Who can I ask to install a 30 amp rated range on a 30 amp circuit (not as easy as it sounds)

Question

I realize there are lots of similar questions, and I've read most of them. Thanks in advance for advice on this particular flavor.

In my home I have a (broken) dual fuel range. It's installed on a 30 amp circuit with a 30 amp breaker and NEMA 14-30 plug.

I'm trying to buy a new dual fuel range. I looked at a model which on its website says it requires a 30 amp connection. To confirm it would work on the kitchen circuit I have, I did the following:

• I read the manufacturer's installation instructions. They say "A cord kit rated at 120 / 240 volt 30 amp minimum is required. A 50 amp range cord is not recommended"

• I emailed the manufacturer directly. The response was unhelpful, it quoted the instructions back at me ("You will see that the Volts/Hertz/Amps are: 208/240Volts / 60 Hz / 30 Amps")

• Our salesman at the local-not-bigbox appliance store talked to the regional rep for the manufacturer, who confirmed we could use the new range on a 30 amp circuit.

So far so good, right? Unfortunately, the local-not-bigbox appliance store has an installation team who won't install the range because they say I have a "dryer" outlet, and they will only install a range with a "range" cord and plug. The salesman has told me I can either change the outlet at the wall to match the "range" plug, or buy the range and have someone else install it.

I have a couple questions:

• Is the installation team right? Is there a difference between the dryer and range receptacles that's more than "30 amp" vs. "50 amp"? In other words, do I have to use a "range cord" on a range no matter what the circuit rating is (and related - does that mean my house was built not to code)?

• What's the right answer on installing a new range from a safety point of view? Is it to use a 30 amp cord with "dryer" plug? Is it to change the wall outlet? Or should I give up and buy a gas range?

• Who is the right professional to ask for help? So far I've called a couple local installers who have all told me I should call an electrician to change the wall receptacle. Is it time to call an electrician or time to find a more understanding installer?

Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Your house has the correct receptacle for a 30A circuit

A NEMA 14-30 is absolutely the correct receptacle for a 30A, split-phase (120/240V) circuit -- no other receptacle is suitable here. As a result, the cord you want is a "dryer" cord -- this is a 10/4 SRD cord with spade lugs on one end and a NEMA 14-30P on the other.

Ask a plumber, not an appliance installer

Assuming your range has the correct cord fitted to it already, I would get a plumber out to handle the rest of the appliance installation if you aren't comfortable making the gas hookup yourself, instead of arguing with dim-bulb appliance install techs who don't understand what's going on here. Once the gas is all good to go, then you can simply plug it into the wall, slide it in, and enjoy your new range!

Answer 2

I understand your confusion and also agree with ever ones answers to date, but I want to try an clear up the some of the confusion.

Electricians are not really trained to recognize "dryer" and "range" circuits. In brief they are trained to calculate circuits for dryers at 5000W and ranges at 8000W in normal construction of a dwelling. This is done to allow a homeowner or future homeowner to use any standard dryer or range in the dwelling. The confusion comes newer manufactured dual ranges which have different demands from the original wiring. That's a long way of saying that the NEC has not caught up to new types of ranges. With this bit of information let's address your questions.

First there is a difference between a dryer and a range circuit and receptacle configuration.

Second the right answer to installing your new range is to match the receptacle to the configuration of the range cord as instructed by the manufacturer (this is to keep the range in warranty). Then you will have to change out the breaker in the panel from a 50A breaker to a 30A breaker (you can always have a larger conductor than required but not a smaller one). Minimum conductor size on a 30A breaker is a #10. You will not be violating any codes.

If an installer in your area doesn't believe he qualified to do this type of work I would call in an electrical contractor to perform the work since they are licensed to do any kind of electrical in your dwelling.

I hope this help clear up a few things and good luck.

Answer 3

The appliance installers are not electricians. They are refusing to install only because it's not what they're used to, and they don't know why it's different. They gave you bad instructions: You cannot install a 50A range socket on this circuit. It is illegal to do that because socket sizes must match the circuit/breaker size. Even if the wiring in the walls really was 8 or 6 AWG, the breaker is 30A so the socket must be as well.

Given that the manufacturer's instructions say to use a 30A cord, and plug into the socket, that is the Word From On High. If it specifically calls out "do not use a 40/50A range cord", that too is gospel. It is mandatory to obey the instructions and labeling of an appliance.

The NEMA 14 type connector is definitely the right thing. Don't let them talk you into installing the old 3-prong NEMA 10.

Answer 4

The new range will work just fine on either a range configuration or a dryer configuration.You do need a minimum of a 30-Amp breaker with #10 wire to deliver safely 30-Amps. You should use the new 4-wire configuration. Good Luck.

Answer 5

You're OK as long as things are listed and rated for.

That same stuff came up 25 years ago, you had to have a 4-wire setup now - no 3-wire on new work. Ran #8 or #6 for electric range. Had a 2-pole 50 Amp breaker to 50 Amp 4-wire (range receptacle). I was working at house when stove came in. Stuff happens, they claim I put in wrong plug. Homeowner screams at me to fix receptacle. I look at the specifications which call for a 2-pole 30 Amp. That was a new item at the time. I think it was a Bosch dual fuel. I changed the breaker and tried to find a 30 Amp range receptacle - noone heard of one. They call reps trying to find one. Now I install a 30 Amp 4 wire receptacle and I am done and leave.

I get home and they find out the stove won't plug in. I head back out and find they put on a 4-wire 60 Amp range cord. Getting screamed at "change your receptacle". I said "no" and walked out and called the state inspector. He came out the next day, looked at the installation and called the appliance store. They were putting all 60 Amp cords on anything they sold. He was not happy. All he wanted to see was a 30 Amp range-rated cord and he was fine. I went to the supply house and they never heard of one. They have dryer-rated not range. After a couple of days, I get a call that they found a dual-rated cord for a range and dryer. Those old apartment stoves. I put it on and they have been putting cord on wrong and not taking off the clip to make it a 4-wire hook up. State shows up and told him about the clip. Checks my work and I show him all the rated paperwork and I pass. He asked to keep the stuff I had and where he got it. And left he went to the appliance store and asked about the cords they always put on (60). They had to have licensed electricians replace a ton of cords. They do have the stuff.

That outlet is indeed often used for dryers, but it is also code for (30 amp) ranges. Unfortunately, I've found that some supply houses seem to want to put 60 amp cords on everything they sell. I went through a whole bunch of trouble with an installation where everyone claimed I was doing it wrong, until finally the inspector came in, checked all my work, found it good, and ended up going to the supply house and having them replace a ton of 60 amp cords with 30 amp cords. So, yes: they do exist, but you may have to ask again and again and again.