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	Subject - Wire size range David Hyatt Keep in mind, when I install a range receptacle I use #8 copper wire on a 40amp breaker. For derating purposes you can use Romex at 90*C, but ampacity of 60*C. But for instance if you were to use #8 Alumn. THW which is good for 40amps, and the breaker and the range outlet was rated, as most are, at 75*C, would this not be code min.? JimmyDee I have always used #8 romex and one can figure that the temp will never get above the 87 degrees F (60C) so it can be used at full rated amps. I have always install a 50 amp and have never be told different by an inspector. Alumn. romex can't be used in this area and I don't know of anyone that is using it so it would be a moot point here. I have worked on apartment complexes that were wired in Al romex and it was a night mare. Finely was completely rewired and Alcoa paid the bill. Your question was a little confusing to me and if I didn't answer it, give another try. Jim David Hyatt When we could install 3 wire feeders to ranges instead of 4 wire, People used alum. type SEU or SER cable not romex. I was just playing out scenarios with ampacity. That we could use #8 Alum.SEU cable when the connections were rated at 75* C at the breaker and the outlet. Instead of using the 60*C column and using a #6 Alum? By code is this correct. Not that I am going to do it just wondering? JimmyDee After looking this over, I would say yes. It the wires in the cable were rated for 75C, it would allow you to load the #8 Al wire to 40 amps up to 87 degrees F. Jim Electricman David, I think (and this is off the top of my head) with a range recpt rated at 75 deg and because all service panels have a 60-75 deg rating with 8-3 romex you could use a 50amp breaker. I am pretty sure this complies with NEC. I think you should probably take volt drop into consideration when using the max temp rating. I personally always fuse my 8-3 wired ranges for 40 amps cause I havent encountered any runs close to 100 feet. And if I would I would make my helper pull that one heh heh. Electricman Oops just reread your ? missed the Alum part. see Jimmys post for correct answer.