Connecting the power cord of an electric range is an important step when installing or replacing your range. Properly connecting the power cord ensures your range will operate safely and efficiently. This guide will walk you through the complete process of connecting the power cord of an electric range.
Preparing to Connect the Power Cord
Before connecting the power cord, take some time to prepare so the process goes smoothly:
Locate the power cord – Electric ranges come with a power cord you must attach. Make sure you have located the cord before beginning installation. It is often wrapped up and included in the packaging or documentation.
Check the power cord specifications – The power cord must match the voltage and amperage rating of your electric range. The cord should be rated for at least 30 amps and match the voltage used in your home (typically 240V). This information is usually printed directly on the power cord.
Turn off power at the circuit breaker – Locate the circuit breaker for the kitchen and turn it off before connecting any wiring. This ensures you can work safely without risk of electric shock.
Unpack and situate the range – Remove all packing material and position the range near its final installed location. Pull the range out just far enough to access the back connections.
Remove the junction box cover – Electric ranges plug into a junction box located on the wall behind the range. Remove the cover plate so you can access the wiring inside.
Once these preparatory steps are complete, you can move on to connecting the actual power cord.
Attaching the Power Cord
Follow these steps to safely connect the power cord to your electric range:
1. Feed the Power Cord Through the Strain Relief
- On the back of the range, locate the power cord strain relief. It is a circular plastic fitting designed to secure the cord.
- Feed the entire length of the power cord through this strain relief, leaving enough excess cord to route to the junction box.
2. Attach the Wires
- The power cord will have 4 wires – 3 insulated wires and 1 uninsulated ground wire.
- Use wire nuts to connect matching wires:
- Black cord wire to black supply wire
- Red cord wire to red supply wire
- White neutral wires to each other
- Bare/green ground wires to each other
- Wrap each connection securely with electrical tape for additional strength.
3. Affix the Strain Relief
- With the wires firmly connected, push the strain relief back into the hole in the range’s back panel.
- It should cinch down tightly around the cord to prevent tugging/loosening of the connections.
4. Coil Excess Cord
- Neatly coil any excess power cord.
- Do not allow excess cord to bunch up or get pinched behind the range.
- Secure coils with zip ties or electrical tape.
The power cord is now mechanically attached to the electric range. Next, we move on to the electrical connections.
Connecting the Power Cord to the Junction Box
With the power cord attached to the range, it can now be wired in to your home’s junction box:
1. Feed Cord into Junction Box
- Bring the range close enough to the junction box so the power cord can be fed inside.
- Leave enough slack to allow the range to be pulled out from the wall after installation.
2. Connect Matching Wires
- As with the range connections, connect matching wires using wire nuts:
- Black to black
- White to white
- Ground to ground
3. Install Junction Box Cover
- With all wires securely connected, re-install the junction box cover plate. This protects the connections.
4. Inspect the Installation
- Visually inspect the junction box wiring to ensure proper connections.
- Tug the power cord lightly to verify strain relief security.
- Arrange any excess cord neatly with zip ties.
The physical connection process is now complete. All that remains is to restore power and test operation.
Restoring Power and Testing Operation
Once wired, restore power to the range and verify proper operation:
1. Restore Power at the Breaker
- Return to the circuit breaker and switch it back ON to restore electricity.
2. Check Connections
- Verify none of the wire connections have come loose inside the junction box.
3. Test Operation
- Turn on the range and make sure the control display powers up.
- Check that all burners ignite and heating elements operate when turned on.
- Verify the oven and any electric broilers or warmers work properly.
- Check the range’s lights if equipped.
- Confirm the range is properly grounded by checking for continuity between the chassis and ground connection.
If everything powers on and heats up normally, the range is properly connected and safe to finish installing.
4. Finish Installation
- Slide the range back into position, ensuring no cord binding.
- Level the range and secure to cabinets per manufacturer instructions.
Connecting the power cord is just one important step in safely and properly installing an electric range. But following these guidelines helps ensure your range will operate as intended. If the range fails to power on or exhibits any electrical issues, double check all connections or consult a professional electrician. With the proper power connection, your new range will provide many years of reliable cooking service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecting the Power Cord
Some common questions about properly connecting the power cord on an electric range include:
How do I determine if the power cord is the right amperage and voltage?
- Check the specifications marked directly on the power cord. It must be rated for 240V and 30 amps (or greater) to match a standard electric range. The owner’s manual also specifies required cord ratings.
What if my house doesn’t have a suitable electrical outlet?
- Have an electrician install the proper 240V appliance receptacle if your home lacks an outlet to plug-in the range power cord. Hard-wiring may also be an option. Don’t try to alter plugs or outlets.
Does the terminal block on the range need to be removed before wiring?
- Most models have you make connections directly to the terminal block which then fits into the range’s wiring compartment – removal is not required. Consult instructions for your specific appliance.
Can I connect the range’s power cord to a 3-prong dryer outlet?
- No, a 4-prong receptacle is required for proper grounding. A 3-prong dryer outlet should never be used for a range.
How do I disconnect the old power cord on a range being replaced?
- Turn off power at the breaker. Then remove the old cord by unscrewing the strain relief fitting and disconnecting wires from the terminal block. Follow the steps above to connect the new replacement cord.
Why won’t my range turn on after connecting the power cord?
- Double check that all wire connections are tight and properly matched. Verify the circuit breaker is switched to the ON position. Test outlets for proper voltage. If still not operational, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Following the detailed steps outlined in this guide will help you safely connect the power cord on your new electric range. Pay close attention to electrical polarity, grounding, and strain relief to ensure your appliance operates reliably. If in doubt, have a professional electrician complete the power cord installation.
Conclusion
Connecting the power cord is an essential part of installing an electric range in your home. While it may seem intimidating, taking the proper precautions and following the step-by-step process makes it a straightforward DIY project. The key steps are securing the cord through the strain relief, making sound electrical connections, routing the cord neatly to the junction box, and restoring power to test operation. Observing electrical safety and codes will result in a safe, effective power connection for many years of cooking performance. With some basic tools and attention to detail, you can handle this important job yourself.