I hired an electrician to run wire for an electric stove. He chose 6/3 with ground. The stove will require 30-amps and 220 volts. I noticed that when he connected the wires to the breaker that it was necessary for him to cut off a couple of the strands to make the wire fit in the clamp. I'm guessing this is not code.

I went to Home Depot to look at breakers and it looks like the 40 and 50 amp breakers have larger clamps than the 30-amp breakers.

Do they make a 30-amp breaker that will fit 6 gauge wire? Is the way he hooked this up okay?

Correct, cutting off strands is not to code, plus shows lack of ethics and poor workmanship.


According to page 15 of the catalog:
http://ecatalog.squared.com/pubs/Ele...0110PL9401.pdf

A 2 pole 30 amp HOM breaker handles up to #8 copper wire. 40 and 50 am p dot handle larger wires.

This info will be listed on a very small label at the terminal.

Can use split bolt connectors to splice on a small piece of #8, but bare split bots need two coatings of tape, one layer rubber and one typical electricians tape. The do make insulated mechanical connectors. Best is to use compression crimp connectors, but these require special tools.

I am curious, why 30 amp? Most electric ranges need a min of a 40 amp circuit. Is this a smaller than average unit? Perhaps an apartment unit?

Yes, this is for an apartment. I have not picked out the range yet, but thought 30-amp was pretty standard. I'm now thinking I should find a 40-amp range and switch the breaker to a 40-amp.

The electrician could then cut off the section with the missing strands and fit the entire wire into a 40-amp breaker. I will take a look at ranges ASAP. Thanks for your help.

I just got back from the used appliance store and the guy there said that all of his stoves are 30-amp. He says you can use a 40-amp breaker on them, this will just make the stoves brighter. Any problem with doing this?

The 6/3 with ground is already run and I really don't want to have it replaced with a higher gauge.

The 40 amp breaker will make the stove "brighter"?!

What the hell kind of crap is that? Now I have heard everything. Sorry, but I cannot believe the BS that store clerks make up and give to consumers.

Code requires any circuit for a residential range to be a minimum of 40 amps.

Use a 40 amp breaker on the #6 wire and install a typical 4 wire 40/50 amp range receptacle, NEMA 14-50R. Any range will need a 4 wire cord with the matching plug.

I will use a 40 amp breaker and the receptacle you recommended. Thanks for the straight advice. Dealing with uninformed folks can be a real challenge. Glad you guys are here.

When you get back to the appliance store, you got to ask how the stove will work "brighter". Ask for the electrical formula or calculation that can illustrate this phenomenon. Which Law of Physics explains this brightening? Should Ohm's Law be re-written?