Electric Stove Plug Types

Whenever you hear the word electric stoves it gives off a lucrative idea that they are more productive than an average gas connection and that they would require less power to function. The truth, however, is that if you have click onto this article then you know what you have to find. The different electric stove plug types, and they are different from what we think. Electric stoves are not more than a gas oven, but installation time for both make a huge difference.

What do the different components of electric stove plug types do?

Setting up a gas connection is a protracted process, people have to go through a lot of formalities to complete, whereas a standard electric range does not require you to go through a lengthy registration process. There are certain things that one needs to keep in mind before installing an electric range or stove is the outlet type and the electric stove plug types. The type of cord required to connect it to the main power outlet of the electric stove. it also helps to know about the electric stove plug types to get a better understanding of this article.

Types of wires in range cords

When it comes to the range cord there are basically two types of them:

1. 3 pronged cord: the standard 3 pin cord contains 4 wires, in particular, we are going to divide them on the basis of their color making it easy to understand. 

i. Red wire: the red color insulation wrapped around the bundled indicates that it is a hot wire which carries the current from the main panel to into the stove.

ii. Black wire: the black wire is a hot wire, carrying additional current into the electric stove.

iii. White wire: the white wire also called the neutral wire is responsible for regulating the flow of the intensity of the electric current. It is also the return path for the additional 120 v current to direct the flow back to the power source. 

Here is another use of the neutral wire, sometimes there is an unusual overflow of the current, and this flooding of electricity can pass through the metal body of the range and put anyone who touches it at risk of electrocution. If there is an excess in the flow of electricity the wire trips and breaks the circuit ultimately stopping the flow of the entire circuit. According to the NEC, this neutral wire might fail to serve its purpose and might just oversee the redundant current flow, which has compelled the authorities to add a ground wire:

iv. Green wire: the ‘ground’ wire is an important addition that connects the receptor to the ground to avoid excess overflow of current.

What outlet do you have in your house?

To determine the type of outlet fitted in your house, try and remember when your house was built. If your house was built in the early 2000s (1996 to be precise), there is a good chance that it has a 3 pronged range cord. The reason that we are so confident about it is that the National Electric Code mandated that the houses built after 1996 have a 4 prong range cord rather than a 3 pronged cord. 

The reason that electric stoves require a different power outlet unlike other small appliances is that they draw up around 240 v of power to maintain and stabilize the heat. The electric stove powers its LED display and timer with 120 v power and for the elements, the electric stove extracts 240 v. from the main control panel. The wires are divided into two different sets, unlike the other electrical appliances. Two sets of bundled wires are used to carry the load from the main outlet coupled with one neutral wire.

The typical receptacle that is normally found in the average American household is the three-section outlet that contains a 110 v circuit, these electric ranges extract 120 v just to power its clock, timers, and the display with that, the range also requires power and additional 240 v circuit and receptacle to provide heat to the elements on the cooktop. 

In order to plug in the electric stove, you would need to replace the existing circuit in the power outlet with a 120/240 v circuit. This might sound like an easy task, but it is recommended to take the assistance of a professional electrician. 

Lets take a closer look at plugs

The anatomy of the plug is different from what it used to be. The standard 3 slot plug has been replaced by 4 slots by adding another slot for the ground wire. The 4 slot plugin has three vertical slots and a semicircular slot. The vertical slots are used to accommodate the two hot wires carrying the load to the same circuit( -50amp usually), whereas the other two slots are designated to accommodate a neutral and a ground wire. Each of these wires is connected to the respective screws present on the back of the range. These screws are allocated for each wire which further fastens the connection between the range and the receptacle.

A single hot wire carries the load to the circuit in most appliances. It is totally different for the appliances like range, dryers, and washing machines.

Types of electric ranges and their respective plug types

The electric range is of two types, we have the freestanding range and the slide in range. The only difference between them is that the freestanding range has finished sides. They can be put wherever you want. While on the contrary, the slide-in models have a special allotted cutout space between cabinets. This is so that it slides in with the rest of the kitchen layout.

In slide-in models, the body is constructed in compliance with the mandate rules laid out by the NEC. It gives no room for us to alter or change the design. The circuit in the body is hardwired to leave no room for change. Which is why the modifications are made only in the freestanding range. 

FITTING A NEW RANGE IN OLD WIRING 

If you are planning on buying a new range for your house with a standard 3 pronged outlet you need not worry about the compatibility of design. Here we are going to explain the process to plugin your new range with the existing outlet. The only way you can connect a  new stove to your existing three-pronged cord is by merging the ground wire with the neutral wire. And replacing the 4 pin plug with a three-section power cord.

This requires working with precision, so if you are working on this yourself we would recommend opening up the wire panel on the back and bundle the green wire with the white one either by using a bond plate or using a suitable gauge wire. Once the bundling is done, you need to replace the 4 section plug with the 3 section cord, you can proceed to connect your three-section plug into the existing three prongs receptacle. 

Fitting the old range into the new wiring

If you have an old range, and you wish to plug it in the new 4 pronged outlets, you are going to have to take a look at the back of your range. this will enable you to see if it has a ground screw terminal attached to it. if that is not the case then your best bet would be to hire an electrician. Then have a ground wire tethered to the ground screw. You will then have to replace the three-pronged cord of the existing device with the new 4 section plug.

