Electricians: Range wiring and breaker sizing code

[LD1]

Hopefully some of you electricians that are well versed in code and all can help me out.

In the midst of selling my home and under contract. Home inspection was done, then I get the request for remedy sheet.

One of the things listed was "overfused condition".

Not sure what this meant. So no idea how to correct. So I called the inspector that did the inspection to get some clarification. He stated it was the range wiring.

There is a thing on the back of the range that reads just like this

A UL listed power cord rated at 240v minimum, 40 amp or 50 amp power supply cord that is marked for use with nominal 1 3/8" diameter connection openings, with closed loop terminals and marked for use with ranges shall be used on this product.

Problem is, it is being fed with a 60a breaker and 6 ga wire. He said I need to change to a 40a or 50a breaker. Is that correct? I thought you size the breaker to the wire, and not the device?

 

[murphy1244]

Hopefully some of you electricians that are well versed in code and all can help me out.

In the midst of selling my home and under contract. Home inspection was done, then I get the request for remedy sheet.

One of the things listed was "overfused condition".

Not sure what this meant. So no idea how to correct. So I called the inspector that did the inspection to get some clarification. He stated it was the range wiring.

There is a thing on the back of the range that reads just like this



Problem is, it is being fed with a 60a breaker and 6 ga wire. He said I need to change to a 40a or 50a breaker. Is that correct? I thought you size the breaker to the wire, and not the device?

Change the breaker and be done with it. Why fight with the guy who signs off on it?

 

[LD1]

Thats the plan. Not worth the hassle over a $10-$15 breaker. For piece of mind though, I am just wondering if this guy is correct.

 

[Gunny]

You can use a heavier wire, but the breaker has to match the load, not the wire. And like LD1 said, why get in a dither, spend a few bucks and take a few minutes to change the breaker out, problem solved, let the sale go forward

 

[LD1]

You can use a heavier wire, but the breaker has to match the load, not the wire. And like LD1 said, why get in a dither, spend a few bucks and take a few minutes to change the breaker out, problem solved, let the sale go forward

So you are saying to size the breaker to the load? And that my 60 amp breaker is too big for my range?

Doesn't that mean that the 15A breaker feeding the outlet I plug my cell phone into is a tad oversized as well?

 

[murphy1244]

So you are saying to size the breaker to the load? And that my 60 amp breaker is too big for my range?

Doesn't that mean that the 15A breaker feeding the outlet I plug my cell phone into is a tad oversized as well?

Your range is on a dedicated line and you don't know what else is going to get plugged in to that outlet.

Edit--I thought you were posting about cooktop.. sorry. We call a stove what you call a range.

 

[k0ua]

Ranges have always been 50 amp breakers, and he just saw that 60 amp in there and had to have something to "bitc*" about on his report.. Just put in the 50 amp and you are done. Although I think your 60 amp breaker is correct for the 6 guage wire. I wonder what your range actually pulls with everything on?

 

[LD1]

Ranges have always been 50 amp breakers, and he just saw that 60 amp in there and had to have something to "bitc*" about on his report.. Just put in the 50 amp and you are done. Although I think your 60 amp breaker is correct for the 6 guage wire. I wonder what your range actually pulls with everything on?

The plan is to just put a 40 or 50 on there. Have no idea what it actually draws, never put the clamp on it.

More so, just curious if the way it is now is wrong according to current code requirements. (all though codes from 1995 would have to apply as that is when it was built.) OR, if the inspector is just wrong in his assessment.

I am sure when an electrician is wiring a new build house, he has no idea what the range is going to be? How does he know if its a 40, 50, or 60??

Same goes for dryers and water heaters.

 

[k0ua]

All good questions, that I don't have any answers for.

 

[Inspector507]

I am an inspector (25 years). The 60 amp breaker is too high for the range outlet. It's listed to be used at up to 50A max.