New Oven Install

[pashue64]

Do not know much about electrical wiring. I bought a new electric oven to replace old. Is there any reason why the new oven would need a new line to handle oven power?

What do I need to confirm - ie, what elecrcal power do I need to match oven.

Shouldn't the existing line (three wires to old oven) be sufficient?

How would I know if new oven is too powerful for existing line?

Thanks.

Paul

[HayZee518]

check the total operating wattage of the new unit. divide this figure by 240 to get the total amperage of the circuit. if you still have the old unit, check out the nameplate again for wattage and divide that number by 240 to get amps. Now compare the two values. if the new unit is larger than the old [in amps] you might need to increase the size of the wire for the new unit. look at the jacket of the feeder wire. romex will have a size printed on it. if they used seu cable it should also be printed or embossed on it. #8 is good for 40 amps. #6 is good for 65 amps. #4 is good for 85 amps. If the wire is aluminum then its size HAS to increase by one trade size.

[pashue64]

I just had a local electrician look at my wiring. He is saying my new electric oven now needs an aluminum wire hookup and can no longer use the copper one coming out of wall. My current electric oven is only three years old and the copper wire works fine. What the scoop?

Thanks

Paul

[HayZee518]

your electrician is fulla crap! Copper supercedes ANY aluminum wire - it always has! The only exception is the service entrance cable [ more cost effective using aluminum] Most "new" range hookups use aluminum again because of cost factors. IF your copper connection is adequate for the stove why change it? check the outer jacket for size and get back to me.

[pashue]

HayZee518,

Just wanted to tell you the oven was already wired with ALUMINUM not copper. Electrician changed it to copper. This was not my oven instal buty my son's. I could swear I saw copper wire comming from wall.

I am also a memebr under pashue and if you could read my post on 'Brown Outs?' it would be appreciated.

Pashue

[HayZee518]

OK here is the quote you wrote before:
I just had a local electrician look at my wiring. He is saying my new electric oven now needs an aluminum wire hookup and can no longer use the copper one coming out of wall.
Explain this. Old oven and range installs used 4/3 aluminum. Aluminum is always twice its normal curent size 4/3 for a 6/3 etc. #6 is rated at 65 amps. All new installations REQUIRE by code a four wire.