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Labor · Apr 3, 2008, 08:28 AM

This weekend I will be wiring a 120/240v 8,800 watt range (oven with 4 burners on top). My questions concern wire and breaker size. I've asked about this before and I still cannot determine the best answer.

I understand that under the NEC, the minimum sized circuit for a range is 40 amp, using #8-3 cable. But doesn't the 80% rule apply here? If so, wouldn't that require that I use a 50 Amp breaker with larger wire (e.g. #6-3).

Here is what I believe the answer is based on previous posts, but I need one of you more experienced guys to confirm (or correct me if I'm wrong):

I can use 40 amp double pole breaker with #8-3 cable. The 80% rule does not apply because this would not qualify as a continuous load, which allows me to load the circuit 100%. Is that correct?

Stratmando · Apr 3, 2008, 10:45 AM

I always run 2 #6's, a #8 for Neutral and a #10 for ground, on Ranges. Then 40, 50, or 60Amp breaker as needed. Many time I won't have specs, or Owner has not picked out, It cost more initially using 6, but can save you from the labor and cost to upgrade later should you get a bigger oven, I like to do things right first time and forget about it, I don't try to set my customers up for future work for myself. Can't quote current code, but a Turkey could cook for over 3 hours.
Tk, Stanforty or others may give some input.
New construction and Remodel require 4 wires.

Labor · Apr 3, 2008, 11:55 AM

Originally Posted by Stratmando

I always run 2 #6's, a #8 for Neutral and a #10 for ground, on Ranges. Then 40, 50, or 60Amp breaker as needed. Many time I wont have specs, or Owner has not picked out, It cost more initially using 6, but can save you from the labor and cost to upgrade later should you get a bigger oven, I like to do things right first time and forget about it, I don't try to set my customers up for future work for myself. Can't quote current code, but a Turkey could cook for over 3 hours.
Tk, Stanforty or others may give some input.
New construction and Remodel require 4 wires.

Thanks start. I've seen you advise of that before and here's my thoughts. I'm low on available amp space, but want to make this as safe as possible. I'm thinking that the safest way to set this up is to go with the #6-3 and use a 40 amp breaker. (I'm using cable and don't have the skills to bend conduit and pull wire.) I don't think it could hurt to use a larger than necessary conductor (unless someone says otherwise).

Anyone else care to weigh in on this issue? I'd like to hear from TK if possible.

stanfortyman · Apr 3, 2008, 01:00 PM

For ANY household cooking appliance under 12.5Kw the NEC says a circuit of 8/3 and a 40A breaker are all that are required. The demand load of the range is taken into account.

There is no problem using #6, and in that case you can use a 40 or 50 amp breaker.

Labor · Apr 3, 2008, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by stanfortyman

For ANY household cooking appliance under 12.5Kw the NEC says a circuit of 8/3 and a 40A breaker are all that are required. The demand load of the range is taken into account.

There is no problem using #6, and in that case you can use a 40 or 50 amp breaker.

Thanks stanfortyman. Do you know what code says regarding the 80% rule? In other words, does that rule apply in these circumstances or can I load the circuit beyond 80%?