How to choose the right cable for connecting an electric stove

Imported home appliance manufacturers have recently made electric stoves and built-in ovens wirelessly. This is due to two important reasons. Firstly, the structural features of the plug and the voltage in many countries are different, and secondly, changes have been made to the safety requirements of the stove and now they are installed in a socketless way using terminal blocks (electrical appliances designed for a current of 32 A or more).

What cable for an electric stove you need to buy

Any household appliances, in order to avoid trouble, must be connected in accordance with all the rules for electrical installations (PUE). The connection features and requirements listed in this publication are the many years of experience of professionals in their field.

It is important to understand what kind of wire is needed for connection and whether it is possible to connect the electric stove to a regular outlet, if it is decided to install household appliances independently. The most important parameter required when determining the cross-section of the conductor for connecting an electric stove without a socket directly is the power of the electricity consumed.

Otherwise, there are not so many features of the choice of wire for the stove. Criterias of choice:

• the ability to use in rooms with high humidity levels;
• acceptable price;
• excellent flexibility indicators;
• the allowed bending radius must be equal to at least 8 outer diameters of the section;
• equipping with double insulation;
• the possibility of using in electrical devices with increased vibration.

Electricians recommend starting the choice of a cable only after carrying out the following calculations: add 20% of the number to the power consumed by an electrical appliance. Even without knowing the exact power of the equipment, you can purchase wires with a margin.

Calculation of the power of the electric stove

The power of electric stoves and ovens differs depending on the manufacturer and model modification. As a rule, the values ​​range from 5-8 kW.

The table shows the dependence of the main technical parameters. It is simple to use it, it is enough to select the appropriate parameters based on the power value indicated in the passport for the electrical appliance.

The table shows the cross-section of a copper cable, since it is the most suitable for installing an electric stove.

Type of material and cross-section of the cable for the plate

To connect the electric stove to a three-phase outlet, it is necessary to connect the latter to the detachable connection of the electrical appliance. In this case, the main requirement for the type of cable is its flexibility. Wires equipped with rigid cores are much more difficult to compactly lay behind the stove, as a rule, they stick out in all directions.

The flexible wire is equipped not with a monolithic conductive core, but with a large number of wires collected in a bundle. This ensures freedom of movement.

Information about wire and cable brands PVS and KG

The most optimal heat-resistant wires for electric stoves are cables of the PVS and KG brands. Sheath and core insulation of KG cable is made of high quality rubber.The advantage of this material lies in a wide operating temperature range, which ranges from -40 to +50 degrees, as well as in resistance to sunlight. The abbreviation stands for the following: K - cable, G - flexible.

In various industries, it is used to connect moving mechanisms such as telphers, girder cranes, etc.

The abbreviation PVS is deciphered as follows: P - wire, V - vinyl insulation of conductive cores and sheaths, C - connecting. Thus, PVA is a cable, not a wire. However, it is often used when conducting wiring in apartments and country houses. Its main purpose is for use in areas of the household network where increased flexibility is required. Extension cords and power cords are made from it. The working temperature range ranges from -25 to +40 degrees. The advantage of the material is resistance to combustion, it does not spread fire, since it simply melts.

Cable section

The choice of wire cross-section depends on the power of the electrical device. To connect a three-phase or single-phase of the same power, cables of different cross-sections are required. This is due to the fact that in the second case, all the power of the electrical device is carried out by one phase, and in the first it is divided between three.

Features of connection and grounding

You can connect an electric stove in two ways - through a terminal block or a special socket for the stove in the kitchen. In Russia, the second option is still the most in demand. The connection algorithm is as follows:

1. The most suitable location for the installation of the equipment is determined. Electric stoves should not be placed near window and door openings, iron pipes and washstands.
2. A socket outlet with an earthing contact is mounted at the required height. The socket must have a current rating in the range of 32-40 A.
3. In the electrical panel, a separate machine is additionally mounted on the stove. For two- or three-phase 16 A, for single-phase 25-30 A.
4. The wire or cable is pulled to the socket outlet from the shield.
5. The socket plug connects to a flexible wire on an electric stove or oven.
6. A flexible wire connected to a plug connects to an electrical appliance. To do this, you need to remove the back cover of the plate, which limits access to the terminals.
7. The power cable in the electrical panel is divided into cores, the ends of each wire are stripped before connection. Phase conductors are connected to the strip terminals of the machine, and the zero core is connected to the bus.

It is strictly forbidden to make grounding to the zero bus, since it gets very hot. The phase will return to the device, and the user can be severely electric shock.

Grounding at home is carried out in two ways: with the absence of a grounding loop and the presence of a common grounding loop. In the first case, the additional installation of the RCD, as well as the implementation of grounding, will solve the problem. In the second case, you will need a flexible wire made of copper with a cross section of at least 2.5 mm sq. It is carried out from the switchboard and brought to the body of the electrical device.

In houses or apartments where the central gas supply is not connected, an electric stove or built-in oven will help to solve the problem with cooking. To make the use of the device comfortable, you need to install and connect it correctly. When buying a cable or wire, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the product, the cross-section and length, as well as the brand.