Electrical Help: Swap 50A Range for separate Cooktop & insert Oven (30A each)

Question

House has a 50A, 3-line service to the old Range.

Want to instead have a separate Cooktop and an insert Oven located below it for a sleeker more integrated look. Each have a 30A requirement.

Can they both connect to the 50A feeder?

We have no good way to replace it with 2 separate circuits without replacing the whole electrical panel, and massive damage to ceilings, etc. to get it there.

Is it possible to share?

A range would have just as many burners and an oven on that same circuit, so it seems plausible. Could replace the 30A cords on the appliance with 50A? Or is it possible to fuse the 30A appliance cords in the J-Box before connecting to 50A home run? (We'd need the J-box concealed in the cabinet, so a sub-panel option wouldn't work.)

Answer 1

Actually with no structural changes it may be a redecorating project. In several states that I have lived many people doing cosmetic updates like your project do not know the proper terms.

With the wrong term they end up doing way more than what is required.

for example in my current state if the receptacle is not moved more than 6’ the original wiring is allowed (we are on the 17 code with state exceptions until April). In this case if the wiring is properly sized a large junction box being tapped for both devices MAY be acceptable is the box accessible after the work is complete? it all goes back to the AHJ so the location would be needed to know for sure but when the home was built the tap that you want was acceptable see NEC 210.19.3 and for a picture see exhibit 210.24. Last if tapped from the junction box to the next device usually requires conduit.

I do agree with most of Retired master electricians answer but the jurisdiction here is a big deal and I would not be pulling a new feeder if I could be in compliance with my state requirements. If you happened to have 3 insulated conductors (unlikely but possible) pulling a single ground wire I would do to bring up to the current code.

Answer 2

There are 2 parts to your question.

First you can run a 50A circuit to the kitchen and tap the circuit and run one tap to the cooktop and one tap to the oven. So long as both tap conductors are over 20A and the circuit cannot exceed a 50A supply. I found this in the 2020 NEC Handbook (A)(3) Exception #1.

The real problem is you feeder is a 3 wire which means it shares the neutral and ground conductor and this is no longer allowed. Since this is a remodel you must bring the feeders to all equipment up to the newest code. You can reuse the 50A 2Pole breaker for the range feeder but you must replace the old cable with a new #6-4 wire feeder (2 hots, 1 neutral, and 1 ground).

If you feel you need more clarification. I would advise you to check with you local inspector (AHJ) and see what they have to say.

Hope this helps and good luck.