30" electric freestanding range wiring

[ballvalve]

Must all range outlets be 50 amp plugs with 6 gauge or larger wire, or may I use 8 gauge wire if I have a range that has a maximum draw of 38 AMPS? Using thhn copper in conduit for the run, about 30 feet.

I would guess the answer is what will the next guy plug into it, or is there a dedicated 40 amp plug-cord set?

[jadnashua]

Can't help on the gauge, but keep in mind any new wiring should be for a four-wire plug: two hots, neutral, and ground. Only when you are reusing an existing 3-wire circuit can you keep it, not on a new one. this may affect the size of the conduit you use.

[jwelectric]

Using #8 THHN copper you could use a 50 amp breaker and receptacle but if you wanted to you could use a 40 amp breaker and receptacle.

I doesn’t matter what “might” happen with someone else all that matters is what you are connecting at the time.

The one thing I always teach to the inspectors that take my class is that they are inspectors not expect-ors so what might happen does not matter.

[ballvalve]

Apparently there is such a thing as a 40 amp plug and cord, according to this offered by whirlpool: http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/PT220.html

[Chad Schloss]

Apparently there is such a thing as a 40 amp plug and cord, according to this offered by whirlpool: http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/PT220.html

that is a 3 wire plug, not a 4 wire. (just so you are aware if you didn't notice)

[hj]

#8 wire is marginal for your range, but if you use it, then connect it to a 40 amp breaker, regardless of the amp rating of the receptacle.

[jimbo]

Apparently there is such a thing as a 40 amp plug and cord, according to this offered by whirlpool: http://www.ajmadison.com/cgi-bin/ajmadison/PT220.html

That is true. Standard NEMA receptacles for 120/240 appliances are 30 amp and 50 amp. Of course, you can use a 20 amp, or 40 amp, breaker as the appliance dictates. Wiring must be sufficient for the receptacle used, not just for the breaker.

[jwelectric]

Gentlemen

The breaker is installed to protect the conductors not the receptacle. It would be perfectly legal to install a 40 amp breaker and a 50 amp receptacle for a range Table 210.21(B)(3).

What would not be legal would be to install a 50 amp breaker and a 40 amp receptacle.

Many AC units throughout this nation are wired with less than a 60 amp conductor and overcurrent device that land in a 60 amp no-fuse disconnect legally.

[ActionDave]

Gentlemen

The breaker is installed to protect the conductors not the receptacle. It would be perfectly legal to install a 40 amp breaker and a 50 amp receptacle for a range Table 210.21(B)(3).

What would not be legal would be to install a 50 amp breaker and a 40 amp receptacle.

Absolutely correct. I have never wired up a 40A recpt for a range. Never. Not once.

Many AC units throughout this nation are wired with less than a 60 amp conductor and overcurrent device that land in a 60 amp no-fuse disconnect legally.

That's different, they don't plug in. ;-)

[jwelectric]

A receptacle and a cord cap is nothing more than a means of disconnect. Other than the physical shape of the two there is no difference between a receptacle and a no-fuse disconnect