Dryer and Range Cords

[Dennis Alwon]

Have I been unaware my entire life that range cords have always used different sizes. For instance a range cord can have 2- #6 and 2-#8 I assume the #8's are for neutral and ground. 40 amp Cords use #8 and #10 and obviously has a 50 amp end.

The ones I used to buy only stated range cord.

 

[rc/retired]

Dang, man. I have never looked. I hope you don't lose sleep over it.

Ron

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Dang, man. I have never looked. I hope you don't lose sleep over it.

Ron

There are enough things in life to lose sleep over. This isn't one of them. I assume this was a way 2 get what they wanting perhaps because some wire sizes were hard for them to get.

 

[LarryFine]

Same with 3-wire cords. I've known for a long time.

I'd have told you if I had known you didn't know.

 

[electrofelon]

I don't think I ever noticed that.... Larry should have known that we didn't know.

 

[micabay]

Most oven/ranges have less than 2 amps on the neutral. Computer/display, fans, oven lights, door locks for cleaning. The elements are mostly all 240vac. Some higher end models will cycle the C from element. NC to Netural and NO to Line2, which will switch the element wattage down 1/4 power. But those are few and far between.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I don't think I ever noticed that.... Larry should have known that we didn't know.

I am not sure that all range cords are like that because some advertise 2- 8's and 2-6's while others don't

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The one at home depot does not state wire sizes

Whirlpool 4 ft. 4-Wire 40 Amp Range Cord PT400 - The Home Depot

To ensure a safe range installation that meets electrical requirements, a new UL-approved 40 Amp power cord should be used. Includes (1) 4-prong, 40 Amp, 4 ft. UL-approved range power cord. The heavy duty insulation prevents kinking and cracking for long-lasting durability. The cord is...

www.homedepot.com

However this site does.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-89238-DIVERSITECH-6-28-2-Range-Cord-50A-125V-250V-6-Feet?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=Shopping_withoutdata&utm_campaign=Shopping_Without_PLTV_data&gclid=Cj0KCQiAo-yfBhD_ARIsANr56g5HJ35HfldgQGhqXhdUcJc_oPgGDPS8tC0cAeIs-Mu9Wrc60FsaaDEaAlXVEALw_wcB

 

[infinity]

No one should be surprised if the manufacturer uses smaller conductors to save a few cents on each cord they make.

 

[electrofelon]

Most oven/ranges have less than 2 amps on the neutral. Computer/display, fans, oven lights, door locks for cleaning. The elements are mostly all 240vac. Some higher end models will cycle the C from element. NC to Netural and NO to Line2, which will switch the element wattage down 1/4 power. But those are few and far between.

Yeah when I am pulling in pipe and wire, I will often use a 12 white for the neutral of a dryer. I probably would for a range too, although I don't think I've come across that scenario. I know there isn't an allowance in the code to reduce the neutral for the branch circuit to these, but I'm confident a busload of nuns will not die because of it

Edit. To be clear I would use a number 10 neutral for the range.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Yeah when I am pulling in pipe and wire, I will often use a 12 white for the neutral of a dryer. I probably would for a range too, although I don't think I've come across that scenario. I know there isn't an allowance in the code to reduce the neutral for the branch circuit to these, but I'm confident a busload of nuns will not die because of it

Edit. To be clear I would use a number 10 neutral for the range.

The neutral should not be smaller than the equipment grounding conductor. IMO, the #12 neutral for the 30 amp dryer is a violation

 

[Dennis Alwon]

No one should be surprised if the manufacturer uses smaller conductors to save a few cents on each cord they make.

I was surprised I hadn't seen it before unless this was a new thing. No biggie just curious

 

[infinity]

I was surprised I hadn't seen it before unless this was a new thing. No biggie just curious

It's an interesting topic. I wonder if you looked at a 20 year old range cord if the conductors would all be the same size.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It's an interesting topic. I wonder if you looked at a 20 year old range cord if the conductors would all be the same size.

Yeah, I was thinking because the economy is where it is at and materials were hard to come by that they decided to cut corners to save some money. I wonder if that type cord is only made for dryer and ranges.

 

[LarryFine]

It's an interesting topic. I wonder if you looked at a 20 year old range cord if the conductors would all be the same size.

I believe they've had reduced neutrals at least that long, especially the flat 3-wire cords.

 

[guschash]

Yeah when I am pulling in pipe and wire, I will often use a 12 white for the neutral of a dryer. I probably would for a range too, although I don't think I've come across that scenario. I know there isn't an allowance in the code to reduce the neutral for the branch circuit to these, but I'm confident a busload of nuns will not die because of it

Edit. To be clear I would use a number 10 neutral for the range.

#12 is good for 30 amps

 

[infinity]

#12 is good for 30 amps

Are you saying that you can pull #12 conductors in a raceway for 30 amps as EF stated?

 

[electrofelon]

Are you saying that you can pull #12 conductors in a raceway for 30 amps as EF stated?

Of course that is not allowed due to terminal limitations. But an interesting question arises with the small conductor provision. Would that apply to a neutral conductor?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Of course that is not allowed due to terminal limitations. But an interesting question arises with the small conductor provision. Would that apply to a neutral conductor?

Imo, although I cannot back it up, the neutral must be the size of the equipment grounding conductor at least. This is true for neutrals in feeders and the same for the neutral in services in relation to the grounding electrode conductor.

 

[AC\DC]

Of course that is not allowed due to terminal limitations. But an interesting question arises with the small conductor provision. Would that apply to a neutral conductor?

Just splice it to 10 before termination for terminal issue. Though 10 and under are limited to 240.4 d requirements