NEC Wire Sizing
What Size Wire for an Electric Range?
The breaker, copper and aluminum wire, and ground for a typical electric range circuit, with the NEC basis and the nameplate caveats that actually decide it.
Electric Range Circuit Spec
| Voltage | 240V |
| Breaker | 50A |
| Copper wire | #6 |
| Copper (75°C conduit) | #8 |
| Aluminum wire (75°C-marked terminations, SER or conduit) | #6 |
| Equipment ground (Cu) | #10 |
The NEC minimum for a freestanding range (also called an electric stove) up to 12 kW is a 40A / #8 copper circuit: NEC 210.19(C) sets a 40A floor and Table 220.55 gives an 8 kW demand. In practice it is most commonly installed on the 50A / #6 copper circuit shown here, which adds headroom and takes a NEMA 14-50. Ranges over 12 kW are sized up to the nameplate. Under the 2023 NEC (210.8(A)), a dwelling range receptacle also requires GFCI protection (a 2-pole GFCI breaker); this is a 2023 expansion still being adopted and is contested for 240V appliances, so verify your local edition. Wire sized at NEC Table 310.16 (copper lead at the 60°C column for NM-B); ground per NEC Table 250.122. The appliance nameplate lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum breaker; it always governs over a typical value.
Aluminum branch conductors are 75°C-rated AA-8000 alloy (SER cable, or XHHW-2 / THWN-2 in conduit); there is no 60°C aluminum NM-B, so the aluminum row uses the 75°C column. Where the terminations are rated 60°C only, size aluminum from the 60°C column instead (#4 here).
Adding this as a new load? Check whether your panel can handle it (the NEC 220.87 service check), or compare it against the breaker size by load chart.
Size Your Exact Circuit
It opens on this page's 50 A circuit at the 60°C column. For a nameplate that differs from the typical value, enter your exact load and conditions. For a long run, the result links to the voltage drop calculator, which checks that wire over your run; this tool does not size for voltage drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wire do I need for an electric range?
An electric range typically uses a 50A / 240V circuit, which calls for #6 copper (or #4 aluminum; #6 aluminum only on 75°C-marked terminations) conductors and a #10 copper equipment ground per NEC Table 250.122. That is the 60C column, the NEC default for NM-B cable and terminations 100A and under; on 75C-rated terminals in conduit you may use #8 copper. The NEC minimum for a freestanding range (also called an electric stove) up to 12 kW is a 40A / #8 copper circuit: NEC 210.19(C) sets a 40A floor and Table 220.55 gives an 8 kW demand. In practice it is most commonly installed on the 50A / #6 copper circuit shown here, which adds headroom and takes a NEMA 14-50. Ranges over 12 kW are sized up to the nameplate. Under the 2023 NEC (210.8(A)), a dwelling range receptacle also requires GFCI protection (a 2-pole GFCI breaker); this is a 2023 expansion still being adopted and is contested for 240V appliances, so verify your local edition.
What size breaker for an electric range?
A 50A double-pole (240V) breaker. The #6 copper conductors are matched to that 50A rating. Do not oversize the breaker to a wire it does not protect: the breaker and the conductor go up together. Always confirm against the appliance nameplate, which lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum overcurrent device.
Can I use aluminum wire for an electric range?
Yes. On the 75C column (the usual basis for aluminum), a 50A circuit needs #6 aluminum, versus #8 copper. Aluminum is common on larger circuits and services to save cost; apply antioxidant to the terminations, torque to the listed spec, and remember aluminum drops slightly more voltage on long runs.
What size breaker for a stove?
Same answer: stove is another name for an electric range. It uses a 50A / 240V circuit with #6 copper wire and a #10 copper ground. The NEC minimum for a freestanding range (also called an electric stove) up to 12 kW is a 40A / #8 copper circuit: NEC 210.19(C) sets a 40A floor and Table 220.55 gives an 8 kW demand. In practice it is most commonly installed on the 50A / #6 copper circuit shown here, which adds headroom and takes a NEMA 14-50. Ranges over 12 kW are sized up to the nameplate. Under the 2023 NEC (210.8(A)), a dwelling range receptacle also requires GFCI protection (a 2-pole GFCI breaker); this is a 2023 expansion still being adopted and is contested for 240V appliances, so verify your local edition.
Wire Size for Other Appliances
Electric Dryer
#10 copper on a 30A / 240V circuit.
Electric Wall Oven
#8 copper on a 40A / 240V circuit.
Electric Cooktop
#8 copper on a 40A / 240V circuit.
Electric Water Heater
#10 copper on a 30A / 240V circuit.
Hot Tub
#6 copper on a 50A / 240V circuit.
Dishwasher
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Garbage Disposal
#14 copper on a 15A / 120V circuit.
Built-In Microwave
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Refrigerator
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Freezer
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Garage Door Opener
#12 copper on a 20A / 120V circuit.
Wire Size Calculator
Full NEC 310.16 sizing for any load, distance, and conditions.