Elec oven/range outlets are utterly impossible!!
Hi. I’m utterly and completely frustrated trying to install a “simple” range outlet for my new electric range/oven.
It all seemd easy enough until I tried wrestling the outlet into an old work double gang outlet box. I’m at the point that I simply want to cut out the back of the blue box where those tab/strain reliefs are because they simply will not allow me to push the receptacle nicely into the box with those big conductors attached to the recpetacle. No one can tell me that this is even do-able. It’s passed midnight here and I just spent two hours wrestling with the blasted thing. I’m so frustrated, there has to be a better way. I can’t believe that this is even remotely possible. .
The room inside that box is simply not enough for those wire to turn and make it into the back of the receptacle with enough space. I’m going to cut the back off of the box and let the code be damned. I;d like to see how a pro would handle it. It’s freaking impossible!!
I’m using 6-3 four conductor cable according to code. I’ve even tried the deepest old work box and that doesn’t provide any advantage at all. The space between the inner wall of the old work blue box outlet and the place where the conductor gets inserted is not adequate!!!! Who designs these things with a good conscience really?
It seems to me that they should make a range receptacle box all-in-one where you just push the conductors into the back of the box and then install it into the wall. Done.
This current hassle of trying to route the wires into the box past those tabs then into the receptacle trying to bend those thick wires and then trying to pust the receptacle nicely onto the front face of the blue box is NOT POSSIBLE without cutting the back off to give you more maneuvering room for the thick cable/conductors.
What do you all think? Is there an easier way?
Replies
Surface mount
There should be a space low on the wall that you can mount a surface range recept. box while still allowing the range to go back all the way. You also can install a deep 4 sq box in the wall that should accommodate your recept.= remodel box, not likely it would hold up to the pressure of inserting/ removing the plug.
In the install instructions there should be a shaded area dedicated for electric. Not much of an area, but all ranges have this.
Surface mount elec receptacle for range
Hi. Thanks for the comment but the issue isn't about where to place the box. I've cut the hole in the drywall and have that ready to accept the remodel box with the receptacle BUT I can't for the life of me force the receptacle itself into or the remodel box there just isn't enough space to accomodate the thick 6/3 cables that need to make the turn into the back of the receptacle and into those lugs with the set screw.
HOW IS THIS DONE BY PROs? I want to know and with good pictures if possible!
I defy anyone to try and fit one of those surface mount receptacle boxes NEMA 14-50R into a remodel box smoothly and nicely and professionally! That's what I'm trying to do.
If I can't get an answer I'm going to cut the back off one of those remodel boxes with my dremel tool and be done with it. As far as I can tell that's the only solution.
I'm just at a loss as to how this is remotley even possible. Th einstructions you read about how to do it all seem so nice but the reality is when it comes to pushing the wired up recpetacle back into that box IT CAN"T BE DONE. Period.
You've got the wrong box.
Not being there or seeing photos, one can only guess...
It seems to me that you simply need a larger box. A remodel box probably won't do. You need a new work box. They come in very large sizes. A pro would tell you that. He'd have one in his truck. He'd open a hole in your wall to install it then you'd fix the drywall.
If you don't want to do all that, then get a surface box as was already suggested. Move the wire location/abandon the hole you already cut for the remodel box. Patch said hole.
You are trying to "make do"
You are trying to "make do" where you don't have to. You are working behind the stove... OPEN UP THE EFFIN WALL!
Once you cut open a nice large area, say cut a square to the center of the studs, you can place a new extra large metal box exactly where you want it, with a mud ring that reduces the face down to the size of the outlet and cover.
Once you have that taken care of, you can place a new piece of drywall over the hole, cut out a square for the outlet, and tack it back onto the wall. Tape and mud. No need to make it pretty - your oven goes in front of it!
Range outlet
It's funny u mention that because that's exactly what I'm doing.
Instead of using the old work box I'm using a new work box and have opened up the wall. The key was using the new work box because this particular one has large knockouts that will allow more room for the wires and the box is large (34 cu in I think).
One headache though ids that when I opened upo the wall there is another circuit line running to the oven rage hood light smack dab where I odn't need it but I can kind of work to one side of it. I can't and don't want to move it-don't need more work.
Thanks to all for your help.