 ground)
Maybe not, that's why I'm here :)

Thanks for your help.
Jason

[Sparks]

11 kw or 11,000 watts. The new ranges usually require a 40 or a 50 amp breaker depending on kw rating. If the manufacturer is calling for a 40 a breaker, most definitely use the 40 a. You always want to adhere to the manufacturers guidelines. As for wire, no, a 6-3 will include 2 hots, one neutral and one ground wire. The ground wire is not counted in the wire designation. In your case, you would use 8-3 wire and the 40 amp double pole breaker again with the standard 4 terminal range receptacle unless the manufacturer calls for something else, but I doubt it.

[midnightscape]

Thank you for your help Sparks, didn't know that the ground wasn't counted. Got everything in line, now for the range.

Jason

[porcupine]

Midnight, go with the 6-3 and a 40 amp breaker, you may decide in a couple of years that you're tired of this stove, and the new one may require a 50 amp feeder (which is usually the standard), then all you have to do is swap out the 40 amp for the 50 amp breaker, and you're set. If you use an 8-3, you'll have to change the entire installation.

[Sparks]

I can appreciate that opinion, but do most people really get tired of their stoves and buy new ones in a few years? Not from what I've seen, but good point nontheless. Welcome to the forum.

[porcupine]

Hi Sparks,
Thanks for the welcome. My wife likes to change the kitchen every 5 years or so. We recently installed a cook top, and wall oven in place of the range w/cooktop. That required an additonal 40 amp feeder. My basement is finished, so it was not something that I was happy to do. But, what wifey wants...
I also had to run a dedicated line to the new Subzero wifey wanted. It was on the same circuitas the dishwasher. Check out the pics.

[Sparks]

Very nice. Gotta keep em happy (women that is).

[AtLarge]

Very nice. Gotta keep em happy (women that is).

That could be another forum all it's own! :lol:

[porcupine]

Very nice. Gotta keep em happy (women that is).


That's for sure, she's down in Florida (we live in New York) looking at houses as I type this. She wants to move there!!!!! I just finished upgrading this house 3 months ago!!! :? :? :?