Where Should A Range Outlet Be Placed? (Let´s See)

By - Hs Saini

Updated -

“Where should I place my range outlet?” Has this been a question bugging your mind? Well, this short article contains everything you’ll need to know to avoid improper placement of your range outlet.

Please, note that following the information in this article meticulously will keep you far away from electric disruptions and many other avoidable mishaps you encounter in your home regularly.

The best way to place an electrical range outlet is according to the range manufacturer’s specifications. Your range outlet could be placed at the back wall, above the floor, and even out of the center cabinet space for the electric range.

Range Outlet Height From The Floor

Where Should A Range Outlet Be Placed

You must already know the required heights for each range in your residence so we won’t be talking much about that. However, your range outlet has to be 6 feet above the floor.

Except the other pot is within 6 feet of it. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), a home must have a minimum of 2 exterior receptacles.

And its location should either be in front or back and usually on the wall.

To add, having a Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is a must for every house owner to avoid havoc.

You can imagine living in your house (probably with your kids) without the GFCI, and then a leakage in the electric circuit could be outright disastrous.

The GFCI, however, is a safety device that breaks electric circuits with exposure to the ground.

It is a protective criterion you must consider even as you plan or put your place together to fix your range outlet.

Also, the Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter helps deter electrical shocks as it has a waterproof covering. Yeah, I’m sure you see its importance now. It cannot be overstated.

Your electric range outlet should not be more than 6 feet and 6 inches (6′ – 6″). It has to be 12-foot length even if designs reduce the numbers. 

What Kind Of Outlet Does A Range Need?

A range stove needs a compelling outlet to operate very well. But then, some utilize 110 volts, below the required range for your outlet electric stove.

Therefore, a 220-volt range receptacle is your range’s best electric range outlet. Usually, a range consumes energy, and installing a weaker outlet would be a bad idea. 

Nonetheless, a gas range requires a 120/125-volt receptacle that can power the range controls and the vent hood.

The 120/125 volt is crucial because it carries cooking scents away from the house and smoke fumes that are toxic to health.

That said, you can not just use any other outlet for your electrical range. For example, it has to be a 220-volt range for you to obtain a maximum benefit or 120/125 volt for your gas stove.

How High Should A Range Outlet Be?

Although the height issue is conventional or based on preference, the standard height for a range outlet is 16-18 inches above the counter surface.

By standard, I mean that anything below 16-18 inches is abnormal, and anything above can be an issue.  Nonetheless, the maximum limit for the height anywhere is 20 inches. 

There is no specified minimum height, but your range outlet should not be more than 20 inches, no matter how big. 

Interestingly, National Electrical Code (NEC) does not have a say in this as they are quiet about the issue of the range outlet height. 

But that doesn’t imply that you may install the outlets anyhow you like and just about anywhere you find fit because local municipalities may have established restrictions that you must obey.

Regardless, you must adhere strictly to NEC requirements and follow your local municipalities rules. 

As I mentioned, the actual height is 16-18 inches measured with an ounce claw hammer that has its face on the floor and creates a mark with the hammer’s claw.

Some electric outlets may need to be reduced to energize other appliances like a freezer or a baseboard heater. Remember, no NEC regulation prohibits this, even if the local codes may.

A maximum height is specified in the National Electrical Code spacing standard for range outlets.

And aside from wanting to place your outlet, obeying orders, most specifically, the range manufacturer is necessary.

Because every wall element must be within 6 feet of an outlet, the highest height an outlet can be above the floor is 6 feet unless some different port is within 6 feet.

Common sense could suggest that for rooms with different sizes and problems, installing the exact length of your electrical outlet would be wrong and disastrous.

But then, here are a few guidelines to follow for an appropriate installation of your outlet.

  • You must adhere to the National Electrical Code even though they are not loud regarding the issue of electrical range outlets. 
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is required for kitchens except for special circuits.
  • Short sections should carry 12″ or further in width along the wall.
  • Avoid installing an electrical receptacle over the drive or range.

Several issues can be developed when the outlet is installed or misused. That is why it is pertinent to always check your electric range outlet from time to time.

One common sign that could easily be seen is discoloration of the outlet or melting of the outlet-a signal that it is malfunctioning due to burning on the inside.

However, when you notice such, you have to quickly disconnect the power flowing to your plug at the circuit breaker panel. And have it sorted out competently.

Can A Range Outlet Be On The Floor?

It should be based on the range of the manufacturer’s specifications.

That is to say that the range outlet should be placed either at the back wall behind the range, above the floor (not on the floor), or off the floor center cabinet for the range.

In addition, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and Local Electric Code have some laydown requirements that you should follow to get your range outlet placed right.

Still, you cannot have it done yourself because it demands a professional hand.

The United National Electrical Code, Section 210. 52, says “the electrical outlet must be in every kitchen, bedroom, living room, family room, and other room.” You should have it positioned 6 feet along the floor.

Electrical Outlet Location For Gas Stove

It is not professional to structure a plug (often called an electrical outlet, sockets, receptacle, and so on) over the range stove. That is the reason a skillful person has to sort it out.

When you do so, your appliance cord plugged might pass over the top burner, which could be a big problem. 

The wall is the perfect location to fix your socket or outlet. Lastly, locate your outlet some inches away from the gas.

Also, any working surface on top of waist-level kitchen cabinets more comprehensive than 12 inches must have its outlet on the wall.

Conclusion

The importance of an electric range outlet placement cannot be overrated. Yet, you have to abide by the manufacturer’s specifications for your home’s perfection.

First, however, you should meticulously note the suitable range outlet for your gas stove, as much as you would apply the knowledge you have about the standard height for your electrical receptacles.

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