Repurposing 50A Range Circuit

12 years ago

Hello,

Changing a kitchen range from electric to gas. This means that there is a 50A branch circuit that is available, with IIRC 6ga 4-conductor NM-B.

The question becomes if one can repurpose that for use as a sub-panel for the kitchen. The existing 200A service is running short on circuits, and it would also make all the runs to the kitchen mush shorter and more convenient, which is a great thing.

So does anyone see any issues with doing this? FWIW, we did add another 100A subpanel elsewhere in the home, really to support the installation of multiple mini-split systems, each of which only uses a few Amps but each of which is 240V, so would overfill our panel and again require a lot more wire pulled. Not sure if there are concerns with multiple sub panels. Certainly the load analysis we have performed indicates that 200A is more than sufficient.

If we use this, the appropriate AFCI/GFCI would likely be installed at the breaker level at the subpanel.

Also, given the modest ampacity of 6ga NM-B, is there any consideration for the total allowed breaker rating at the subpanel, load analysis performed or not? For example, given code says 2x20A small appliance circuits in a kitchen, is that all we can have in the subpanel, or can we also put in a 15A lighting curcuit and/or a few other 15/20A breakers for other loads (e.g. refrigerator, disposal, etc.)?

Thanks for your guidance! Using this line for a subpanel would be excellent!

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Comments (5)

bus_driver
12 years ago
So long as the cable is properly protected at its origin for the rated amperage, the subpanel could be configured to supply all the loads mentioned. But that does not mean that all could operate simultaneously. If the breaker at the source is overloaded for very long, it will trip to OFF.
JHZR2
Original Author
12 years ago
Yeah I get that regarding overload. Wasn't sure if there was a rule regarding connected load vs practical load ( in this case a connected load assumption for outlets/receptacles, based upon the breaker rating). Like the total breaker rating of branch circuits can only be x times the ampacity of the feeding conductor, or y times the rating of the sub panel branch breaker.

Just checking, thanks!
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Ron Natalie
12 years ago
The breaker ratings do not determine the load. Adding up the breakers in a panel is a pointless excercise. You need to compute the actual loads.

Before you get too far down the road, you need to assure that the branch circuit to the stove is indeed a four wire hookup. Some older installations are not and these can't feed a subpanel as they lack a separate equipment ground.

Frankly, I'd leave the 50A circuit in place. Some day you might want an induction cooktop or something.
greg_2010
12 years ago
Plus, do you have an appropriate space in your kitchen where you can place a subpanel with the required space around it? You can't hide it in a tiny cupboard.
JHZR2
Original Author
12 years ago
The subpanel would be in the (unfinished) basement, readily accessible.

We're going away from electric to gas, it's our preference... If a future owner wants induction, it's their problem :)

I've done a connected load analysis. Just wanted to verify wrt NEC 2011/14 since others are experts in the code guidance and I'm not...

Thanks again!