What Size Wire for Electric Range/Stove?: Complete Wiring Guide
A Electric Range/Stove requires 6 AWG copper with a 50A double-pole on a 240V dedicated circuit. Here is the complete NEC-compliant wiring guide.
Electric Range/Stove Wiring Details
A full-size electric range or stove typically has a nameplate rating of 8,000-16,000 watts. NEC 220.55 and Table 220.55 allow demand factors for household cooking equipment, a 12 kW range has a demand of 8 kW per Column C. However, the standard practice is a 50A circuit with 6 AWG copper wire using a NEMA 14-50 receptacle. This handles any residential range without needing to calculate individual demand. Use 6/3 NM-B cable (3 conductors + ground) or SE cable for the installation.
NEC Code Reference
The wiring requirements for a Electric Range/Stove are governed by NEC 220.55, Table 220.55. Always check the appliance nameplate for specific electrical requirements, the manufacturer's specifications take precedence over general guidelines. Your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) may have additional requirements beyond the NEC.
Pro Tip
If you have a separate cooktop AND wall oven, NEC 220.55 Note 4 allows you to add their nameplate ratings together and apply Table 220.55 as if they were a single range. Two 6 kW appliances (12 kW total) would have a demand of only 8 kW, meaning you might be able to supply both from a single 40A circuit, though separate circuits are more common and practical.
Disclaimer: This guide is for reference only. All electrical work must be performed by or verified by a licensed electrician. Local codes may differ from NEC.