Can I use standard cable for the oven (Quick Answer)

When considering the cable for your oven, you should not use the standard cable.

A range is a staple appliance in any kitchen. It is also essential to make sure your oven is safe from harm. The main problem with any device is picking up a suitable cable.

Regular cables can do the job, but high-duty cables will be the safest for your device.

In this article, I will mention everything about wires.

What cable can I use for the oven?

A 4nm cable will be perfect for an oven. But it will be best to look for the power demand of the appliance. For example, a 50 amp with 240 volts circuit will require a 6-gauge wire. With less demand, like a 40 amp circuit, you will need an 8-gauge wire.

Can I use 10/3 wire for a stove?

Yes, you can use 10/3 wire. The wire is commonly used for dryers all over the USA. If the wire is made of copper and it is for a 30 amps stove, you can use it. For people living in the USA, check if it is 10/3 with ground Romex NM-B. For a 50 amps stove, you need to use a 6/3 with ground Romex NM-B. 

Can I use 10/2 wire for a stove?

Yes, you can use 10/2 wire. It is primarily used for switches, power outlets, and other heavy loads. It can be used for circuits that go up to 70 amps. It consists of two wires which are a white 10 AWG wire and one hot AWG wire. It also comes with a ground wire which is for more safety. It is also important to use a circuit breaker with the same amperage for extra protection. 

Can I use 12/3 wire for a stove?

No, you cannot use 12/3 wire. For a stove to be functional, it will require 40 amps with 240 volts circuit. A dual pole breaker of 20 amps circuit can supply 20 amps at 240 volts. There will be a power shortage for your oven, resulting in uncooked food. 

Can I use 8/2 wire for a stove?

Yes, you can use 8/2 wire. However, it will depend on the power requirement of your device. These wires are designed for heavy-duty uses like outlets and switches. The copper wire can handle between 40-55 amps. The 8/2 aluminum wire can handle 40-45 amps. In general, 50 amps with 240 watts will need a 6 gauge wire.

Do ovens need special wiring?

Yes, it needs special wiring. They require 120/240 volts circuits. To withstand such voltage, it requires special wiring. The power also splits to operate accessories like vent fans and timers.

The National Electric Code(NEC) has set rules for different ranges, and wiring and the circuits must match the wattage of the devices. If it is labeled 12000 watts or less, the circuits must be designed to handle 8000 watts.

A 12000 watts oven will require a #8 AWG cable with a 40 amps breaker or a #6 AWG cable with 50 amps breaker. 

What size wire do I need for an electric oven?

A 6-gauge wire is mostly used for an electric oven. It is the best choice as most of electric ovens need a 50 amps circuit breaker, and a 6/3 wire is also suitable for this job.

It contains four wires:

  1. A Single primary hot Cable
    1. One secondary hot wire
    1. Single neutral wire
    1. One ground wire.

An 8-gauge or 10-gauge wire is suitable for a 30-40 amps breaker. Higher amps like a 60 amps breaker will require a 4-gauge aluminum AWG.

The chart below describes the wire suitable for circuit breakers. 

Oven wattage(Watts)Oven amperage(Amps)Wire size Breaker size(Amps)Wire type
300012.512 gauge20NMD
400016.610 gauge25NMD
500020.8210 gauge30NMD
6000258 gauge40NMD
700029.1 8 gauge40NMD
800033.36 gauge50NMD
900037.56 gauge50NMD

Can you plug an electric oven into a normal socket? 

No, you cannot plug it into a normal socket. An electric oven is a powerhouse and requires a higher electric supply. A standard 110 volts power outlet cannot fulfill the power demand of an oven, and it would require a 220-volt power outlet.

Most ovens have a KW  rating which indicates the power they will require.

What is better for a cooker? 6mm or 10mm cable 

6mm cable is the standard cable used in most home appliances, including cookers. It is insulated with the best quality PVC. It has better insulation than conventional wire. The copper used in these has low conductor resistance, making it more power efficient. 

10mm cables are heavy-duty wires that can be used for fixed places. It is used in electric appliances, instruments, lighting, etc. These wires are inexpensive compared to 6mm wires but have many potentials. 

What size cable do I need for a 5kw oven?

Any cable above 2.5mm will work. The stand cables used in household appliances are 6mm cables. These are durable, long-lasting, and have good protection. It is capable of bearing 12.5kw and 40 amps.

Do you need a heat-resistant cable for the oven?

Yes, you need a heat-resistant cable. An electric fire is very common in modern houses. The cables can stand up to 194°F. The biggest reason for this is the lack of insulation. It reduces the chances of fires and makes it run smoothly. Ovens are on a 32a MCB, and a 4mm will do the job. 

Let’s know: Is Heat Resistant Glass Oven Safe? Read Here

How to calculate cable size for an oven?

It is easy to calculate the cable size for an oven. All you need to do is divide the voltage by the current. For example, if your oven takes 150 volts and 30 amps, 150/30 is 5. You need 5mm wire for your oven. That’s why all household appliances come with 6mm cables, as they are best fitted. 

Conclusion

Cables are an important part of electronic appliances. A cable to be fitted for an appliance needs to be safe and work smoothly. House fires frequently happen due to improper wiring and/or lack of wire management.