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.