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I am installing 50 amp circuit for a basic 30 " freestanding electric range, The range I settled on is 40 amp. The instructions included say they do not recommend a 50 amp power cord from the range to the outlet.

From the install instruction sheet: "A range cord rated at 40 amps with 125/250 minimum volt range is required. A 50 amp range cord is not recommended..."

"This appliance must be supplied with the proper voltage and frequency, and connected to an individual, properly grounded, 40 amp (minimum) branch circuit protected by a circuit breaker or time-delay fuse."

"NOTE: Use a 4’ power cord to prevent interference with the storage drawer. Power cords 4.5' to 6’ long may have to be dressed to allow for proper drawer closing"

One one side is the wall to the exterior of the house. The other side is cabinet.

It appears there is a stud 16" from the outer wall. This would mean the outlet center would only be 2" from near center of the stove. The install instructions state either 3" or 4" off the center line would be in the zone.
I will be coming up from the basement.

The 4 ft GE cord plug would stick 1.4375 (1 7/16" ) from the wall. Will this plug really be in the way if outlet is in center?, Will the cord really not allow it to go back were it needs?

Installation instructions here (PDF file from Home Depot)

Note the stove is on order. I assume the back looks as in the PDF but can not confirm
I want the outlet to be installed before the oven arrives so I can test the range.

What is the fix if the only stud is near the center of this oven?

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  • 1
    Are you confusing #6 wire and 6 foot cord? Your question, as phrased, makes me think you are.
    – Ecnerwal
    Jul 11, 2020 at 1:40
  • Is the problem that you think the stud will interfere with proper receptacle placement, or?
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Jul 11, 2020 at 3:24
  • If you want a 50A breaker, you must either use #6 wire, or run conduit and use individual THHN wires of #8 size. They are allowed to run warmer, allowing 50A, but they require conduit!
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Jul 11, 2020 at 3:59
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    Do you think the outlet needs to be fastened to the stud?
    – Platinum Goose
    Jul 11, 2020 at 4:32
  • I am not discussing wire size. It is 6 for a 50 amp outlet The information quoted is from the manual . There is no confusion. Yes I am concerned that if the outlet has to be mounted on the only stud near by, near the center line of the stove, that the stove will not push back or something, They make a big deal of where the outlet can be installed in the instructions. Platinum Goose. yes I think the outlet should be fastened to the stud. Everyone I have spoken to says you have to push allot on wire that size to get teh wires back in . I am open to alternatives.
    – Mstar
    Jul 11, 2020 at 11:05

1 Answer 1

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You're in for some drywall work anyway (and it's going to be behind the range, so it does not have to look too good) so you might as well make a nice big hole and put a horizontal 2x4 between studs (think "firestop" per usual application) and mount your box where it's most convenient for the range install, get the cable into it, then fix the drywall.

You could also add one (or two) chunks of 2x4 to the stud as suggested by Platinum Goose, but it's unlikely to save much, if anything, on drywall repair and is potentially less stable in the face of force applied.

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  • Couldn't they also use a two-gang old work box and place the receptacle off-center that way?
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Jul 11, 2020 at 15:13
  • That is what I just spent allot of time tryig to find a spot but due to the ridiculous design of oven backs and placement requirements I gave in to try an old work box. I used a thicker box, drilled a side hole for a cable clamp . Someone said code does not allow that but the "range box" I bought was thinner plastic and same 34 cu.in.
    – Mstar
    Jul 12, 2020 at 1:14
  • @Mstar -- whoever said that was completely off base, field KO punching/drilling is permitted in boxes (many boxes used in commercial and industrial applications don't come with pre-stamped knockout patterns, expecting the installer to make their own KOs where needed)
    – ThreePhaseEel
    Jul 12, 2020 at 20:06
  • My solution was to use CARLON Super Blue 2-Gang Blue Plastic Old Work 34 cu in. box.. I drilled a hole in the side towards the back for a clamp fitting. I had not installed the wire in the basement so I had enough to pull out and wire everything before pushing it in the hole and tightening up the ears. However I had installed the box a little too low so without removing the box I was able to flip the outlet over and the drywall was able to handle it but I was careful. the plug has been pulled out and pushed in several times and there doesn't look like they'll be any issue long term.
    – Mstar
    Dec 9, 2020 at 22:03

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