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Project Difficulty:
Easy
Estimated
Project Time: 1 hour
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| Tools and Materials: |
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New electric range and new power cord
Carpet scraps, as needed
Standard screwdriver
Spirit level (24" spirit level is best)
Adjustable wrench
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Replacing your electric range with a new one is the perfect way to increase the functionality as well as the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen. Today's ranges are available in a host of different looks, colors, and options. Whether you want a contemporary design or the charm of an antique, a new range will offer you state-of-the-art technology, making cooking much more enjoyable. A new range may also reduce your electric bills.
Before installing your new range, however, you will need to do a little homework. First, measure the opening in your kitchen where the range will go to make sure it will fit. If your range is too wide, you will need to increase the size of the opening, which could involve removing cabinets. You will also need to check local building codes for any special restrictions on the length and type of electrical cord used for the range. New electrical codes call for ranges to be wired with 4-prong plugs, necessitating a receptacle with a 4-prong configuration and the appropriate wiring to its own dedicated circuit. Some ranges are designed to be direct-wired to power. If you are not comfortable doing electrical wiring, hire a pro. The instructions below are for installing a new range that will be plugged into an existing receptacle having a 4-prong configuration. Use them as a guide while also referring to the instructions that accompany the range.
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1.
Remove the Old Range
Turn off electrical power to the circuit. Pull the old range away from the wall. Be careful when you are moving the range. You don't want to drag the range in a way that will scratch or chip your tile floor. If you have a linoleum floor, be careful not to tear the floor or cause wrinkles in it. On hardwood floors and other slippery surfaces, cut carpet scraps and put one, upside down, under each leg.
Unplug the power cord from the wall or if it is direct-wired, disconnect the power cord from the range by removing the screws or other fasteners holding the wires to the connection block (see Fig. 1) on the back of the range. Remove the cover from the back of the range to expose the connection block.
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2.
Attach the Power Cord to the New Range
Newer ranges and electrical codes require 4-prong plugs and receptacles with a 4-prong plug configuration wired to a dedicated circuit. If the receptacle for the old range has a 3-prong configuration, you will need to replace it with a receptacle having a 4-prong configuration. If you are not comfortable doing this (or direct-wiring the range if it needs it), hire a pro to do the job.
A cord with a four-pronged plug will have four wires. Your black and red wires will be hot, your white wire is neutral, and your green or bare copper wire is a ground. Fasten the wires at the free end of the cord to the terminals on the range as specified by the manufacturer. (Fig. 1)
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3.
Apply a Strain Reliever
A strain reliever takes the stress off the wires in the power cord (Fig. 2). This prevents your wires from pulling loose and creating poor connections. Most appliance cords for ranges automatically come with a strain reliever. After the strain reliever is put into place, replace the cover over the wires in the connection block.
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4.
Plug In the Range
Make sure everything on the range is turned off; then plug the power cord into the special receptacle (or have a pro direct-wire the range if required). Make sure the plug is completely inserted into the receptacle. Turn power to the circuit back on, and then turn on the range to make sure it works. Turn the range off and move it into place, taking care not to damage the floor (see Step 1).
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5.
Level the Range
The range sits on adjustable legs that can be turned to raise or lower the range. Place your spirit level on top of the range, and then turn the legs underneath the range as necessary until it is level. Once it's level, tighten the locknuts on the legs to prevent them from turning (Fig. 3). You're ready to start cooking!
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