What is GFCI? Is it necessary to install the GFCI?

The NEC has mandated the installation of the Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor either on the power outlets with a reset switch or in the circuit panel. This device often not recognized for the heroic purpose it serves. The purpose of saving us from getting electrocuted by the leakage of current in the body. Don’t understand? Let us elaborate on it.

An electric leakage is something that happens when there is an imbalance in the flow of the current(inflow and outflow) this imbalance signifies that the current is leaking through the body of the device, and anyone who comes in the contact with the body will experience an electric shock.  The level of this electrocution can be intense near wet areas like the bathroom, kitchen, etc. To eradicate this problem the GFIC device installed in the outlet, trips and breaks the circuit within a matter of milliseconds, and this stops the flow of current. It is mandatory to have GFCI device installed in your home irrespective of the electric plug type you have in your home.

Tips to save power

After multiple debates and tests, it has been proven that the electric stoves are efficient in comparison to the gas stove. The the truth does not come out that easily. There is an attached disadvantage with the winner’s tag which is that they consume a greater amount of electricity. Tests show that an average electric stove consumes up to 3500 Watts of electricity to function normally. This excludes the specifications of your usage. Some of them can even extract 5000 Watts too. It all depends on the usage of the stove, the number of elements being used, and other factors. Another disadvantage is that the electric stoves require additional maintenance when compared to the gas stove.

If you are planning on buying a new electric stove you need to carefully take a scan through to look for an appropriate space to place it in. The best option that you can go for is the one with the lowest proximity to the power outlet. Setting up an electric stove doesn’t require the assistance of an electrician. The task can easily be executed by a layman. 

Things to keep in mind before setting up a freestanding range and what electric stove plug type should you use?

Just bought a new electric range? There are few pointers you would need to keep in mind before installing the range:

1. Suitability: This factor comes into effect when we look at the type of receptacle installed in your kitchen and the cord type fastened to the range( 3 pronged or 4 pronged). The position of the outlet must always be on the back of your mind. Typically, for the freestanding range, the outlets are positioned near the bottom of the wall. 

2. Type of range: it depends on the type of range that you have chosen for your kitchen space. There are basically three kinds of ranges and each one of them requires a unique placement style. 

Freestanding ranges can be placed anywhere because of their structure and design which is the most viable option for the kitchen islands. The cutout space for freestanding ranges does not include a backsplash against the wall which is kind of the point of having a freestanding range. This does not provide safety from any backsplash accident in the kitchen. Whereas, when it comes to slide-in ranges, there is a little dissimilarity in the cutout space for keeping these hard-wired ranges. A backsplash wall protects these ranges and forms part of the cabinetry. Though it comes with adjustable legs, it is a little hard to readjust its posture.

What about drop ins?

Drop-in ranges carry a whole different story. They require more cabinetry work than a slide-in or a freestanding range. They are generally placed on top of a platform to compensate for the height of the range. 

3. Circuit: To operate a range, you will need a dedicated electric stove plug types that circulates enough power to facilitate the working of a full-fledged electric stove. It is often made sure that these circuits do no exceed the proximity limit of around 4 ft. through the main power panel. 

To manage and save power, you need to keep in mind that induction power ranges are the best bet for you. They are proved to save a ton of money and energy bills by wasting almost 0% heat. These energy-efficient powerful ranges sue half the energy used by a typical electric stove or coiled top. 

Electric Stove Types and Receptacles

We have discussed how the electric stove type and receptacles differ in the design and number of prongs in them. There are 3 and 4 prongs receptacles that are not very costly, you just need to figure out which one will be a perfect fit for your electric stove or any other range. The prices and the specifications of different plug types:

1. 30 Amp Dryer Range Receptacle, TT-30 RV30,125 Volt, 2-Pole, 3-Wire, Heavy Duty Flush-Mount Power Outlet for RVs, Dryers, Generator & Ranges, UL Listed

You can use multiple appliances and connect them to this plug type. The current draw limit is 30 amps, which is obviously enough to run an electric stove. 

2. 50 Amp 250-Volt Flush Mounting Grounding Outlet, Black

This 4 pronged receptacle has a raised current draw level(50 amps). While this outlet is an easy hookup, it accepts number 4 AWG conductors. It can handle and maintain a 250 v of power with ease. One of the best electric stove plug types, this outlet uses its grounding structure to form a better connection to the plug.

3. 50 Amp Flush Mount Shallow Single Outlet, Black

This is another electric stove plug type that is the most adaptive and reliable. You can mount it on your trailer, boat or any other place you feel is okay. They ensure proper supply to all the small electric appliances.

Final verdict

To use an electric stove with a receptacle that does not match its power levels is insanely dangerous. You have to be very careful and abide by the guidelines laid out but the NEC and the fire department. If you have bought a new electric stove you will notice the 4 prong cord in the end. To set up the electric stove you can call for a professional. If you have decided to take his herculean task of connecting the wires yourself. You will have to delicately connect the four-pronged outlet in the back of the electric stove. Only experienced people should take on this task. On the other hand, when we talk about this article “Electric Stove Plug Types”, If this article was able to share some information the electric stove plug types then we can consider this a job well done.