What Power Requirements Are Needed for an Electric Range?
Typical electric ranges require 220- or 240-volt power sources with 60-hertz frequency. Ranges also require a grounded circuit with either a circuit breaker or a fuse for safety.
A 40-amp circuit breaker is considered a minimum safe capacity for electric range use. Wire gauge requirements for an electric range outlet vary with the size of circuit breaker used on the circuit powering the range. Using 8-gauge wire is sufficient for circuits using 40-amp breakers, while 6-gauge wire is required if using a 50-amp breaker.
Overall power consumption of an electric range is among the highest of all kitchen appliances. Precise power consumption figures vary with from range to range and are affected by which settings and elements are used at any given time. Typical power consumption figures for the burners on both glass top and coil ranges are 1,200 watts for a small or simmering burner, 1,500 watts for a medium burner and 2,000 watts for a large burner. Induction cooktops on electric ranges have a very wide range of power consumption, consuming as little as 100 watts when simmering to as many as 3,700 watts for a large induction burner at full power. Ovens in an electric range require an average of 4,000 watts of power when cooking.
