Wire Size For Electric Range

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Understanding Ranges, Stoves, Wall Ovens, and Cooktops

Wire Size For Electric Range. Today we’re going to talk about ranges, stoves, wall ovens, and cooktops—specifically the wiring configurations you’re likely to see in North American homes and what to watch out for when upgrading your appliances.

Standard Stove and Range Setup

Most homes (about 80% or more) in North America have a standard stove or range. These units typically include a cooktop on top and an oven below. The connection used for these is the NEMA 14-50R configuration. It’s a heavy-duty plug designed to handle the high power requirements of a stove.

These stoves are:

  • Wired with #8 gauge copper wire
  • Protected by a 40-amp breaker in your panel
  • Sometimes wired with #6 aluminum wire, which also goes under a 40-amp breaker or fuse

You’ll often find these plugged directly into a dedicated outlet behind the stove. Some older homes may still use fuse blocks with 40-amp cartridge fuses instead of breakers.

Wall Ovens and Cooktops: A Different Setup

If you have a wall oven and a separate cooktop, pay close attention—especially in homes built from the 1970s through the early 2000s.

Many of these were wired with:

  • #10 gauge (10/3 conductor) wire, rated for 30 amps
  • Protected by a 30-amp breaker or 30-amp fuses
  • Capable of handling up to 7,200 watts, max

This worked fine for the older appliances. However, many modern wall ovens and cooktops—especially dual ovens or induction cooktops—draw significantly more power than 7,200 watts.

The Problem With Upgrading

When people replace an older oven or cooktop with a newer, more powerful model, they often run into trouble:

  • The existing wire may be too small to support the new appliance
  • Even if the new unit physically fits, it might exceed the safe electrical capacity
  • You may need to run completely new wiring—usually #8 or #6 gauge—to safely power the upgraded equipment

This is especially common with modern induction cooktops, which often include rapid heating features and can draw up to 10,000 watts.

What You Should Do Before Upgrading

Before you buy a new wall oven or cooktop:

  1. Check your current wiring: Look in your panel for the breaker size (30A vs 40A) and wire gauge.
  2. Consult a licensed electrician: If you’re unsure, don’t guess. Get a professional to inspect and confirm your setup.
  3. Don’t assume a like-for-like replacement is safe: Just because it’s the same size doesn’t mean it draws the same power.

Final Thoughts

That’s it for today’s video! To recap:

  • Standard ranges typically use a NEMA 14-50R plug on #8 copper or #6 aluminum wire.
  • Separate wall ovens and cooktops are often wired for 30A—but many modern units require more power.
  • Always check with an electrician before upgrading appliances.

Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and as always—never do your own electrical work. These videos are filmed in Canada, so always check with a local licensed electrician to ensure compliance with your area’s electrical code.