What Size Wire for an Electric Cooktop?
Wire and breaker sizing for an Electric Cooktop — the typical 240V circuit, plus the code details (NEC 310.16) that change the answer.
Calculations are built on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) and cross-checked against the published code tables. How we verify. Last reviewed June 2026.
On a 40A 240V circuit at 75°C terminations. 60°C terminations: 8.
Protected by a 40A breaker (NEC 240.6).
Electric Cooktop current varies by model. The size above is the common case — always size the conductor to the unit’s nameplate rating and protect it at the labeled maximum breaker/fuse.
GFCI required. The 2023 NEC (210.8(D) for specific appliances, 210.8(A) for kitchen/outdoor receptacles) requires GFCI protection here. Verify the code edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Electric Cooktop Circuit Details
- Cooktops are usually hardwired; size to the nameplate — commonly 40A (8 AWG copper).
- A separate wall oven needs its own circuit unless the listing allows a combined tap.
- Check the kW rating to confirm 30A vs 40A vs 50A.
Long run to your electric cooktop?
Over distance, voltage drop can require a larger wire than the table above. See the 40A wire size by distance:
Size it for your exact install
Open the calculator pre-filled with 40A at 240V to add distance, material and temperature.