I have an electrical question that may be pretty basic for some. I am installing a GE cooktop stove that is recessed into the counter top. I am actually pretty good with electrical work, but the wording on the instructions has got me a little confussed. This is what is writen on the installation instructions:
You must use a two-wire, three conductor 208/240 VAC, 60 hertz electrical system. A white (neutral wire is not needed for this unit. The cooktop must be installed in a circuit that does not exceed 125 VAC nominal ground.
Coming out of the cooktop is is is an electrical line with black, red and green wires. This is a frayed wire, probably 8 or 10 guage wire, but i”m not sure. I thinking that I have to run the same guage wire, the black and red wires to the panel on a double breaker (both black and red wires to the “hot” side of the panel each getting it’s own breaker) and the green obvioulsy to the ground post in the panel.
I was wondering if if this sounds correct. What guage wire should I be using? What size breaker should be used? Use a double breaker? What does 208/240 VAC mean? Does this mean this is this a 220 line? Anything else I may have missed?
I appreciate any advice I get. Thanks.
PS: I have called the 1-800 number on the instructions several times, but keep getting a busy signal and I figured I would get better answers from you guys anyway.
Replies
do it like you presupposed
btw, the 208 simply refers to line-line voltage in a 3 phase system, ignore for your home use.
fwiw, I'd not claim 'actually pretty good with electrical work' if the 208/240 terminology confused you
Sorry to have to point this out, but if you're "pretty good with electrical work", this shouldn't be the least bit problematic.
That being said, you're right about a few things:
- yes, use the same gauge wire, or heavier. The cord stub on the cooktop should have a label stamped on it. Otherwise, look in the manual. I suspect it will pull somewhere around 30 to 40 amps. Typically 10 guage will be safe with a 30A load, #8 for 40A.
- yes, use a two pole breaker. The manual, or sticker on the unit, should indicate what size to protect it with.
- workmanship is critical with this sort of installation. If the unit is to be hardwired rather than plugged in, be carefull about using a proper box, proper splices, and proper covering of your work.
Be safe.
Thanks for the advice guys. just wanted to make sure I was doing it right. Also, sorry I said I'm pretty good with electrical work. I guess i should have phrased it differently.