Electrical Requirements for Electric & Gas Stoves

The two main types of stoves are either electric or gas stoves. An electric stove heats its elements just the way the name sounds, by way of electricity. Whereas a gas stove heats its elements with natural gas.

Electric Stoves

Requirements to Install

1. Certified and licensed electrician.

2. Dedicated 40 Amp circuit.

3. 240 Volts of electricity.

Gas Stoves

Gas stoves function on 120 Volts of electricity. You may wonder why a gas stove needs an electrical connection if it is powered by natural gas. But the ignitor and any digital displays on the stove are powered by electricity whereas the oven and stove elements are heated with natural gas.

Requirements to Install

1. Certified and licensed electrician.

2. Dedicated 15-20 Amp circuit.

3. A 120 Volts of electricity.

4. Certified and licensed gas fitter.

5. A natural gas line.

Electric to Gas

Electric stoves require a higher voltage of electricity than gas stoves. You cannot and should not plug a gas stove into an outlet meant to power an electric stove. If you replace an electric stove with a gas alternative an electrician will need to lower the electricity voltage of the outlet to 120 Volts. As the voltage that is present for an electric stove is too powerful for a gas stove to use. A licensed electrician must install a lowered and dedicated 15-20 Amp circuit from the panel to the stove outlet. Too much electricity will overload and fry a natural gas stove.

Another option is to use an adapter. A gas range adapters purpose is to lower the voltage of the stoves from 240 Volt down to a consumable 120 Volt. The adapter plugs into the original outlet and then the gas stove’s plug connects into the adapter. With these adapters an electrician will not have to run a new and lowered dedicated circuit for your gas stove.

Gas to Electric

When changing from a gas to an electric stove a licensed gas fitter will need to install a cap over the natural gas line. Then an electrician will run an upgraded circuit from the panel to the outlet that will be able to handle 240 Volts of electricity. If you connect an electric stove to an outlet that is meant for a gas unit then you will run into the problem of not having enough power for your electric stove.

It is always a good idea to have an electrician take a look at your stove's outlet and circuit before you decide to upgrade your stove. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us here.