8/2 Or 8/3 Wire For Stove - What’s Best?

It’s not uncommon to see people use two types of wire when wiring a stove. In fact, it’s so common that you might not even think about it.

The type of wire you use for your stove can determine whether it burns out and costs you hundreds of dollars or whether it starts an electric fire. I wrote this post to ensure that you wire your stove correctly because, in my experience as an electrician, doing so incorrectly often results in expensive repairs down the road.

It is generally advised to use 10 gauge AWG for currents up to 30 amps, 8 gauge AWG for currents between 40 and 50 amps, and 6 gauge AWG for winds beyond 50 amps. Below, we provide more information regarding choosing a wire for your stove.

Table of Contents

Can I Use 8/3 Wire For My Stove?

8/3 Romex cable can handle lower amperages at 240 volts. This is the voltage that most ranges use. Most ranges require between 30 and 50 amps, making the 8/3 cable a good option.

The cable can also be used for other high-powered appliances that use 240 volts, such as clothes dryers.

However, it is essential to check the manufacturer’s specifications to be sure that the 8/3 cable is appropriate for the particular appliance. For example, to hook up a range using an 8/3 cable, first, connect the black wire to the black terminal on the range, then click the red wire to the red terminal.

Finally, connect the bare copper wire to the green terminal.

8/2 Or 8/3 Wire Which Is Better For A Stove?

8/3 is appropriate for the majority of ranges, except induction ranges. Depending on the model, a range requires a different amount of power, but in general, a 50-amp, 240-volt circuit with #6-gauge wire is needed.

A 40-amp 8/3 circuit with #8-gauge wire can be needed for shorter distances. The main advantage of 8/3 over 8/2 is that it can handle more power and thus can be used for shorter distances. It’s also slightly cheaper per foot. Always consult an electrician if you need help determining which type of wire you need.

What Is 8/2 Wire Used For?

8/2 NMB wire is most commonly used as branch circuit wiring in homes. The cable has two insulated conductors made of soft-drawn annealed copper and a bare ground wire. The insulation on the conductors is PVC-based nylon. NMB cable can also be used for commercial applications where flexible cordage is needed.

This type of wire is not rated for use in wet or damp locations. When used outdoors, it needs to be installed in a conduit. 8/2 NMB has a 60-degree Celsius maximum temperature rating for dry areas 75-degree Celsius maximum when wet. It can be run in exposed or concealed locations but needs to be protected from physical damage.

10/3 Wire For Stove

Based on this illustration, a 10/3 wire is the right size for a home electric stove or oven that uses 240 volts and up to 30 amps. To install a 240-volt electric stove, you’ll need a 10/3 wire. This is because the voltage and amperage combination of a 240-volt electric stove falls within the range that can be carried by a 10/3 wire.

If your electric stove uses more than 30 amps, you’ll need a larger diameter wire. Conversely, if your stove uses less than 240 volts, you could use a smaller diameter wire.

However, it’s always best to err on caution and use the largest diameter wire that can carry the maximum current for your particular appliance. This will help to prevent fires and other damages caused by electrical faults.

Which breaker size do I need for a stove?

A stove should have its own dedicated circuit to function correctly. No other outlets or appliances are permitted to utilize the same circuit.

The recommended circuit breaker for the kitchen stove is 50 amps and 220 volts. 110 volts can be found on typical single breakers. Double breakers are also an option. However, both teams must win to gain access to the circuit.

Ultimately, deciding which breaker size to use depends on the specific needs of the stove.

How Much Power Is Used by the Stove?

This will reveal whether the oven’s breakers are currently under strain. How much power an electric stove needs depends entirely on its size and features. To find out how much current the furnace uses, first look at the label on the back of the stove where the power connectors or wire exit.

The label and current rating of the circuit breaker must match. For example, a four-burner kitchen range with an oven typically uses 30 to 50 amps power. A sizable commercial appliance, however, will require 50 to 60 amps to operate correctly if it has features like a convection oven or quick-heat burners.

The maximum power usage of an electric stove ranges from 7 to 14 kilowatts, making it costly and energy-intensive to operate. Additionally, if the oven breaker is disregarded, it will trip each time you turn on the stove. In other words, more than just enough is desired.

FAQ

Can I use 8 gauge wire for the stove?

An electric cooktop typically requires a 30 amp double-pole circuit breaker with wire gauge #8-gauge aluminum or #10-gauge copper wire.

Can I use a 3 wire on a stove?

It is thought to be Code-compliant for the kitchen range or the clothes dryer to be installed using a 3-wire cord and plug in an existing installation (such as an older home built in the 1950s). However, a 4-wire cable and outlet are required to install cooking ranges and laundry dryers in the new construction.

Is 12/3 wire OK for a stove?

Not in the slightest. 8 gauge copper or 6 gauge aluminum wire is required.

In your oven, what kind of electrical wire do you use?

The cable needs to be connected to several wires. Some of the most widely used varieties use an exposed wire (blue), a live wire (brown), and a neutral wire. Neutral wires of blue color are frequently used. Twin cable is called two-core, and earth cable is a common moniker.