How to Connect the Power Cord of an Electric Range

Project Overview
  • Working Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $15-30

An electric range is a freestanding unit containing an oven and a cooktop. This 240-volt appliance typically plugs into a range receptacle that is fed by a 40-amp or a 50-amp circuit dedicated to the range only. Older range cords (prior to 1996), had three-prong cords to fit three-slot receptacles, while newer ranges have four prongs to fit four-slot outlets. You can use either type of cord, depending on the type of receptacle you have.

Power cord being connected with screwdriver to electric range on back of oven

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The installation steps for three-prong and four-prong cords are similar but include some key differences. Ranges wired for three-prong cords may have only three wiring terminals for the cord: one neutral and two "hot" connections. If there is a ground screw, it should be electrically connected to the neutral terminal with a metal strap or wire. This connection grounds the body of the appliance through the neutral cord wire.

Ranges wired for four-prong cords have four terminals: one neutral, two hots, and a ground. The ground wire connects to the ground screw on the appliance. If the range has a strap or wire between the ground screw and the neutral terminal, you must remove the strap or wire to separate the ground from the neutral. If the range is new, it should be set up for a four-prong cord; this follows a National Electrical Code requirement that was initiated in 1996.

Warning

Consult your owner's manual or the range manufacturer for specific wiring requirements. The cord you use must have the same amperage rating as the range circuit.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Phillips screwdriver or nut driver
  • Tongue-and-groove pliers (optional)

Materials

  • 40- or 50-amp, UL-listed electric range cord
  • Strain-relief clamp sized for the range cord

Instructions

Materials and tools to connect a power cord to an electric range

The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  1. Remove the Wire Connection Cover Plate

    Locate the removable metal cover plate or shroud on the back panel of the range. This covers the cavity that houses the wiring terminal block of the range. There may be a hole about 1 inch in diameter in or near the cover; this is for the cord to pass through. Remove the screws or bolts securing the cover, using a screwdriver or nut driver, and remove the cover from the range.

    Metal cover plate removed from the electrical range back panel

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  2. Alter the Ground Connection, If Necessary

    Note the wiring configuration on the terminal block. There are three terminals in a line: the center terminal is neutral and usually has a white wire; the left terminal is hot and may have a red or black wire; the right terminal also is hot and may have a black or red wire. There may or may not be a ground screw near the terminal block—if present, this will be driven into the metal case of the appliance.

    If necessary, alter the ground-to-neutral connection as needed, depending on the type of cord you are installing:

    For a Four-Prong Cord:

    If there is no connecting strap or wire on the ground screw, the range is ready for the four-prong cord. No alteration is necessary.

    If there is a ground screw and it is connected to the neutral (center) terminal with a metal strap, remove the strap from the neutral terminal on the terminal block (you can remove the strap entirely or keep it attached under the ground screw). If there is a small white wire connected to the ground screw, remove it from the ground and fit it onto the neutral terminal on the block. This is an internal neutral connection; you will connect it to the neutral terminal along with the neutral cord wire just to keep it safely secured (it won't serve a purpose).

    For a Three-Prong Cord:

    If there is no ground screw, no alteration is necessary.

    If there is a ground screw and it is connected to the neutral (center) terminal with a metal strap or small, white wire, leave the strap or wire in place. No alteration is necessary. The wire makes an internal connection to the neutral.

    If there is a ground screw and it is not connected to the neutral with a strap or wire, follow the manufacturer's wiring diagram to make the proper ground-to-neutral connection.

    Green ground screw secured with metal strap to terminal doesn't need to alter ground connection

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  3. Connect a Four-Prong Cord (Four-Prong Only)

    Insert the end of the four-prong cord through the hole in the back panel of the range. Loosen or remove the screw on the center neutral terminal and attach the white cord wire to the terminal, tightening it down under the screw terminal. Attach the black cord wire to the hot terminal with the black wire. Attach the red cord wire to the hot terminal with the red wire. Attach the green cord wire to the ground screw on the range body. Tighten all of the screws firmly.

    Tip

    The two hot terminals are interchangeable, and each hot cord wire can connect to either hot terminal. The color-coding of the hot terminals is not important. However, each terminal must have only one wire connected to it.

    4-prong cord connected with red cord wire connected to hot terminal and secured with screwdriver

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  4. Connect a Three-Prong Cord (Three-Prong Only)

    Insert the end of the three-prong cord through the hole in the back panel of the range and position the cord so its flat side is facing you. Connect the center cord wire to the center (neutral) terminal, and tighten down the terminal screw. Connect the left cord wire to the left hot terminal, and connect the right cord wire to the right hot terminal. The hot terminals and cord wires are interchangeable. Tighten all of the screws firmly.

    3-prong cord connected and tightened to central neutral terminal with screwdriver

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  5. Install the Strain-Relief Clamp

    Install a strain-relief clamp to secure the cord to the back of the range. Its purpose is to grip the cord to protect the wire connection and prevent damage to the cord. This is typically a two-piece clamp that requires assembly.

    Remove the screws holding the clamp halves together. Insert the tab of the top half into the cord hole and fit the center of the clamp piece over the top of the cord. Repeat with the bottom half on the underside of the cord. Reinstall the screws and tighten the clamp snugly onto the cord. You may want to squeeze the two halves together gently with tongue-and-groove pliers while installing the screws. Do not overtighten the clamp, which can fray the cord insulation and possibly expose a wire. This is dangerous and can lead to an electrical fire.

    Cord secured with a strain-relief clamp on back of electrical range with screwdriver

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

  6. Reinstall the Cover Plate

    Reinstall the cover plate or shroud over the wiring cavity to complete the installation. Make sure all controls on the range are OFF. Plug the cord into the range outlet, and test the range functions to confirm proper operation.

    Metal cover plate reinstalled over electrical range on back of oven

    The Spruce / Kevin Norris

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Mullin, Ray C., and J. Philip Simmons. Electrical Wiring: Residential. 17th ed, Delmar Cengage Learning, 2012.

  2. Don't Use Frayed or Cracked Electrical Cords. Fire Department of New York Foundation.