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mmorrison3
Mar 14, 2007, 10:38 AM
I am in the process of hooking up a new Electric Range. It has a three wire connector terminal block ).

My existing wiring is 1970's vintage alum, but inspected and in good condition.

The existing wire in 8 gauge two wire (black and white) plus ground.

Do I have to run a new wire all the way back to the panel?

Thanks,
Martin

ballengerb1
Mar 14, 2007, 12:08 PM
One of the pros like Rusell will give you more info later today but "vintage alum" is something I'd rip out of my house. They band it for a reason, it arcs.

tkrussell
Mar 14, 2007, 01:25 PM
Aluminum wire for general lighting and outlet branch circuits was banned several years ago.

Aluminum wire for ranges and dryers is still allowed, however, the terminations must be treated with antioxidant compound, and tightened properly. The terminal the wire will connect to must also be rated for aluminum wire.

The isue next is what type of insulation does your cable have. If it is TW or UF, #8 Al can only handle 30 amps. A standard range needs a 40 amp circuit.

#8 THHN,THWN, or XHHW,which is most likely what you have, are rated 40 amps.

If it is all all feasible, replacing the cable with copper would be a good thing, but not required.