How to Install a Cook Stove

Electric or Gas?

With all the different amenities available on cook stoves and more being added all the time, installing one can be a challenge. "Electric or gas" is just the beginning of making choices. In either case, the basics are the same. Electric cook stoves use 220 volts of electricity and gas cook stoves use natural gas, and can use propane with an adapter.

Things You'll Need

• Cook stove (electric)
• Wire nuts
• Electrical tape
• Cook stove (gas)
• Flex pipe
• Teflon tape (or pipe sealer)
• Wrench

Instructions

1. 

   Locate the 220/240 electrical outlet. Remove the cover for the "pig tail" (if applicable) and wire it according to manufacturer's instructions.

2. 

   Connect the pig tail to the outlet and slide the stove in place. If it is a direct wire stove, go to the breaker box and turn the breaker for the electric stove off.

3. 

   Connect the color coded wires by placing them next to each other (see illustration) and insert them into a wire nut. Twist the wire nut as if screwing in a light bulb. Wrap the connection with electrical tape. Repeat this for each of the wires. The wires should be stowed inside a junction box.

4. 

   Locate the gas connection for the cook stove. Secure the flex gas line to the house gas line, but do not tighten it yet.

5. 

   Locate the gas connection in the back of the cook stove. Secure the flex pipe to the connection. Be careful not to cross the threads on the connections or the threads will become damaged and leaks can occur. Wrapping the threads in Teflon tape or applying pipe sealer prior to securing the flex line can help prevent leaks.

6. Tighten the nuts on either end of the flex pipe with the proper wrench. Turn the nuts until you feel them reach the end of the threads. Do not tighten the nuts too much or the threads can become damaged and a leak may occur. Spray a soapy solution on the connections to check for gas leaks.

7. 

   Install the "drop in" cook stove in the appropriate cutout provided in the countertop. Avoid injury by getting someone to help lift and install the combination cook stove/oven.

Tips & Warnings

• Figure out how to climb out from behind the stove; most connectors (electric or gas) are not over 30 inches. Check the house gas line valve for compromises in the valve by turning it on and then off. Spray a soapy solution on the valve opening and around the handle to help check for leaks.

• Do not leave any tools within reach of children while installing the cook stove. Never work with live electrical wires.

References

• Understanding 220 or 240 volt Electrical Circuits

Resources

• Tundraco's Daily Living Guide to Home & Garden: Installing Your New Stove