How to Wire an Electric Stove Power Cord

An electric stove does not come with a power cord when you buy it. This is because manufacturers are unaware of the type of power receptacle that you may have installed in your home. If you just purchased an electric stove and you have an existing power outlet, all you need to do is install a power cord. Whether you are installing a cord for the first time or replacing an old power cord, the wiring is not difficult to achieve, but it is important that you follow the steps and always remember to proceed with caution when working with electrical wiring.

Step 1 – Buy the Power Cord

Power cords are of two types: three-pronged (the older variant) and four-pronged (the newer variant) power cords. To wire your electric stove and get it working, you will need to purchase a power cord that corresponds with your power outlet in terms of voltage (220 or 240 V) and prongs (three-pronged or four-pronged). Power cords are available at most hardware and/or appliance stores.

Step 2 – Open the Back Access Panel

Once you have your power cord, you will need to first open the back access panel of the stovetop in order to be able to install it. But before proceeding, make sure that there is no power going to the plug by shutting down the breaker at the source. This access panel is normally covered with a small square/rectangular metal plate that is secured to the stove by means of screws. Simply use your screwdriver to unscrew it.

Step 3 – Run the Cord Through the Hole

After removing the back cover, you will find a hole underneath the wiring points. First, insert the strain relief into the hole. A strain relief holds the cord securely in place. This is useful to avoid the wires from coming loose if the cord is accidentally pulled. Next, run the cord through the strain relief. Do not tighten the screws on the strain relief just yet.

Step 4 – Remove the Copper Strip

Just above the hole, you will find wiring points. Older stoves had only three wiring points, but most of the newer stoves will have four connection points: two hot, one neutral, and one ground. The neutral point lies in the center, the hot wire points are on either side of it, and the ground wire point is underneath it. Before you begin connecting the wires, you should check to see if there is a copper strip connecting the neutral and ground wire points. If you find one, use pliers to remove this thin strip. If not, continue to the next step.

Step 5 – Connect the Wires

Align your wires. Red and black are the hot wires, white is the neutral wire, and green is the ground wire. To connect your wires, you will need to unscrew the connection points and hook the wire in place. First, connect the ground (green) wire, followed by the neutral (white wire). Attach the red and the black wire to their corresponding connection points bearing the same color wire from the stove. Make sure to tighten all wires as you go along.

Step 6 – Tighten the Strain Relief

After you have secured all the wires, readjust the cord so that there is no slag or pull. Now tighten the strain relief so as to firmly secure the power cord. Avoid over-tightening, as this may damage the cord.

Step 7 – Plug It In

Before you plug in your stove, replace the back cover panel. Once that is in place, simply plug in the power cord into your power outlet. You can now turn the breaker back ON.