Timothy Thiele holds an associate degree in electronics and is a member of IBEW Local #176, boasting more than three decades of expertise in wiring for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Project Summary
- Overall Duration: 1 hour
- Connect the power cable to the electric stove.
- Proficiency Level: Intermediate
- Projected Expense: $15 to $30
A 3-wire connection for an electric range consists of one neutral wire and two hot wires. It connects to a specific range outlet powered by either a 40-amp or 50-amp circuit.
Older range cords typically featured three prongs designed for three-slot outlets, while newer models come equipped with four-prong cords for four-slot receptacles. You can use either type of cord, depending on the configuration of your outlet.
Contents
3-Prong vs. 4-Prong Power Cables
Three-prong and four-prong cords share similarities and both provide grounding. The main distinction lies in how the grounding wire is attached.
Three-Pronged Cables
Ranges designed for three-prong cords typically feature just three wiring terminals for the cord.
In the presence of a ground screw, it must be electrically linked to the neutral terminal using a metal strap or wire. This setup ensures that the appliance’s body is grounded via the neutral wire.
Four-Prong Cables
Ranges designed for four-prong cords feature four connection points.
The grounding wire is attached to the grounding screw of the appliance. In cases where the range features a strap or wire linking the grounding screw to the neutral terminal, this strap or wire should be removed to isolate the ground from the neutral. For a new range, it is designed to accommodate a four-prong cord.
Warning
Refer to your owner’s manual for the necessary wiring specifications. The cord should match the amperage rating of the range circuit.
Requirements
Gear / Instruments
- Phillips head screwdriver or socket wrench
- Adjustable pliers with interlocking jaws (optional)
Materials
- UL-listed electric range cord rated for 40 or 50 amps.
- Clamp designed to relieve strain, specifically sized for the range cord.
Instructions
Take off the cover plate for the wire connection.
- Find the detachable metal cover plate situated on the rear panel of the range.
- Using a screwdriver or a nut driver, take out the screws or bolts that hold the cover in place.
- Take off the lid from the stove.
Modify the ground connection if required.
- If the ground screw lacks a connecting strap or wire, the appliance is prepared for the use of a four-prong cord without any modifications needed.
- If a ground screw is present and linked to the neutral (center) terminal via a metal strap, detach the strap from the neutral terminal on the terminal block. If a small white wire is attached to the ground screw, disconnect it from the ground and connect it to the neutral terminal on the block.
Three-Pronged Plug
- If a ground screw is absent, no modifications are required.
- If a ground screw is present and is linked to the neutral (center) terminal via a metal strap or a thin white wire, keep the strap or wire as is. No changes are required.
- If a ground screw is present and is not linked to the neutral via a strap or wire, refer to the manufacturer’s wiring diagram to establish the correct connection.
Attach a Four-Prong Cable (For Four-Prong Use Only)
- Pass the end of the four-prong cable through the opening in the rear panel of the range.
- Unscrew or detach the screw from the central neutral terminal.
- Connect the white wire to the terminal.
- Secure the white cord wire by fastening it beneath the screw terminal.
- Connect the black wire to the live terminal using the black cord.
- Connect the red wire to the live terminal using the red cord.
- Connect the green wire to the grounding screw on the body of the range.
- Secure all the screws tightly.
Attach a three-prong power cord (only three-prong).
- Pass the end of the three-prong cord through the opening in the back panel of the range, ensuring that the flat side is oriented towards you.
- Attach the center cord wire to the neutral terminal and securely fasten the terminal screw.
- Attach the left cord wire to the left hot terminal and the right cord wire to the right hot terminal. The hot terminals and cord wires can be swapped.
- Secure all the screws tightly.
Attach the strain-relief clamp.
Attach a strain-relief clamp to fasten the cable to the rear of the range.
- Take out the screws that secure the two halves of the clamp.
- Place the tab from the upper section into the cord opening.
- Position the center of the clamp component over the upper part of the cord.
- Do the same with the lower section on the underside of the cord.
- Reattach the screws.
- Secure the clamp firmly around the cord.
Reattach the Cover Plate.
Reattach the cover plate or shroud over the wiring compartment to finalize the installation. Ensure that all controls on the range are turned OFF. Connect the cord to the range outlet and check the range’s functions to verify that everything is working correctly.
Guidelines for Wiring a Stove
- The two hot terminals can be swapped. Any hot wire can be attached to either of the hot terminals.
- Each hot terminal should be connected to a single wire only.
- Always remember to include the strain relief, as it serves to protect the cord from damage.
- Carefully press the two sections of the strain relief together using tongue-and-groove pliers as you secure the screws.
- Avoid excessively tightening the strain relief clamp, as this may damage the cord’s insulation and potentially reveal a wire. This poses a safety risk and could result in an electrical fire.
Do stoves need a 3-wire or a 4-wire connection?
You can utilize either type of connection, but modern stoves typically come with four-wire connections, which are considered more advantageous.
