What Size Wire for an Electric Range?

An electric range typically uses a 50A / 240V circuit, which calls for #6 copper (or #6 aluminum) 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.

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.

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.

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.