OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
And I'll ask, what happens if my 18 or 20 gauge lamp cord tries to pull 19 amps and don't pop the 20a breaker?
Electricians: Range wiring and breaker sizing code
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newbury
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Since 18 gauge is rated for 7 amps I would think it's the fault of the person that put the wire on the lamp. And the wire will probably get HOT.
/edit - I've a lot of examples of that type of wiring in the place I bought. And they are a pain to trace down.
Inspector507
Super Member
If your lamp tries to pull 19A, you've got a problem with the lamp and the cord will probably melt.
jejeosborne
Veteran Member
Glad to see the inspector catching a real problem. I doubt the range cord is rated for 60 amps and as mentioned the outlet isn't. Many people will also wire their homes with 12 gauge wire and install 15 amp receptacles. Don't mind this much as a failed receptacle will likely remain within a box.
k0ua
Epic Contributor
If something at the end of the lamp cord drew 19 amps, the cord would get very hot, and melt its insulation, and then the cords wires would likely touch, and draw a lot of current for a very short period of time and the breaker will open. I think what you are getting at of course is that nearby flammable materiel's could be ignited.
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
Yes, that's what I am getting at. If its okay in the case of about all other things that plug in, why not for the range.
But I don't think anyone has directly answered the question though. That is...just because the range says 40a, does that mean it can only be 40? Is there somewhere in the code that stipulates that?
I agree and understand that 40a breaker would be best. But what is best and what is allowable by code are often different. So I am asking what is allowable.
But I don't think anyone has directly answered the question though. That is...just because the range says 40a, does that mean it can only be 40? Is there somewhere in the code that stipulates that?
I agree and understand that 40a breaker would be best. But what is best and what is allowable by code are often different. So I am asking what is allowable.
newbury
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There is no problem using a HEAVIER wire, as long as there is a 15 amp breaker protecting the 15 amp receptacle. I had a kitchen wired last year and we ran some 12 gauge to 15 amp receptacles on 15 amp breakers because we got a great deal on the wire.
jejeosborne
Veteran Member
Lamp cords and range cords being overloaded are equally bad. Neither should be allowed to happen. Thus the reason every lamp has wattage limits posted in the bulb base. Same thing with extension cords, they have amp limits posted on the packaging. Can't prevent some fool from overloading an extension cord and typically they are used briefly under a supervised condition. Extension cords are only to be used temporarily thus the codes for outlet spacing maximums in new homes. The range cord is a permanent installation and must be protected by the breaker. Possible grease buildup around ranges and lint buildup around dryers plus unprotected cords.....need I say more? Ok I will, also mice and rodent activity happens in what rooms of most homes?
Inspector507
Super Member
LD1 no you will not find it in the NEC that says a range must be 40A or 50A. What you will find is that the range receptacle can not be protected by more than a 50A breaker or fuse. I'll repeat that that is in 210.24.
The NEC does not specifically deal with plug in appliances. But they are to be used according to any listing or labeling which includes manufacturers instructions. That you'll find in 110.3b.
The inspector did not write up that the range was being used improperly. He wrote up that the range circuit was not protected at proper ampacity.
And to answer another question you had, no I did not do that inspection. I don't do home inspections for real estate purposes.
The NEC does not specifically deal with plug in appliances. But they are to be used according to any listing or labeling which includes manufacturers instructions. That you'll find in 110.3b.
The inspector did not write up that the range was being used improperly. He wrote up that the range circuit was not protected at proper ampacity.
And to answer another question you had, no I did not do that inspection. I don't do home inspections for real estate purposes.
OP
LD1
Epic Contributor
Okay, I'll buy that. I am not in compliance with the NEC via not being in compliance with the MFG directions.
But since the house was built in 1995, and I am either the second or third owner, I doubt this range is original.
Not that it matters at this point, again, this is just information seeking as I am going to change the breaker, but......
As an electrician, when wiring a residential house, how do you know what size range they will be using? or that it wont be different in the future? Same goes for dryer and waterheater? Allthough I think 30A feeding them is pretty standard.
I know that this isnt the only time I have seen 60A breakers for a range. Probably 50% of the houses I looked at are 60A ranges, the rest are 50A
But since the house was built in 1995, and I am either the second or third owner, I doubt this range is original.
Not that it matters at this point, again, this is just information seeking as I am going to change the breaker, but......
As an electrician, when wiring a residential house, how do you know what size range they will be using? or that it wont be different in the future? Same goes for dryer and waterheater? Allthough I think 30A feeding them is pretty standard.
I know that this isnt the only time I have seen 60A breakers for a range. Probably 50% of the houses I looked at are 60A ranges, the rest are 50A
