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Wire a Range Power Cord for 3Wire and 4Wire Cords

© By: Dave Rongey
Summary: Electric Range Installation with a typical 240 Volt electric power cord wiring system for 3-wire and 4-wire configurations.

How to Wire a Kitchen Range Power Cord

3-Wire Configuration
An electric range can be wired to work with either a 3-wire or 4-wire circuit. All new installations require the 4-wire circuit which has a separate insulated neutral wire and the separate ground wire along with the 2-hot wires.

4-Wire Configuration
In this case where the home is older than the new electric range here's what you would have to do: You need to purchase a 3-Wire Range Cord. Remove the 4-Wire Range Cord and install the replacement 3-Wire Range Cord.

Next where the wires are connected to the electric range you will need to re-install the Bonding Jumper which goes between the Grounded Screw and the Neutral Terminal as shown in the 3-WIRE HOOK UP wiring diagram below. The Grounded Screw is attached to the metal frame of the electric range and is usually located under the neutral wire terminal location.

Electrical Wiring for a Four Terminal Range Cord Connection

OLDER HOMES AND ELECTRIC RANGES	NEWER HOMES AND ELECTRIC RANGES
IMPORTANT: The following steps apply ONLY if the range specifically states that it can be wired for either 3-Wire OR 4-Wire Connections. Some new ranges may require a Separate Insulated Neutral Wire AND a Separate Ground Wire for a 4-Wire Connection Only. Be sure to consult your range installation manual specifications for the configuration that is allowed.

NEMA 10-50R 50AMP-125/250VOLT	NEMA 14-50 50AMP-125/250VOLT

This system can be adjusted depending on what your wiring configuration is.
For example you may have one of the following conditions:

converting an old 3-wire outlet
to a new electric range

converting a new 4-wire outlet
to an old electric range

More About Wiring a Range Power Cord

Troubleshooting Kitchen Range Wiring

I'm hooking up an electric range using a 3 prong cord. The terminal block is just as shown in the above drawing and I hooked it up with the cord as shown. I can get power to the range eyes but not to the oven or control circuit for the oven. The range has three wires hooked on the red terminal (two are connected to a single connector) and one single red wire. The black and white wires and ground tab are just like the drawing. The black wire terminal, white wire terminal and the two mounting block screws all seem to be connected as I can get a circuit path when testing with a meter. I don't get a circuit between the red terminal and any other point I try. I have checked the receptacle and power cord and they are both ok. Do you have any other suggestions as to what is wrong. Thanks, BC

Hi BC, It seems that there is power at the unit because the cook top portion is working ok. I would suspect that either an oven control is not working or that maybe a wire has become disconnected. If the range is used and not brand new then I would check all the internal wring and connections to the controls. If there was a previous owner, I would contact them and get some history about the performance of the range. A continuity meter would be very helpful for testing between the terminals at the cord connection to the controls for the oven.

« Kitchen Remodels 3 Construction

Wiring an Oven »

Learn How to Wire it Right with my Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students and Electricians Including: Home Electrical Wiring - Upgrade Electrical Wiring 120 Volt Circuits 240 Volt Circuits Multi-Wired Circuits Wiring Methods for Installing Home Electrical Circuit Wiring Electrical Codes for Home Electrical Wiring Electrical Troubleshooting and Repairs ....and much more. » Click here to learn more about Home Electrical Wiring «

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