Range Cord Installation Guide
This page will walk you though installing a range cord. There are two types of
cords: three-wire and four-wire cords this page will guide you in installing
both. One of the most frequent questions I get asked about ranges is “ my range
has a three-wire cord and my house has a four wire receptacle can I get an
adapter?” My answer is always that they don’t make an adapter; you have to
install a four-wire cord. If your house has a four-wire receptacle you must
install a four-wire cord on your range and if your house has a three-wire
receptacle you must install a three-wire cord. Never attempt to change the
receptacle, always install the correct cord.
Identify the type of range cord you need
The first step in installing a cord is to identify the type of cord you need. Look at your range receptacle on your wall. Some houses have four-wire receptacles and some have three wire receptacles. This just depends on when the wiring was done and what the code was at the time. Never attempt to change the receptacle, always install the correct cord that corresponds to the type of receptacle your house has. Below is a picture that will help you determine the type of receptacle you have.
Note that the receptacle will have a screw hole in the center
of the receptacle. Don’t mistake this screw hole for an extra wire.
Installing Three-wire Range Cords
If your house has a three-wire system the range receptacle will be three-wire. Therefore, you must install a three-wire cord on your range. The range will have a block that the cord will connect to with three terminals. Three wire systems connect the neutral to ground. Ranges come with a strap that connects the center terminal to ground but if there was previously a four-wire cord installed on your range the ground strap will be gone. If this is the case you must find a wire to connect the center terminal to ground. This wire must be at least as big as the wires on the cord.
If there is not a ground strap or ground wire connecting the center terminal to ground the range will not be grounded correctly and can cause electric shock which could lead to injury or death.
The cord has three wires, two outside wires and the
other in the center. Connect the center wire on the cord to the center terminal
on the range. Then connect the two outside wires to the two outside terminals on
the range. The cord will come with a clamp, install it and the job is finished.
The diagram below will help.
The part number for a 3-wire 4 foot 40 amp cord for ranges is WX9X6
Three Wire Rance Cord
Installing Four-wire Range Cords
If your house has a four-wire system the range receptacle will be four-wire. Therefore, you must install a four-wire cord on your range. The range will have a block with three terminals. Four-wire systems use separate wires for ground and for neutral. Unlike three-wire systems the neutral wire is isolated from ground. Ranges come with a strap that connects the center terminal (neutral) to ground, remove it.
If the ground strap is not removed range will not be grounded correctly and can cause electric shock which could lead to injury or death.
The cord will have four wires: a red wire, a black wire, a white
wire and a green wire. Connect the white wire to the center terminal on the
range. Connect the red wire to either of the two outside terminals on the range.
Connect the black wire to the other outside terminal. Connect the green wire to
the green ground screw on the range case. The cord comes with a clamp, install
it and you are done. The diagram above will help.
The part number for a
4-wire 4-foot 40-amp range cord is WX9X35. Four Wire Range Cord
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