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 | #4 |
| Equipment ground (Cu) | #10 |
A freestanding range up to 12 kW is served by a 50A circuit under the demand rules of NEC Table 220.55. Smaller ranges may use 40A; ranges over 12 kW need a larger circuit sized to the nameplate. 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.
Long Run? Size It Exactly
For a long run where voltage drop matters, or a nameplate that differs from the typical value, enter your exact load, distance, and conditions.
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) 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. A freestanding range up to 12 kW is served by a 50A circuit under the demand rules of NEC Table 220.55. Smaller ranges may use 40A; ranges over 12 kW need a larger circuit sized to the nameplate.
What breaker size for an electric range?
A 50A double-pole breaker. The #6 copper conductors are matched to that 50A rating. Always confirm against the appliance nameplate, which lists the exact minimum circuit and maximum breaker.
Can I use aluminum wire for an electric range?
Yes. For the 50A circuit, aluminum needs #4 (versus #6 copper) at the 75C column. 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.
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.
Wire Size Calculator
Full NEC 310.16 sizing for any load, distance, and conditions.